Duke makes statement with historic win after earning No. 1 ranking

As was to be expected following their big win over previously top-ranked Michigan over the weekend, the Duke Blue Devils opened this week as the new No. 1 men's basketball team in the country. Their first game after earning that ranking was about as emphatic of a win that a team could get, going on the road to Notre Dame and earning a 100-56 win.

Duke posts big numbers in win over Notre Dame

Duke winning this game is not really the big story here.

Duke is supposed to win this game.

The Blue Devils are the best team in the country, with arguably the best player in the country (Cameron Boozer), while Notre Dame is one of the worst teams in the ACC.

It was a mismatch on paper, and it turned out to be a mismatch on the floor.

But that is what national title contenders are supposed to do in games like this. They are supposed to assert their dominance and control the game for all 40 minutes. 

Duke did, and it was a great follow-up to its big Michigan win over the weekend.

There were also some historical aspects to it, both with the 100 points scored and the margin of victory.

The 44-point margin of victory makes Duke head coach Jon Scheyer the first ACC coach ever to have multiple 40-point road wins within ACC conference play.

It was also Duke's first road game with 100 points in regulation since the 1999 season.