How many wins will the regular season “champion” end up with?

[BandAlum83]

So with the obvious weakness in the ACC this year, and with the expanded 20 game schedule, how many games will the number one seed for the ACC tournament end the regular season with? This would be the mythical “regular season champion.”

I’m thinking maybe 18, which would, of course, be a record.

Could Louisville possibly go undefeated in the ACC? Could Duke?

While we’re at it, it would seem only 4-5 teams are looking good for the NCAA Tournament. Could it really be that much of a down year?

[OldPhiKap]

I’ll guess 15 wins. Even in a down year, conference games are tough.

[Bob Green]

Where’s the poll? This topic begs for a poll.

[UrinalCake]

I think 18 is high. 16 would be my number. Split with the CHeats (they are terrible now but will get Anthony back and the rivalry games are almost always close), lose one among Louisville/UVA/FSU (each of whom we only play once), then another two random unexpected losses where we just don’t have it that day and/or our opponent is on fire.

[JasonEvans]

Where’s the poll? This topic begs for a poll.

Ask and ye shall receive.

Could Louisville possibly go undefeated in the ACC? Could Duke?

While we’re at it, it would seem only 4-5 teams are looking good for the NCAA Tournament. Could it really be that much of a down year?

I seriously doubt anyone goes undefeated. There is too much parity in college hoops this year for someone to pull that off.

As for NCAA tourney teams, the conference really looks like it is down relative to recent years. I think 5 or 6 bids is very likely and would be surprised if we got more than 6. That likely means that teams are going to have to get to 11 conference wins to make the dance.

[arnie]

I think 18 is high. 16 would be my number. Split with the CHeats (they are terrible now but will get Anthony back and the rivalry games are almost always close), lose one among Louisville/UVA/FSU (each of whom we only play once), then another two random unexpected losses where we just don’t have it that day and/or our opponent is on fire.

16 is correct. We lose a game to Louisville, finally lose to UVA and lose against two other random, non-Cheat teams.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

I never "predict" or expect us to lose a game. Ever. We get 20 conference wins this year!

[BandAlum83]

Ask and ye shall receive.

Thanks, Jason!

[OldPhiKap]

I’ll guess 15 wins. Even in a down year, conference games are tough.

Sorry, I was thinking there were 18 games not 20. Bump me up one or two. Let me think . . . .

[BandAlum83]

Sorry, I was thinking there were 18 games not 20. Bump me up one.

It’s ok, OPK. I know you only read the title on my original post. The body had too many damn words!

[Bob Green]

Ask and ye shall receive.

Thanks, Jason. I was temporarily restricted to my phone.

[OldPhiKap]

It’s ok, OPK. I know you only read the title on my original post. The body had too many damn words!

The title was so powerful, it blinded me to the rest!

[ndkjr70]

My bet is that Duke will go 2-1 in the Louisville, FSU, @UVA games. They’ll sweep the Cheats, and lose 1 “wait, what?” game finishing with an 18-2 ACC record.

Praying that “wait, what?” game doesn’t come Saturday in Coral Gables, as it’ll be the first time I see our boys live in three long years — easily the longest stretch of my life without in-person Duke basketball.

EDIT: how fortunate are we that we only play the #2, #3, and #4 teams in the conference once — with two of those games being at home? Luhvlill gets us on the road and 2 games against both UVA and FSU. Really no excuse to not finally win a regular season championship.

[duke2x]

I will say 16-4.

We lose 1 ACC home game but probably not 2. Louisville is going to be more than a little motivated, but I think FSU is more likely given its place on the schedule. It's 48 hours after @UNC on a Monday.

The other losses are going to be as random as SF Austin and on the road.

@NCSU is a strong hidden candidate since we often lost over there when we should not (2010, 2015). They are 4th best in the ACC by computer poll.

[bullettoothtony]

15 wins I think.

[UrinalCake]

EDIT: how fortunate are we that we only play the #2, #3, and #4 teams in the conference once — with two of those games being at home?

We definitely have an easy conference schedule this season, especially if UNC continues to struggle and/or deal with injuries. Similar to what UNC had last season and what we had two seasons ago. We play three out of our first four on the road, but otherwise it’s hard to complain.

I do think that an unexpected team is going to emerge as a contender, perhaps Miami or even NC State.

[BandAlum83]

The title was so powerful, it blinded me to the rest!

Wrapped up like a deuce, another runner in the night?

[HereBeforeCoachK]

15 wins I think.

I voted that this morning....I think everybody can lose a good number of games...

[OldPhiKap]

Wrapped up like a deuce, another runner in the night?

{Revved up . . . .}

[BandAlum83]

{Revved up . . . .}

Now you’ve done it!

The damn calliope crashed to the ground!