Big Ten Comes Closest to Measuring Up Since 2005

The Big Ten came the closest it has since 2005 in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. North Carolina's victory over Michigan St. sealed the deal for the ACC, which won for the tenth time in as many tries. Although Wisconsin, Ohio St., Minnesota, Penn State and Northwestern held up their end of the bargain against Virginia Tech, Miami, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Florida State, respectively, the Big Ten could not overcome losses by Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Michigan, and Michigan St., against Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Wake Forest, Maryland, and North Carolina, respectively.

Going into play Wednesday, the ACC ranked first in conference RPI, while the Big Ten took the third spot, behind the Big East.