Tag Archives: Duke Football

Duke Football

BDN previews Duke’s season opener vs. Richmond

2nd and 10 from the Duke 35 yard line

Renfree drops back, completes a pass to senior Austin Kelly across the middle. Kelly tries to elude a tackle but is brought down by Quan Sturdivant at the Duke 41 yard line. The clock hits zero. The Tar Heels celebrate and reclaim the Victory Bell. Duke’s 2010 season is over.

That was the last we saw of Sean Renfree and the Blue Devils, all the way back on November 27, 2010. Over the past nine months, Duke’s coaches and players have shed blood, sweat, and tears in preparation for the 2011 season. The 3-win 2010 season is gone, but not forgotten. It’s week one of the 2011 college football season, and time for Blue Devil fans to recite their familiar credo, “this year has to be better, right?”

Sean Renfree is ready to lead the Blue Devil offense in his second year as a starter

KEYS FOR DUKE

Second-year starter Sean Renfree and the Blue Devil offense have the potential to be one of the ACC’s top units in 2011. In order for that potential to be realized, the Blue Devils must accomplish two things: take care of the football and establish a consistent, effective running game. After struggling with turnovers early in 2010, the Blue Devils showed dramatic improvement in their final five games. Turnovers have continued to be a point of emphasis all offseason. Junior Desmond Scott and sophomore Juwan Thompson will pace the ground game and have had an excellent training camp running behind a big, experienced offensive line. Dave Harding has stepped in flawlessly for the injured Brian Moore at center, and he will have to play at a high level in his first college game action snapping the football. With several question marks on defense, the margin for error for the Duke offense is slim.

Defensively, Duke needs to see big games from their returning stars in senior Matt Daniels, sophomore Kelby Brown, and senior Charlie Hatcher. These three players will be supported by a group of talented but mostly inexperienced Blue Devil defenders, a typical recipe for inconsistency. Similar to the offense, there are two primary goals for the Duke defense in 2011: limit explosive offensive plays and improve their play at the line of scrimmage. Duke has a deep group of high-level athletes in their secondary, and the new 4-2-5 defensive scheme will rely on their ability to make plays all over the field in an effort to slow opposing offenses. In his second year as a starter, Ross Cockrell will have to develop into a shutdown cornerback for the Blue Devils. Seven redshirt-freshmen will enter the rotation on the defensive line for Duke in 2011, and the maturation of these young athletes will be key to the defense’s success. Expect to see flashes of ability from players like Jordan DeWalt-Ondigo, Jamal Wallace, and Dezmond Johnson. If the Blue Devils are able to successfully execute their new defensive gameplan, this group’s results should be greater than the sum of its parts.

If Duke is going to make a bowl game in 2011, their special teams unit will have to be special. The Blue Devils have the talent in the kicking game to dominate special teams at times this season. Will Snyderwine has established himself as one of the top kickers in the country. Alex King is a proven veteran with experience and versatility. Freshman Jamison Crowder is a playmaker at kick and punt return. Improved depth across the roster should lead to better kick and punt return units. The pieces are in place for a solid special teams effort; the players simply have to execute.

GAME ANALYSIS

Turnovers

To put it lightly, Duke was plagued by turnovers in 2010. Duke’s 28 turnovers, however, are eclipsed by Richmond’s 32 turnovers a season ago. Needless to say, the team that takes care of the football stands to have the best chance of winning this matchup. Late in the season, Sean Renfree appeared to turn a corner, throwing just three interceptions in the final five games. Limiting turnovers has been a point of emphasis for the Duke offense all spring and summer, while the Duke defense is hoping to create more turnovers than they did a year ago. If the Blue Devils can build a first half lead, expect the Duke secondary to make some plays when the Spiders are forced to pass. Duke should win the turnover battle.

Duke's young defensive linemen will need to pressure Richmond's Aaron Corp

Sacks

Richmond plays a physical game of football, and in the last two meetings between these schools, dominated the line of scrimmage. The Duke defense has struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks. With youth along the defensive line and a pass-happy offense, Duke will rarely win the sack battle. The key will be to limit the loss of yards on offense and to make some timely tackles for loss against the Spiders. The Spiders did graduate their top 3 tacklers from 2010, but still have the players to apply some pressure. Richmond will win the sack battle.

3rd Down Production

Richmond converted just 34% of their 3rd downs in 2010, while the Blue Devils were able to convert 40% of 3rd down opportunities. With a veteran offense returning, Duke should again have success on 3rd downs, utilizing their deep receiving corps to pick up 1st down yardage. The Duke defense has struggled on 3rd down in recent years, but with an improved secondary and a better scheme, they should do a better job of limiting big conversions. Duke will win the 3rd down battle.

Ross Cockrell will have a tough matchup with All-CAA WR Tre Grey, BDN Photo

Explosive Plays

The game features a trio of All-Conference wide receivers, all capable of opening the game up with an explosive play. Tre Gray will be a challenge for the Duke secondary, and his matchup with Duke’s Ross Cockrell will be one to watch. The “Killer V’s” will be up to their usual tricks, but Richmond will have to pick their poison as senior Cooper Helfet and sophomore Brandon Braxton also have big-play ability. On the ground, the Spiders will utilize a committee approach, while Duke will feature a heavy dose of Desmond Scott and Juwan Thompson, two players who have dominated training camp with big plays. Duke has too many weapons on offense; they will win the explosive play battle.

Rushing TDs

Richmond will look to establish their running game early, and if they are able to control the line of scrimmage, it could be another long season opener for the Blue Devils. Duke will be able to counter with a veteran offensive line and three talented runners of their own in Desmond Scott, Juwan Thompson, and Brandon Connette. With a deep offensive line, Duke should be able to run the ball into the end zone when needed. The Duke defense will have their hands full with trying to keep Richmond’s Kendall Gaskins out of the end zone, but Duke has a deeper stable of proven runners. Duke will punch a few in on the ground.

Field Goals

Both teams feature outstanding All-Conference kickers. Duke’s Will Snyderwine has connected on 86.4% of his career field goal opportunities. Richmond’s Will Kamin has hit 90.9% of his career field goal opportunities. This matchup is a push.

Penalties

Since the arrival of David Cutcliffe in Durham, the Blue Devils have been one of the most disciplined teams in the ACC. In 2010, Duke committed just 55 penalties for an average of 40.6 yards per game. The Spiders were even better, committing just 50 penalties for an average of 35.5 yards per game. That trend should continue under new Head Coach Wayne Lineburg. This matchup is a push.

Let's get this season started!

PREDICTION

Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. Fool us three times, not going to happen. Duke is ready for Richmond. There are sure to be some first-game jitters, but Duke won't get tangled in the Spiders' web. Sean Renfree has emerged as a leader on this Blue Devil team, and he will guide the Duke offense to a big night. The game will be won (or lost) along the line of scrimmage, and Duke’s linemen are bigger and stronger than they were two years ago. Desmond Scott and Juwan Thompson will have big days on the ground. Playing from behind, Richmond will be unable to establish a consistent power running game, forcing Corp to make plays through the air against the deep Duke secondary.  The Blue Devils should come away from this game with a lot of positives to build on and a lot to learn from, while Duke fans will leave Wallace Wade Stadium thinking, “this year will be better!”

Duke 34

Richmond 17

Duke Football

Bob Harris joins BDN Staff for Week One College Football Predictions

Welcome to week one of the college football season!  The BDN Staff and a weekly guest prognosticator will pick the nations toughest games each week of the season.  There will be no gimme games on our weekly list and you will not see us pad records with easy picks.  This week we are joined by the Voice of the Blue Devils Bob Harris.  I couldn't think of a better guest to kick off the season than Harris, the long time play by play man for the Duke Radio Network.  Be sure to check out his site where you can purchase his latest book by going here - The Voice of the Blue Devils.  Each week we'll have a Duke celebrity as a guest picker and with that said, on to week one -

Mark Watson Bob Green Patrick Cacchio Andrew Slater Bob Harris
UCLA at Houston UCLA UCLA UCLA Houston Houston
BYU at Ole Miss Ole Miss BYU Ole Miss BYU BYU
Wake Forest at Syracuse Syracuse Syracuse Syracuse Syracuse Syracuse
TCU at Baylor TCU TCU TCU TCU TCU
Northwestern at Boston College Northwestern Northwestern BC BC BC
South Fla at Notre Dame ND ND ND ND ND
Boise St. at Georgia Georgia Boise St. Boise St. Boise St. Georgia
Oregon vs LSU (N) LSU Oregon LSU Oregon Oregon
William & Mary at Virginia UVA UVA UVA UVA UVA
Richmond at Duke Duke Duke Duke Duke Duke

Richmond at Duke Game Predictions -

Mark Watson - The Blue Devils face a must win situation right out of the gate when they face the 19th rated team in the FCS on Saturday when Richmond comes to Wallace Wade Stadium.  The Spiders will try and spin their web around the Blue Devils for a second consecutive time but they'll find wrapping up Duke will not be an easy task. Duke 34 Richmond 16

Bob Green - Duke will dominate the time of possession by executing a balanced offensive attack resulting in numerous sustained drives.  Look for Duke to run the ball for over 200 yards against the Spiders.  With the defense well rested into the 4th quarter, the Blue Devils will pressure Richmond's offense and create turnovers.  The special teams will pull off a big play in the season opener.  Duke 41 Richmond 7.

Patrick Cacchio -Duke will win, but it may not be comfortable. Seventeen Blue Devils will play their first college game on Saturday, so there are sure to be some butterflies and growing pains. Renfree and the offense should give the young Duke defense a lead to work with, which will help them slow Aaron Corp and the Spiders. Juwan Thompson will pace the ground game and Jamison Crowder will have a breakout Blue Devil debut. Duke 34, Richmond 17

Andrew Slater - In the thirteenth meeting of this series, Duke should end its two-game losing streak to Richmond on Saturday. With a full year of starting in the Cutcliffe system under his belt, Sean Renfree and his talented receiving corps should take advantage of a Spiders defense that lost six starters, including its top three tacklers as well as DB/KR Justin Rogers, a seventh round selection of the Buffalo Bills.  Defensively, the Blue Devils will need to contain the USC transfer, senior QB Aaron Corp, who sustained a season-ending knee injury for the Spiders in the fifth game of last year's season. Duke 34-Richmond 20

Bob Harris - The Blue Devils will get 2011 off on the right foot with a 41-14 victory.  Duke OL dominates Spiders up front, allowing Renfree to complete 4 TD throws.  Matt Daniels will have 2 ints to lead the defense. Duke 41 Richmond 14

Duke Football

BDN Game Week Q&A Exchange with Spider Bandwagon

The Blue Devils will open the 2011 football season at home against Richmond Saturday

It’s game week, Blue Devil Nation! After months of anticipation, the Blue Devils are ready to take the field and kick off the 2011 season against the Richmond Spiders. Richmond will travel down I-85 led by USC QB transfer Aaron Corp with a lot of confidence, having won their last two trips to Durham decisively. Meanwhile, Sean Renfree and the high-flying Blue Devil offense will look to get off to a hot start, and revenge for the 2009 season opening loss will certainly be in the back of their minds. With a new Head Coach and a young team, it’s hard to know what to expect from the Spiders on Saturday. Fortunately, we caught up with Spider Bandwagon to get their thoughts on the opening night match-up in Durham. Be sure to check out their site to read the BDN take on the game as well.

BDN: After the untimely resignation of Head Coach Latrell Scott during training camp, Offensive Coordinator Wayne Lineburg was named interim Head Coach. Given these events, what is the general mood around the Richmond program? What changes, if any, has Coach Lineburg made? How much of a distraction has this been for the players, as they prepare for Duke?

Everyone even remotely associated with the program is saying all the right things: next man up; stay the line; come together; [insert other clichés here]. For the most part, I’m buying the party line. Lineburg (pronounced Lynn-uh-burg) was brought in by Latrell Scott last summer as offensive coordinator. He’s from a coaching family and already was looked at by many as an eventual head coaching candidate. By all accounts he’s changed little in the day to day since taking over. He’s familiar with the players and vice versa. I really don’t think much will be lost in the transition. What’s more, this is Lineburg’s second stint at UR; he was on the offensive staff from 2004-06 and helped lay the foundation of the national championship team. Generally, I think most Spider players and fans would admit they’d rather go through this coaching switch than repeat last year’s four different starting quarterbacks fiasco.

USC transfer Aaron Corp will start at QB for the Spiders after missing most of 2010 with an ACL injury. Photo Credit-The Collegian

BDN: QB Aaron Corp had his first year at Richmond cut short by injury after transferring in from USC. How have his health and performance been heading into the season opener? What does he need to do to realize his potential, which had made him such a highly-touted high school prospect?

Simply put Corp needs to stay on the field and stay healthy. The knee should be 100% at this point. Despite only five games last season, I think he’ll benefit from a second year studying and learning Lineburg’s offense. As long as the offensive line can gel (three returning starters) to give Corp time and keep him on his feet, he should put up big numbers.

BDN: All-Conference WR Tre Gray is back and figures to be a favorite target for Corp this fall. What other weapons will the Spiders' offense have? How do you expect Richmond to attack the Duke defense on Saturday night?

I actually expect a pretty vanilla offense on Saturday. The order of the day will be establishing the line of scrimmage. Look for a healthy dose of hand offs especially early to a committee following FB Kendall Gaskins. When the Spiders do throw, keep an eye on sophomore WR Ben Edwards getting space opposite Grey.

BDN: With the loss of CAA POY Eric McBride along with All-CAA defensive lineman Martin Parker, the Spiders' defense will have big shoes to fill this fall. How will Richmond try to slow Duke's prolific passing game? Which players will have to play well for the Spiders to keep the Blue Devils out of the end zone?

Luckily the Spider secondary figures to be the strength of this defense in the early going. Tremayne Graham and Daryl Hamilton return on the corners, and Cooper Taylor, a transfer from Georgia Tech, is expected to make a huge impact in taking over the safety spot. Up front, the focus figures to shift from the linebackers to the defensive ends. Kerry Wynn and Brandon Scott, 6’5” and 6’4” respectively, need to cause havoc in the backfield and give the young linebacking corp space to make tackles. If Wynn and Scott can’t get upfield, UR will be in for a very long evening.

We'll see you under the lights in Wallace Wade on Saturday!

BDN: Richmond has two straight wins against Duke in Durham, though the Blue Devils lead the all-time series 9-3. Vegas has the Spiders starting out as 8.5-point underdogs. How do you expect Saturday's season opener to play out under the lights in Wallace Wade Stadium?

I think the Spiders will play well, keep things close for awhile, but come up short. This team is still very young. Finally getting away from camp will do this team some good, and Corp will have good numbers by the final whistle, but they’re not ready to knock off an FBS team. 27-14 Blue Devils.

BDN: Thanks for your insight. Good luck on Saturday!

Duke Football

Blue Devils will try to slow the Georgia Tech triple-option on November 19

Duke will host Georgia Tech on November 19th for their final home game of 2011

BDN has been previewing Duke football's 2011 opponents all summer long. This week, we wrap things up as we prepare for Saturday's season opener, but not before taking a look at a crucial stretch of games in November. Duke will play three tough road contests at Miami, Virginia, and North Carolina in November, meaning that the November 19th match-up with Georgia Tech will serve as Duke's final home game of the season. The Blue Devils played the Yellow Jackets tough in Atlanta last season, but a late red zone turnover turned the tables on Duke's upset bid.

To help us preview the 2011 Yellow Jackets, BDN is glad to welcome back Winfield Featherston of FromTheRumbleSeat.com. His candid insight is invaluable when analyzing the Georgia Tech program.

BDN: Georgia Tech was among the ACC programs involved in a recent NCAA investigation, receiving a four-year probation, among other penalties. Can you summarize your thoughts on the NCAA violations? Do you expect there to be any affect on the program in 2011 or beyond?

My initial thoughts on the issue came across as too passive and made me look like I just rolled over. And I kinda sorta did unfortunately. The NCAA's penalties given to Georgia Tech are TOTAL BULLSH*T. They penalized us anything because they felt slighted when our AD didn't want Paul Johnson looking like Al Golden when the news broke against Tech. Sadly, GT is just big enough for big sanctions to make it look like the NCAA has teeth and could - if they wanted to- go after the big programs but we all know that won't happen.

Nothing will happen for the future. We vacated the 2009 ACCCG (BTW it still happened - Clemson's record book says so) and we paid a fine. Recruiting visits and scholarships are not affected.

Head Coach Paul Johnson has led Georgia Tech to 3 bowl games in 3 seasons in Atlanta

BDN: When Head Coach Paul Johnson arrived in Atlanta, he inherited a talented team and took them to a 2009 ACC Championship, led by All-ACC players like Jonathan Dwyer, Josh Nesbitt, Derrick Morgan, and Demaryius Thomas. After three years at the head of the Yellow Jackets, how would you assess the state of the program under Johnson? With only 12 starters returning in 2011, what are the expectations for this young group of Yellow Jackets?

The state of the program gets defined in 2012. This year it's finally Johnson's players in Johnson's system. Wipe the slate clean from the previous years. Any success or failures we had with Gailey players was just some form or luck really. Expectations are set in typical Georgia Tech fan fashion - pretty high. Many fans expect about 8 wins to reach the "good season" level. With most major games at home, that goal should be attainable. 

BDN: The Blue Devils got a good look at Tevin Washington running the triple option last year in Atlanta. There has been significant competition this spring and summer for starting jobs at QB and B-back. How do you expect that competition to play out at those two spots? What are the other question marks for the 2011 Georgia Tech offense?

The schedule plays perfectly for a good ole September platooning effort. I'd expect to see a mix of Synjyn Days and Tevin Washington to play out most of the games. I wouldn't be surprised to see Vad Lee either. The same goes for B-back with Charles Perkins, Preston Lyons and David Sims. By the time we hit October, we'll have our depth chart in fine condition. 

BDN: Al Groh's defense struggled in his first year in Atlanta a year ago, allowing almost 372 yards per game to opposing offenses. What changes or improvements need to be made for the Tech defense to be more successful in 2011?

Experience. We had to give the Groh-fense a year to sink in. Word on the street says that the defense has been improving tremendously and our young guys are all stepping up. 

BDN: Duke gave Georgia Tech a scare in Atlanta last November, throwing a crucial red zone interception and ultimately falling, 20-30. What do you think will be the keys to the matchup on November 19 in Durham? Can the Blue Devils give the Yellow Jackets another scare?

We're talking November football already? Sure it's possible. For all games this year, it will come down to the defense. History shows that over the season CPJ teams average the same offensive statistics per year. The defense will have to shut down Duke's offensive attack and let our triple option offensive do it's usual thing.  

BDN: Thanks for your help, Winfield! Good luck this season!

Previous week: November 12, Duke at Miami

Next week: November 26, Duke at North Carolina

Duke Basketball, Duke Football

Monday Musings – Football, Hoops and more

Good Morning Blue Devil Nation!  Monday Musings has returned as have I after a few days of vacation which helped recharge my batteries.  As it turns out I left  the Triangle just before the earthquake and then Wilmington, North Carolina before the hurricane but I now must face the storm ahead.

The coming storm is not necessarily a bad one mind you for I am talking about wall to wall coverage of Duke Football and Basketball which begins this week and ends around April before I recharge again for recruiting.  It's time for football and Duke takes on Richmond at 7:00 in Wallace Wade Stadium this Saturday.

Duke opens with Richmond

Duke has dropped two consecutive games to the Spiders and that has left a bad taste in the mouths of fans.  Richmond is not a game you schedule when you want a gimme and they come in 7.5 underdogs according to Vegas Insider.  While it is true they lost their coach this past week due to a DUI, teams sometimes rally during times of adversity.

The Blue Devils simply need to win.  They are an ACC school and this is the first season we'll see all of Coach David Cutcliffes players since his arrival.  Coach Cut has been able to redshirt kids,  something that hasn't happened in the past at Duke unless there was an injury.  As a program, Duke has made some much needed facility improvements, but the improvement most care about is on the field itself each Saturday afternoon or evening.

Basketball team returns

Duke went 4-0 during their China-Dubai trip but reading too much into anything is a mistake.  The games in China were disjointed due to officiating and that never allowed for a game flow.  In short, the experience itself was a big deal in that these trips grow young men off the court.  Duke has yet to harness team chemistry but they got an idea of what it will take for that to come about.  Duke ran a total of three offensive sets, so to think you have an idea of what the offense will look like could prove inaccurate.  In fact, Duke held back a lot during the trip and the staff will sit down and break down film before deciding how they'll attack on offense this season.

Visits being set

The Blue Devils are in the process of setting up visits from their key basketball prospects and we'll be taking a look at those in our Premium section.

BDN Premium represented at the Elite 24

If you have followed Blue Devil Nation over the years, it is clear that we cover the recruiting trail like no other site.  It's one of our calling cards in our premium section.  This past week we covered the Elite 24 in Venice Beach, California where live updates from the four days appeared on our private (members only) message board.  This week, we'll hear from Duke prospects and verbals and we'll start it off with a Rasheed Sulaimon interview.

BDN Premium Special, one week left!

We are currently running a special for new members of BDN Premium and this is the last week to save.  A yearly membership is an all time low 85.00, 15% off our regular price and the other rates are discounted as well.  Just go to the join page to see the prices and come on in for full site access.  You'll be glad you did.

Changes are coming!

We've been flirting a bit with networks but have yet to make a decision on anything as of today.  I can assure you that even if we remain independent [and we're more than okay with that] that site changes are in the works.  Blue Devil Nation has set a new standard for other Duke sites to follow with our coverage and in turn made all of them better.  Our ideas will continue to set the pace due to the best staff of any Duke site.  Others can copy our ideas, format and style but they will never duplicate the genuine passion this site has for Duke Athletics.

Duke Football

Duke will make their second trip to Miami on November 5 to take on the Hurricanes

Duke travels to Miami to take on the Hurricanes on November 5

The Blue Devils will finish up the 2011 season playing three of their final four games on the road, starting with their second trip to South Florida on November 5 to take on the Miami Hurricanes. Despite continued turnover struggles, Duke nearly knocked off “The U” last year in Durham, ultimately falling 28-13. While all eyes are on the Miami program’s off the field issues, we’ll keep this preview focused on the Blue Devils’ 2011 opponent on the field. Of course, that can be hard to predict at this point, with 12 Miami players under investigation by the NCAA for eligibility concerns.

To help us straighten all this out, BDN is pleased to welcome in Chris Stock from InsideTheU.com to give us an inside look at the 2011 Hurricanes.

BDN: We could talk for hours about the various allegations against the Miami program, but we're here to preview the 2011 Hurricanes. With that in mind, how do you expect the investigation to affect the 2011 Miami season? Which current players might be ineligible or suspended, and how does their potential absence alter the expectations for this fall?

Regardless of who plays there is talent on the team.  If everyone is eligible, this team has the capabilities of competing for the ACC crown.  Now, we have been saying that for a number of years and it hasn't happened, but first-year coach Al Golden appears to be onto something and the players appear to be buying in.  There's no question the investigations can affect the team and the defense could take a hit, but there's still reason for optimism in Coral Gables.  Lamar Miller has the ability to ease a lot of stressful minds and he's nowhere near the investigation.  If quarterback Jacory Harris is deemed unable to play, Stephen Morris will be ready to go and with a solid offensive line, that will help tremendously in terms of putting together a successful season.

QB Jacory Harris' turnover issues may be the least of his problems this season

BDN: Talent never seems to be in short supply at The U, but that talent didn't always translate into wins during the Randy Shannon era. What are some of the most important changes that have been made under new Head Coach Al Golden, both on and off the field?

Communication and organization are two key factors Golden has stressed.  These are two areas coach Shannon struggled with during his four years as the head coach.  Players now have a clear understanding where they stand on the depth chart and the program as a whole is more organized.  When it comes to on-field production, I think you will see a more inspired unit playing an intense brand of football from the opening whistle regardless of the opponent.  This was clearly not the case in recent years, which led to a number of losses.

BDN: Miami has been haunted by turnovers in recent years, and it has started at the quarterback position with Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris. What have been the reports from training camp on the play of the quarterbacks? With one of the conference's top rushers in Lamar Miller, what do you expect from the Hurricanes' offense in 2011?

Miami was last in the country last year throwing 27 interceptions.  That's far too many especially considering the quarterbacks they have in Harris and Morris are very capable of being solid, dependable players.  Throughout training camp, the quarterbacks have thrown a very limited amount of interceptions.  In two scrimmages, the quarterbacks threw over 100 passes with just one interception.  That can be a double-edged sword as the defense failed to disrupt the passing game, but for a unit that was dead last a year ago, it has to be considered a positive sign.  UM led the ACC in total offense last year, but was just fifth in scoring offense.  Cutting back on penalties, which UM ranked among the nation's worst, will be a key this season as well and I expect that to happen.  Miller will have a breakout season and back-up Mike James will provided steady play in a rushing attack that should pace the offense behind a big offensive line.

BDN: The Miami defense showed improvement in nearly all categories in 2010 from the previous year, and returns 7 starters in 2011, led by LB Sean Spence. What are the key question marks for this group in training camp, and what will be the strengths of new DC Mark D'Onofrio's defense?

The UM defense is a question mark especially considering eight of the 12 players being investigated by the NCAA are on the defensive side of the ball.  In particular the cornerbacks have a lot to prove after three left for the NFL last season.  The linebackers, led by Spence, should be solid although they are not the biggest group around.  The defensive line could be plagued by a lack of depth.  The strength of a Miami defense is their speed, which they will have to use to their advantage.

BDN: Despite a significant talent gap, the Blue Devils have managed to compete with the Hurricanes in recent meetings. Why do you think Duke has had success against Miami? Do you think the Blue Devils are capable of pulling off the upset on Miami's Homecoming this fall?

Point blank, UM did not respect Duke and came out flat against them, which nearly cost them multiple occasions.  Also, former Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis had some success against UM.  If Duke were to pull off an upset, quarterback Sean Renfree will have to show plenty of poise, stay on his feet, and attack UM through the air.  The two teams don't play until November and a lot of things can happen between now and then.  For anyone to predict an upset by Duke, the Blue Devils will have to show they are capable of doing so before the UM game.

BDN: Thanks for your insight, Chris. Good luck this season!

 

Previous week: October 29, Virginia Tech at Duke

Next week: November 12, Duke at Virginia