Three Reasons Why the Duke Blue Devils Won't Go Undefeated This Season

Many people are quick to jump on the bandwagon of a sport's defending champion every season.

Last season in men's college basketball, everyone thought that North Carolina would dominate. That didn't happen.

This season, many people think that the Duke Blue Devils will not only dominate the ACC, but all of Division I.

Some people are even going so far to say that Duke has the potential to go undefeated this season.

Duke will not go undefeated.

With all the talented teams in the country, Duke going undefeated would be beyond astounding.

Duke has many newcomers who will only add to its already stocked arsenal of talent.  

Kyrie Erving is a top point guard recruit who has many people thinking that he will take over right where Jon Scheyer left off. He is joined by Andre Dawkins, Seth Curry and big man Ryan Kelly.

The starting five will most likely be Kyrie, Curry, Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler and Miles Plumlee.

With the starting lineup tentatively set, let’s look at three reasons why Duke will not repeat.

Depth

Duke’s depth will not only help them in March, but it might also test how well they can handle pressure with a lot of youngsters on the floor.

Miles Plumlee struggled with foul trouble last season. If that happens again, then Kelly will be asked to step in and play key minutes—which is good experience, but sooner or later, a team will catch Duke on a bad night and expose this problem. 

Schedule

Duke could lose several games this season.

They will probably play Kansas State in the CBE Classic in November. The Wildcats are a team that showed potential during March Madness last season.

In December, Duke will have to play No. 2 Michigan State and then No. 18 Butler. Both teams are tough and will help determine the most dominant team in the country.

In ACC play, Duke will play North Carolina and Maryland twice this season.

Duke will also play NC State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Florida State. All of the ACC teams are capable of beating any other ACC team on any given day.

ACC games test the guts of every team.

That is why the ACC is a premier conference, one that has won the last two NCAA titles. 

Shooting (The Most Important Reason)

In most games, Duke shoots 15-20 three-pointers.

Which sounds good when they are making shots, but what happens when they aren't?

The execution of three-pointers will be the key to Duke going undefeated this year.

Two years ago, the Blue Devils lost to North Carolina because they could not make any baskets in the second half.

In at least one game this season, the Blue Devils' shooting will be off, and they will lose.

I'm not trying to talk down the Duke Blue Devils. They are a strong contender to dominate this year.

To say that you think that they can repeat and win the NCAA Tournament is one thing, but going undefeated is an even bigger mountain to climb.