After years of the ACC/Big Ten challenge, the two will now face other conferences.
The early season non-conference challenges are some of the most interesting games of the season. Teams face off against opponents they will likely not see for the rest of the season. It gives you a preview into what the best conference overall is. Although North Carolina’s matchups against the teams to the north have been fun, a fun, new challenge awaits.
Who does UNC play?
North Carolina will face Tennessee and Rick Barnes. The Tar Heels most recently faced the Volunteers in 2021, in a loss at Mohegan Sun. Prior to the, North Carolina beat Tennessee in two close matchups, one in Chapel Hill and one in Knoxville. The series record for the Tar Heels is 10 wins and 2 losses.
Tennessee has multiple upperclassmen and will be experienced. Point Guard Zakai Ziegler is quick, and gave the Tar Heels fits in the last matchup. He had 18 points and 5 assists in the win. The Volunteers also have shooters and a big man, Jonas Aidoo, who is not very fond of the Heels. Hailing from Charlotte, Aidoo was lightly pursued by North Carolina for a short period of time.This game should be a war. This could very well be the best game in the ACC/SEC challenge.
Other Games
Florida State/Georgia
Clemson/Alabama
Arkansas/Duke
Georgia Tech/Mississippi State
Ole Miss/NC State
Syracuse/LSU
Virginia/Texas A&M
Vanderbilt/Boston College
Auburn/Virginia Tech
South Carolina/Notre Dame
Pittsburgh/Missouri
Wake Forest/Florida
Kentucky/Miami
With so many good games, this challenge will give the country an early look at the best of the best.
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