Duke Basketball: Overrated Blue Devils Will Be Exposed in ACC Play

Despite having a 9-1 record atop the ACC standings, the Duke Blue Devils' flaws and weaknesses will be exposed during ACC play, when teams such as North Carolina dominate them.

When the Ohio State Buckeyes easily beat the Blue Devils earlier this season, it was proven that the ACC power is not an elite squad this year. They are not as good as last season's team or the title team of 2010.

Duke shot just 3-15 from the three-point line in that game and were out rebounded by Ohio State 32-23. Other than forward Mason Plumlee, no one on the Blue Devils had more than three rebounds.

Where Duke will be beaten in the ACC, especially by the Tar Heels, is in the paint. Buckeyes All-American power forward Jared Sullinger dominated the paint against the Blue Devils and had his way at both ends of the floor.

Plumlee cannot be counted on to dominate paint every night, especially against players who are stronger and more athletic than him, such as Sullinger.

Duke is 249th in the country in rebounding, and that just will not be good enough when ACC play really kicks into gear.

North Carolina's big men like Tyler Zeller and John Henson will dominate the paint and own the rebounding battle against Duke because Coach K's team lacks size and athleticism in the front court. 

Duke must be able to hit shots from beyond the arc with consistency this season to make up for their inability to score inside. This is a dangerous strategy to rely on but Duke has no choice.

Duke is also shooting just 66 percent from the foul line, which is atrocious, especially when the Blue Devils have always had pretty good shooters from the line, such as JJ Redick and Shane Battier to name a few.

Many of Duke's regular players, except Seth Curry, are a liability at the end of the game because of their poor free throw shooting.

Rebounding and poor foul shooting will be the downfall of Duke this season and will be reasons the team is exposed in ACC play. 

Duke may be a top-20 school this season, but they cannot become a real top-10 program this year with the weaknesses they have.