A Blue Blood Endures: The Dynasties Of Tobacco Road

Bobby Jolley — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:48:50 -0400

I have heard a lot about the death of the Blue Devils and, to be honest, it is quite shocking.

Over the last 30 years, Duke and UNC have consistently had mini-dynasties. Both programs have been the standard of college basketball (sorry UCONN fans, you are not a blue blood). Check out the facts:

1980-1986: UNC had two final fours, one national championship, and five ACC crowns (regular season & tournament combined).

1986-1992: Duke had six final fours, two national championships, and six ACC crowns.

1993-1998: UNC had four final fours, one national championship, and five ACC crowns

1999-2004: Duke had three final fours, one national championship, and nine ACC crowns

2005-2009: UNC had three final fours, two national championships, and six ACC crowns

So, before you get bent out of shape, Duke fans, remember, this isn't shocking. It is just the norm. UNC has beaten Duke seven out of the last eight. But before then, Duke beat UNC 15 out of 17.

This is the greatest rivalry in college basketball. Just think—since 1980 these two schools have combined for seven national championships, 21 Final Fours, 26 ACC crowns, and three Hall of Fame coaches.

By the way, my gut tells me that those people in Chapel Hill and K-ville hate that school in Raleigh just has much as they hate each other. Tobacco Road needs the Wolfpack to return, but there is already plenty of bad blood.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Bobby Jolley

A Blue Blood Endures: The Dynasties Of Tobacco Road