ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Please, Santa, Make It Stop

Dear Santa:

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written and I’m well aware that this is your busy time of year. But the college basketball world has a dilemma and we weren’t sure who else could help.

You see, this time every year, the ACC/Big Ten Challenge is thrust upon us like a stale fruitcake left over from last Christmas.

Now, what does that have to do with you? Well, let me explain. I’m aware that these are tough times for even the jolliest of folks. Energy costs are through the roof (I can’t imagine the fuel bill to fly your sleigh this year) and plenty of people are out of work (hopefully you didn’t have to lay off any elves). So there will be even more of a burden on you to deliver the goods.

That’s where I come in. Santa, I’m here to lighten your load and make the night a little easier. While most people are asking you to leave them presents, I’m looking for just the opposite.

Santa, please don’t leave the ACC/Big Ten Challenge under my tree for next year.

I mean, really, how much more can college hoops fans take? Throughout 10 years of the Challenge, the Big Ten has yet to win one. That’s right, not one. Goose egg. Nada. Zilch. Does anyone else feel like we’re subjected year after year to watching Lucy pull the football away from gullible Charlie Brown? Good grief, Big Ten!

Before we analyze some stats, let’s give credit where credit is due. While the Big Ten has cornered the market in Challenge futility, all the teams from both leagues deserve recognition for participating. While other schools are running up and down the court and doing rim chin-ups against the cream puffs of the college hoops world, at least these two leagues are playing known commodities.

That being said, the picture isn’t pretty. Children under 13 should cover their eyes or seek parental permission before reading further.

The Big Ten sits at almost 30 games below .500 with a record of 35-62. If this were baseball, 35 out of 97 would capture a batting title. But in hoops it implies one thing: The Big Ten is the nail to the ACC’s hammer.

Duke is 10-0 in Challenge play. Maybe it’s time to exclude the Blue Devils from a fairness standpoint. The Dukies have played seven different opponents, earning two victories over Indiana, Michigan State, and Illinois.

North Carolina, arguably the flagship program of the ACC (although the folks in Durham might have a bone to pick with that), is a pedestrian 5-5 in Challenge play (including an unfathomable 2-3 at home). Count your blessings, Big Ten. The damage could’ve been worse.

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