Showing posts with label illinois fighting illini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label illinois fighting illini. Show all posts

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Most impressive regular season run at the top since...?

Being #1 obviously puts a target on your back, and this UK team has withstood the pressure unlike many in recent seasons.  This week, UK will remain #1 for the 7th consecutive AP poll.

Over the last few years, a number of teams have put together equal or better streaks:
2005-06 Duke = preseason #1, plus 10 additional weeks
2007-08 UNC = preseason #1, plus 10 additional weeks
2008-09 UNC = preseason #1, plus 7 additional weeks
2009-10 KU = preseason #1, plus 8 additional weeks
2010-11 Duke = preseason #1, plus 9 additional weeks

The obvious caveat here: all of the above streaks began at the season's outset, when it's arguably easier to retain the #1 ranking against an often-shoddy non-conference schedule.  Sure you might be tested in an early-season tournament or in-state rivalry game, but you won't be challenged as consistently as you are during the conference schedule.

Therefore, I think you have to go back to 2004-05 to find a run at the top more striking than this Kentucky team.  That year's Illinois team stayed at #1 for a remarkable 15 weeks through the heart of the season, before going on to lose in the national title game.