This week, we have an abbreviated version of Monday Musings as we continue to work on other site projects -
Rebounding from a tough loss
Duke is not feeling sorry for themselves after the Florida State loss at home which killed several records. This team will now start new streaks if they have their way. After any loss, much of the Blue Devils fanbase goes into Chicken Little mode and you would swear that the sun will never rise. Food for thought is that Duke has 3 losses against a brutal schedule ranked the toughest. That means on Kentucky and Syracuse have less losses of any of what are considered the true national contenders.
The new polls
Kentucky is the new #1 after Syracuse faced their first defeat of the season but are they good enough to be a unanimous #1 save 4 votes in the A.P. poll? Duke is ranked 6th in the Coaches poll and 8th in the A.P. this week. Interestingly, Florida State moves into the A.P. poll at #23 after their upset win in Cameron, ranked one spot ahead of a UConn team they lost to by a bucket. Duke has defeated #5 Kansas, #10 Michigan State, #19 Virginia and #20 Michigan and lost to #3 Ohio State and #23 Florida State which translates to 4-2 against the top 25.
Bracketology
For me, early bracketology is much like "what if," articles in that I'm not a big fan of either one. But many do and in this weeks edition of ESPN Bracketology by Joe Lunardi, Duke is a #2 seed opening with a tough Cleveland State team. Kansas is the #1 seed followed by the Blue Devils, then West Virginia at #3 and Creighton at #4. FWIW, they're in the St. Louis region, if they get that far for the first two games will be in Greensboro. I'd take that bracket and yes, I just got caught linking and reading early bracketology ... ugh.
Duke Women are young and GOOD!
Due to workload we haven't been able to cover the women as much as we'd like but I made it to the Maryland game yesterday and it is by far the smoothest, cleanest game I have been to since Coach P took over. No missed free throws and few turnovers made for a good game on the eyes and of course, Duke won and remains atop the ACC. The Blue Devils offensive sets against were crisp and there was great spacing. Freshman Elizabeth Williams has it going on for sure and you should check here out and Haley Peters "womaned" up yesterday with an outstanding performance. Duke takes on UConn in Cameron next Monday and very few tickets are left. Get you a pair through Duke and back the Blue Devils against the beast from the east.
Football recruiting red hot
Duke entertained Jela Duncan and others and BDN Football Analyst Patrick Cacchio has the latest on all the happenings on the front. BDN Premium has some good stuff up for members and gridiron fans and we have the only recent and in depth interview with Amile Jefferson. It's a great time to join and talk Duke Athletics on our subscription only message board where you avoid all the free board maniacs and have real discussions.
Blue Devil Nation Open Facebook Page
As most of you know, Blue Devil Nation on has a message board for paying members of BDN Premium, but we do have a Blue Devil Nation Open Facebook page which you can join and it is our version of a free message board. So, if you want to hang and chat with other Duke fans, check it out.