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ACC not even close to Big Ten’s caliber

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Note: Rob Dauster actually wrote this post, but couldn’t get to a computer, so I posted it. ... unless you think it’d the best post you’ve ever read. Then I wrote it.

We knew that the ACC after Duke was going to be mired in mediocrity all season.

We also knew that the Big Ten is as loaded at the top as any conference since the 2009 version of the Big East.

But could anyone have guessed that the disparity of the two leagues would be this great?

Let me put it to you like this -- if it wasn’t for an 18 point comeback by Wake Forest against Iowa and an upset win by a hot-shooting Virginia team over Minnesota, who was missing Al Nolen, the ACC would have already lost this year’s challenge. That correct, folks. The bottom two teams in the ACC are currently the only two teams with wins in the challenge.

Clemson was absolutely embarrassed by Michigan on their home floor, getting down 36-16 before clawing their way to the respectable final of 69-61. Florida State looked atrocious offensively against Ohio State, finishing the game with six assists and 22 turnovers. UNC once again looks to be headed to a disappointing season after a 79-67 loss to Illinois that wasn’t ever really in doubt in the second half. And Georgia Tech allowed a Northwestern team that runs the Princeton offense to score 55 first half points and shoot 64.6% for the game, hitting 12-19 from three.

All in all, it was quite a disappointing day for fans of the ACC.

And keep in mind, UNC and Florida State were supposed to be two of the top four or five teams in the league.

There is still a chance for the ACC to rebound. Maryland, Virginia Tech, and NC State, who are all expected to be tournament teams, will go up against Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin, respectively. BC is much improved since their loss to Yale, and the Eagles will be hosting Indiana. And, of course, Michigan State will be heading to Durham to take on Duke.

But if the ACC has another night like it did Tuesday, it may be time to begin questioning just how many teams the league can send to the tournament.