by Amy McLeod
Elon, N.C. – Elon University students crowded into the on campus restaurant, Varsity, to watch two of the best college basketball teams in the nation meet for the first time this season.
The Tarheels of North Carolina traveled eight miles to Duke University, home to the rival Blue Devils.
Cheers and “boos” filled the restaurant with every possession. From the sights and sounds of things, you would think we were in either Durham or Chapel Hill, die hard fans.
Duke fan Zach Matson shows his true colors on gameday.
Walking around campus today, there was a little more blue than usual. Carolina and Duke fans seemed to come out of the woodwork for this game.
One student, sophomore Zach Matson, was sporting Duke apparel all day in preparation for the big game. Matson is from Kansas.
“Both teams are so good this year, it’s sure to be a great game. I just hope [Duke] comes away with the ‘W’,” said Matson.
With Elon being a school made up of students from so many states, you wouldn’t expect there to be so much hype about this game. It’s just a little in-state rivalry. Right?
Wrong.
The Battle of the Blues – Carolina’s sky blue vs. Duke’s royal blue – represents one of the most intense and long lasting college rivalries of all time. With two books written on the subject, it must be something special.
Both programs boast impressive resumes. UNC is the 2nd most victorious program in NCAA Men’s basketball history and Duke is the 4th. They combine for seven National Championships, 31 Final Four appearances, and 17 National Players of the Year.
The teams are both led by Hall of Fame coaches and and supported by some of the most dedicated – and arguably obnoxious – fans in college basketball. Duke students camped outside Cameron Indoor Stadium starting on Dec. 26, 2008 in hopes of getting tickets to this game.
No, this is more than just another basketball game. More than just an in-state rivalry. This is Carolina and Duke, the Battle of the Blues.
amy mcleod 