Last of Unbeatens: MAC Attacks Longest League Streak For Unbeaten Seasons
Only two schools - Wofford (18-0 in Southern) and Gonzaga (16-0 in WCC) - were flawless in conference action this campaign. Indiana, the last NCAA Division I school to go undefeated (32-0 in 1975-76), is also the last team to go unbeaten in Big Ten Conference play. The Mid-American (61 straight years) is the only league posting a longer active streak than the Big Ten without an undefeated team in conference competition.
Analyst Dick Vitale, rather than chronically currying favor with the big boys energizing ESPN elitism while dumping on LSU's Will Wade since SEC newbie probably hasn't been at power-league level long enough to make huge donation to charity V spearheads, should always promote the MAC. After all, let Slick Rick/Italian Stallion bistro-buddy-back-in promoter has firsthand experience dealing with the league, losing his first six games against MAC members when coaching Detroit.
The Big East Conference, Northeast Conference and Summit League never have had an undefeated club since their alliances were formed in the early 1980s. Following are the seven longest current streaks without a team going unbeaten in league competition:
| Conference (Years) | Last Unbeaten Team in League Play | Coach (Overall Record) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-American (61) | Miami (Ohio) in 1957-58 | Dick Shrider (18-9) |
| Big Ten (43) | Indiana in 1975-76 | Bob Knight (32-0) |
| Pac-12 (41) | UCLA in 1977-78 | Gary Cunningham (25-3) |
| Big East (40) | None since inaugural year (1979-80) | never achieved in league |
| Northeast (38) | None since inaugural year (1981-82) | never achieved in league |
| Summit League (37) | None since inaugural year (1982-83) | never achieved in league |
| Colonial (36) | William & Mary in 1982-83 | Bruce Parkhill (20-9) |