Team USA has advanced to the FIBA Americas 2007 Championship Game with a 135 - 91 victory over Puerto Rico.  The United States shot a sizzling 69.6% from the field.  Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points, Dwight Howard grabbed six rebounds, and LeBron James dished out nine assists to lead the United States.

Argentina defeated Brazil 91 - 80 in the other semi-final to earn a rematch with the United States.  Team USA previously defeated Argentina 91 - 76 during second round play.

It wasn't pretty.  After some early fireworks by the Blue Devils, UConn took control doubling the yardage total and held Duke scoreless in the second half.  One offense took over while the other sputtered.  It was not the start Duke wanted and they didn't look like the same team I saw practicing. 

Four buses of UConn players arrived in the open end of Wallace Wade Stadium at 4:27 EST yesterday afternoon.  All of their players walked straight towards the field each and everyone of them on it despite the paint still being wet.  Minutes before, two UConn fans ignored the signs stating "Off limits," to pose for pictures.

To say they had a cocky air about them, fans and team ... is an understatement.  Duke fans going to UConn a few years back put up with some of the rudest hecklers they'd ever seen.

I realize that your blood is boiling, well, I know mine is.  I want Duke to win this game for many reasons.  The main one is confidence in that the Devils need a quick start and to end that nasty losing streak.

This fan has been around football for many years.  I have seen Spurier teams practice and even been beside Wallace Wade during other practices.  Without going too far into analogies, I will get to the point.  Duke looked better in practice than they had in quite a while this season.

Don't get me wrong.  They are still young and a tad immature physically.  Still, there is more heart from the players, more intensity from the coaches and a better outlook.

Despite obvious improvement in practice, it remains to be seen if they can pull it all together on the field.  Coach Roof even wondered aloud about things such as the weather and the kicking game.

Oh the kicking game.  Kickers are a funny bunch ... fragile.  The rest of the team can work their butts off, but the kickers must finish.  That is my biggest concern today and in all honesty, it's probably Coach Roof's too. 

Losing a game due to special teams would be deflating, so it is important that this does not happen.  Despite the reps Surgan took in the pre season, there is still worry in that he must confidently go out and get it done in a game.

On a more positive note, the defense has looked much better than many thought possible.  They are capable,  In fact, the whole team is capable.

The offense has good wideouts and a group of running backs who can get it done.  The line is more experienced, but it still needs seasoning.  I mean a true freshman will start today.

UConn will try to establish their offense early slamming an all Big East back down our throats.  They will need pass plays to work early on and if they do it could spell trouble.  Despite starting a freshman QB Lorenzen, he is supposedly good, if unknown. His borther was that huge lumbering kid for Kentucky who praticipate in the unlikely LSU comeback a couple of yers back. Hopefully, the Duke defense will make some plays and or he will make an error or two.

Duke will have to protect the QB too.  UConn has capable defenders who can get to the ball.  This will be one of the keys in that Lewis must be allowed time to hit his talented receivers.

Personally, I hope Duke treats the home field as their ground.  I feel they will.  It is important to fight hard from beginning to end.  Do not let an early miscue get to you should it happen, just execute.

It would be nice to get up on UConn early.  It would favor Duke to hold onto the ball and sustain a couple of long deflating drive for scores.  Still, an interception for a TD or a quick play could be the ingredient for victory.

As the UConn fans were leaving the field yesterday, I noticed Coach Roof had been walking the steps of Wallace Wade.  This is his Wade and you could see a look in his eyes that may have been their when he was on the Black Watch defense while a player at Georgia Tech.

He has done all that he can to prepare his team and I am sure he is wondering how they will respond.  Shortly after Coach went back into the Yoh, to days enemy took to the field, seeming not especially worried.  One of the two UConn fans shouted U-C-O-N-N. It was met with a "Go Duke football ... welcome to Wallace Wade," from one of the infamous rough riders who happened to be about.

That is what Duke must do, meet the challenge and protect their turf.

I look for a hard fought game and I think that Duke will end the streak.  If Duke doesn't turn the ball over they win.  If they do and it results in a score, it could be a long day. The pick here is Duke 27 UConn 20

UConn players walk the field yesterday.  Here is to hoping Duke spanks them and sends 'em home.

Let's go Duke!  Beat the Huskies.

Here are some links to articles about today's Duke - UConn game:

Go Duke: Football Game Notes

UConn Huskies: Football to Open Season at Duke

Hartford Courant: Henegan's Status Uncertain For Opener

Herald Sun: Devils know proof is in wins

Winston-Salem Journal: Veterans on the line hold key for Duke

News & Observer: Thirsting for a win

Fayetteville Observer: Big 4 need opening wins