Blue Blood 1.0

Let the banter begin!

We're through week 1 (officially) of college basketball, and all is as it should be. In this year's first installment of the Tobacco Road analysis, UNC once again pummels MSU, and Duke survives an opening weekend double-header.

For the 6th consecutive time, the North Carolina Tar Heels embarrassed the Michigan State Spartans and their naive coach, Tom Izzo. Tom, I know you've been to the Final Four more than anyone in the past decade, but heed this advice: GET CAROLINA OFF THE SCHEDULE! Since 2005, the Tar Heels have outclassed the Spartans as if they were a Division II bottom feeders. In fact, you may want to just nix all games with ACC teams since the Devils will have their turn on the 15th- get ready! Nonetheless, it was still exciting to see a basketball game played atop an aircraft carrier. If metaphors could come to life, UNC very well may have thrown Michigan State off the boat and into the harbor.

On the same night, Duke survived what was an ugly game versus the Belmont Bruins. Poor passes in the lane and poor chemistry kept Belmont in the game as Cameron Crazies failed to wake up until the final eight minutes. Luckily, the Devils shook off the cobwebs in a 96-55 rout over Presbyterian. Six Blue Devils got into double figures Saturday night in the 41 point victory; well done Devils. Now 2-0, four Blue Devils average in double figures with Austin(15.5) Ryan(14.5), Seth(13.0), and Mason(13.0) leading the way.

There is not much to be learned, until after Thanksgiving when the two Blue Bloods will play in their regular season showcases. Both the Devils and Heels will play in what should be the two best games of the regular season: Nov 29 #6 Duke @ #3 Ohio State, and #1 North Carolina @ #2 Kentucky. These two games will be about one thing: Post Play. Ohio State will have the best player on the floor vs the Duke, but the Durham Thunder will have strength in numbers with 3 post players at 6"11. UNC has maturity and experience, whereas Kentucky has flash and paychecks. The Sophomore, Junior, Senior low block guard dogs of North Carolina will have their hands full with the speed and high-flying play of Jones, Gilchrist, and Davis who may very well eat UNC's lunch. If Anthony Davis can see through his unibrow, look for Kentucky to give the Heels the fight of their lives.

For now, Mike Krzyzewski looks to pass his mentor, Bob Knight against Michigan State for win #903. If K does so, he will become the second winningest coach in any sport, all time, next to The Wizard of Knoxville: Pat Summitt. Great things to come...LETS-GO-DUKE!