Notable Non-Conference Matchup: VCU vs. DUKE

The VCU Rams will head to New York, New York to compete in the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic at Madison Square Garden. MSG is one of the biggest stages in all of sports, however the stage becomes much larger for the Rams when they face the defending 2015 National Champion Duke Blue Devils in early November.

With the departures of guard Tyus Jones (Minnesota Timberwolves) and center Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers) to the NBA, one would assume Duke would have some trouble this year. Nonetheless, Duke recruits top talent year after year and returns a strong team once again.

With returners in form diaper dandy guard Grayson Allen, forward Amile Jefferson, and guard Matt Jones along with prized recruits in center Chase Jeter and guard Brandon Ingram, Duke should be a top team from November through March.

Besides a little bit of luck, VCU will need their defense to be in prime form. Guard Mo-Alie Cox, guard JeQuan Lewis, and guard Melvin Johnson will need to be defensively sound against a Duke squad with unlimited firepower.

We all know VCU is an outstanding defensive team year after year, but will they keep that reputation? Defensive specialist and defensive leader in guard Briante Weber graduated this past year and will be severely missed. The Rams might have some unfamiliar defensive hiccups this season.

Anything can happen but one thing is for sure however, VCU will have to play their very best to beat the best. Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils are always tough to dethrone.

Remember the last time VCU beat Duke? Star point guard Eric Maynor and the Rams defeated the Blue Devils 79-77 in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament. Without a doubt, the Rams will need to play close to their ceiling to take down big, bad, Duke.