Navy game a must win?

Technically, the Navy game is not a must win game for Duke Football, but make no mistake, this game is of the utmost importance if the team wants to go bowling. It's a big game for Duke plain and simple in that a win gives the program four wins at the half way mark in the season with a tougher schedule ahead. Navy comes into the game off a big win over Air Force and Duke happens to be one of their toughest remaining games. so there will be no looking ahead and this should prove to be a very hard fought game.  The Blue Devils defensive front has been challenged to lead Duke by Coach David Cutcliffe and there is no better time to start than against a Navy team that can certainly run the ball.  Duke is listed as an early three point favorite and the game kicks off just after noon this Saturday in Wallace Wade Stadium.

Bye Week Helpful

The bye week came at a good time for Duke in that they had an extra week to plan for the Navy option and the ability to heal some injuries. What you don't want is off the field troubles, like the altercation which costs the Blue Devils the talented services of Johnell Barnes. Cutcliffe said after the Troy game and again this week, that the Blue Devils would work on what they do well during the break and the offense will need to be efficient for the Blue Devils to come out of Saturday with a win. Another thing Coach Cutcliffe was to work on was the kicking game, namely Ross Martin who has struggled early on despite being named to the pre season All ACC 2nd team.

Thomas Sirk  Update

Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk injured his Achilles tendon and his rehab has been ahead of schedule according to some, but there was a set back this week where the team feels he's been pushed a little too hard.

 

Thad Lewis set to start for Buffalo

Former Duke quarterback Thad Lewis will be promoted from the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad and start on Oct. 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, per coach Doug Marrone. Lewis has a great opportunity at hand in a game Duke fans will surely keep up with this coming week.