The Battle of the Blues

Duke v. UNC, Royal Blue v. Baby Blue, K v. Roy. Only 8 miles and one interstate highway separates these two schools. I urinate on Michigan v. Ohio State, I laugh at Texas A&M v. Texas, this is the greatest college rivalry, in any sport. The only other rivalry in sports that possibly exceeds that of Duke v. UNC is the Yankees and Red Sox. BUT, even with that, the rivalry is kind of watered down since they play 19 times a year (not counting the playoffs). Duke v. UNC is a twice a year spectacle and when we are lucky, we get them for a 3rd time in the ACC Tournament. They have never met in NCAA Tournament even though they've been very close (see 1991 Final Four).

I dread Carolina but I do respect their program. They are responsible for some of the greatest NBA talent the nation has ever seen whether it was Jordan, Worthy, Perkins or Stackhouse, Wallace, and Vince Carter. The list is very long of great and classy players for this program. It may seem like the rivalry isn't as volatile as it used to be with K and Dean Smith since K and Roy Williams seem to like each other a little bit.

Tonight for Duke, however, this game isn't about bragging rights. It's about obtaining an identity and getting back in the win column. Duke cannot afford another ACC loss and they need to seize every opportunity they can with the home crowd behind them. A loss tonight would drop them to 5-5 in the ACC with 6 very tough games remaining. A win could catapult their confidence and lead them toward the NCAA Tournament for the twelfth consecutive season.

On paper, Carolina is the superior team but let's not forget, they are also very young, starting 3 freshmen. I can't envision any possibility of Duke beating Carolina in the Dean Dome on Senior Night so this is their chance to shine. The crowd will certainly be into it but they need everyone to step up and stay out of foul trouble. Carolina is the deepest team in the country. Look for them to run guys in and out of the game especially to pressure Greg Paulus with the ball. Greg will need to flawless with the ball for the Blue Devils to have any shot. He will also have to do his best to stop dribble penetration by Ty Lawson. To me, he's the X factor. If Greg Paulus circa Virginia Tech shows up, Duke will get embarrassed in their building tonight. He shows aggressiveness, knocks down his shots, and creates for others, they have a fighters chance. I expect the game to be close, let's just hope they don't run out of steam before the game is over.

Whether you're religious or not, you better get on your knees and pray before this one. They need it.