Breaking down the Big Ten/ACC Challenge

As the Big Ten attempts to rebound from an 3-8 record in the 2006 Big Ten/ACC Challenge, freshman perimeter players will need to play beyond their years to get their teams to the winner's circle. Point guards Jeff Peterson of Iowa, Michael Thompson of Northwestern, Al Nolan of Minnesota, Kelvin Grady of Michigan, Kalin Lucas of Michigan State and Talor Battle of Penn State will be depended on to play major minutes at the position known as "the coach on the floor."

In addition to the Big Ten changing of the guard, the wing postion is also well-represented, led by Indiana's go-to guy, Eric Gordon. Purdue coach Matt Painter's freshman bunch includes Scott Martin, E'Twaun Thomas and Robbie Hummel, and Michigan adds scorer Manny Harris.

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