Last of the Unbeatens: MAC Boasts Longest Streak Without Undefeated Team
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. Two other leagues - Mid-American (55 straight years) and Southland (39) - have longer active streaks than the Big Ten without an undefeated team in conference competition. Akron's aspirations of ending the nation's longest streak evaporated when the Zips suffered a setback at Buffalo.
Analyst Dick Vitale, rather than chronically currying favor with the big boys energizing ESPN elitism, should always be promoting the MAC. After all, he 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 longest current streaks of more than 25 years without a team going unbeaten in league competition.
| Conference (Years) | Last Unbeaten Team in League Play | Coach (Overall Record) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-American (55) | Miami (Ohio) in 1957-58 | Dick Shrider (18-9) |
| Southland (39)* | Arkansas State in 1973-74 | John Rose (17-8) |
| Big Ten (37) | Indiana in 1975-76 | Bob Knight (32-0) |
| Pac-12 (35) | UCLA in 1977-78 | Gary Cunningham (25-3) |
| Big East (34) | None since inaugural year (1979-80) | never achieved in league |
| Northeast (32) | None since inaugural year (1981-82) | never achieved in league |
| Summit League (31) | None since inaugural year (1982-83) | never achieved in league |
| Colonial (30) | William & Mary in 1982-83 | Bruce Parkhill (20-9) |
| Missouri Valley (27) | Bradley in 1985-86 | Dick Versace (32-3) |