Yesterday I looked at the matchups for Monday and Tuesday of the ACC – Big Ten Challenge. After the first game, on Monday, the Big Ten is out to a 1-0 lead because of Penn State’s victory over Virginia. Talor Battle led the Nittany Lions to victory with a career high 32 points.

Now it is time to look at the matchups for Wednesday. My predictions for the first six games of the Challenge left it tied at three heading into these final five games.

Illinois (4-2) @ No. 19 Clemson (6-1) Wednesday 7:15 ESPN

The Fighting Illini was ranked to begin the season but is coming off two losses in Las Vegas to Utah and Bradley. Illinois has four players currently averaging over 10 points per game and are led by Demetri McCamey. Clemson is coming off the 76 Classic where they went 2-1 to finish fifth. They lost the opening game to Texas A&M. Trevor Booker leads the Tigers with 13.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Illinois is 3-7 all-time in the Challenge and Clemson is 8-2. I give the edge to Clemson in this game, putting the ACC up 4-3.

Minnesota (4-2) @ Miami (7-0) Wednesday 7:15 ESPN U

The Golden Gophers, much like Illinois was ranked to begin the season. But Minnesota dropped the final two games of the 76 Classic to finish fourth. The losses were to Portland and Texas A&M. Damian Johnson and Lawrence Westbrook lead Minnesota in scoring with just over 12 points per game. Miami comes in undefeated and champions of the Charleston Classic where they knocked off South Carolina. They are led by Dwayne Collins’s 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Miami is the only team in either conference to have no wins in the Challenge. They are 0-3. Minnesota is 4-6. I expect this win to go to Minnesota in a close game. With the win the Big Ten pulls back even at four.

Boston College (4-2) @ Michigan (3-2) Wednesday 7:30 ESPN2

The Eagles lost to Saint Joseph’s and Northern Iowa but does have a win over Providence on the road their last time out. They also have five players that average more than 10 points, led by Joe Trapani with 15.8. Michigan lost their last two games of the Old Spice Classic to Marquette and Alabama to finish fourth. They are led by Manny Harris, who is averaging 22.2 points per game. All-time Michigan is 3-5 in the Challenge and Boston College has never lost, with their perfect 3-0 record. I give the edge to Michigan at home over the Eagles, giving the Big Ten a 5-4 lead.

No. 5 Duke (6-0) @ Wisconsin (4-1) Wednesday 9:15 ESPN

The Blue Devils have been impressive so far this season and are led in scoring by Nolan Smith’s 18.5 points per game. Kyle Singler, a preseason first-team All-American, is only third on the team right now in scoring. Wisconsin will provide a tough road atmosphere for Duke and their only loss came to Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational where they finished third. Trevon Hughes leads the Badgers in scoring with 14.2 points per game. Duke is a perfect 10-0 in the Challenge and Wisconsin is 4-6. I give this one to Duke even though they are on the road. With the win the Challenge is tied at five with one game to go.

Florida State (6-1) @ No. 15 Ohio State (5-1) Wednesday 9:30 ESPN2

Florida State is coming off their Championship in the Old Spice Classic where they beat Iona, Alabama, and Marquette. Their only loss came to Florida and Chris Singleton leads the Seminoles in scoring with 12.3 points per game. Ohio State comes in with their only loss to North Carolina in the Preseason NIT semifinals. They beat California in the third place game. Evan Turner has been a monster, averaging 19.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. Ohio State is 3-5 in the Challenge and Florida State is 6-4, but I think Turner will be too much to handle.

With the win I believe Ohio State will give the Big Ten it’s first ever ACC – Big Ten Challenge victory over the ACC. They might only be 1-10 all-time but that is better than 0-11.

Sit back and watch tonight and tomorrow and see if the Big Ten can break the losing streak.