Syracuse 20-0

     For the first time in team history the Syracuse University Men's Basketball team has got off to a 20-0 start. The twentieth win of the season came tonight against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Pitt, who seems to be struggling with Big East play this season, was able to keep the game fairly close throughout the night but the outcome of the game was never really in doubt.
     Syracuse winning this game was a pretty big statement; Syracuse has not beaten Pitt at home since 2003 and has not beat Pitt at all since 2006. But the game means more than that, Jim Boeheim got his 876th win, this ties him with Adolph Rupp for the 4th most wins in NCAA Division 1 basketball. Boeheim also got his 34th 20 win season. That means out of the 36 seasons Boeheim has been head coach for Syracuse, 34 of them he has won 20 or more games and yes, that is a NCAA record.
     Unfortunately, this post is not all good news about Syracuse. Many people I am sure are wondering will Syracuse go completely undefeated this season en route to win the National Championship? Sadly, I have to say that Syracuse will NOT go undefeated. As much as it pains me to say that, it is just nearly impossible to run the table in NCAA Division 1 basketball, let alone the fact that Syracuse plays in the Big East. Personally, I think it is possible for Syracuse to win their final 11 regular season games and finish the regular season undefeated. A pretty big feat I would say.
     I think where Syracuse runs into trouble is in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. The competition at this tournament is like none other. Every team picks up their game 10 times more. Syracuse will likely win their first game of the tournament, but look for Syracuse to lose (Kills me to say it) in the second game of the Big East tournament that they play in. This may be good for Syracuse as it will lead to rest for the team before they head into March Madness and try to win themselves a National Championship.
     As far as Syracuse winning a national championship? I think they have a pretty good shot at it. The main key to winning the championship will be to not get ahead of themselves and to make sure they do not overlook any team that they come across in their march to a championship. Syracuse is going to have to watch out for teams like Baylor, Kentucky and Duke when they get late into the championship.
     As with all other Syracuse fans, I sincerely hope that Syracuse can put a magical run together and go this entire season undefeated. Do I believe that Syracuse can do it? Yes. Do I realize its unlikely? Yes. But here is to hoping they can do it. So college basketball fans, get in, hold on, and get ready for the crazy ride of the final few months of NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball.