Duke vs. UNC: Blue Devils Will Prove They Are Not Legitimate Contenders

Duke will be exposed by arch rival North Carolina on Wednesday night, proving once and for all that this year's version of the Blue Devils are not national title contenders.

Most teams in the country would sacrifice anything for a 19-4 start to the season, but for Duke the only thing that matters is cutting down the nets in early April. Anything else is a disappointment. That's what happens when your past is as successful as Duke's.

Unfortunately for the Cameron Crazies, the Blue Devils simply don't play good enough defense to make a tournament run. It's also a major concern heading into tomorrow's game since the Tar Heels own the nation's best offense at more than 84 points per game.

Rivalry games always bring out the best from both sides. North Carolina leads the all-time series 131-101, but Duke has won four of the past five meetings.

The Blue Devils don't lack talent. Austin Rivers and Seth Curry are a formidable backcourt duo which can go shot for shot with any other tandem in America. Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee have both emerged as strong post presences.

If they can't stop the other team from scoring they aren't going to win key games, though. It was a major issue in upset losses to Miami and Florida State, and will be the biggest story in tomorrow night's game. The defensive intensity just isn't there for Duke.

While Mike Krzyzewski deserves some of the blame for the team's failures on that end of the court, it comes down to the players wanting it more than their opponent during those key second-half possessions. So far, they have provided little resistance.

It's hard to imagine them turning the tide against the Tar Heels, even though emotions will be running high. Defense isn't like a switch, you can't just turn it on whenever it's convenient. Duke has a long way to go in a short period of time if they want to change their fortunes.

It certainly won't happen in time to upset North Carolina in Chapel Hill on Wednesday night, and the chances of it happening in time to make a tournament run are slim to none.

That's why when it comes to national title contenders, Duke falls into the pretender category.