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Duke Football

BDN Previews Duke at North Carolina

helkmetSCOUTING THE BLUE DEVILS

Last time out

Duke defeated Virginia in Charlottesville, 28-17 last Saturday. Thad Lewis, Will Snyderwine, and Conner Vernon were named ACC Players of the Week for their efforts in the victory. Lewis completed 24/40 passes for 343 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown to freshman Conner Vernon. The touchdown strike came against a strong pas rush during a crucial 4th quarter drive, putting Duke up 18-17 with 3:45 to play. Vernon finished with 7 catches and 103 yards to match his high school teammate, Donovan Varner, who finished with 7 catches and 113 yards. Despite the statistics, the Blue Devils’ passing attack was constantly challenged by the talented Cavaliers’ secondary, and it was Nick Snyderwine who accounted for much of the Blue Devils’ scoring, including three first half field goals of 44, 28, and 34 yards. In a fitting conclusion, Snyderwine connected on his fifth field goal of the day, from 43 yards out, to seal the 28-17 win.

The Duke defense was again the unsung hero, holding the Virginia offense to 196 total yards. The Virginia rushing attack was never able to gather momentum, forcing the ball into quarterback Jameel Sewell’s hands on key downs. The Blue Devils were able to pressure Sewell into poor throws in the windy conditions, holding the Cavaliers to 4 of 16 on third downs. The defense sealed the win with a forced fumble recovery for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter.

SCOUTING THE TAR HEELS

Last time out

North Carolina pulled off the improbable upset at Lane Stadium last Thursday night, 20-17. Kicker Casey Barth connected on a 21-yard field goal as time expired to give the Tar Heels the victory. As has been the case all season for North Carolina, the Tar Heel defense was dominant, holding Virginia Tech to 11 first downs and just 95 rushing yards (2.9 yards per carry). The Hokies were held scoreless in the first half, and 2 second half touchdowns by Tyrod Taylor proved to be too little, too late. Quarterback T.J. Yates and a balanced North Carolina rushing attack were good enough to control the clock in the second half, culminating in Barth’s game-ending field goal. The rushing attack, led by Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston, totaled 181 yards on 42 attempts.

Season

It has been an up and down season for the Tar Heels. Initially ranked in the top 25 with a 3-0 start, the Tar Heels then opened their ACC season with three conference losses to Georgia Tech, Virginia, and Florida State. The Tar Heel offense has struggled this season, relying on the defense to keep the team in games, and in some cases, win them, as was the case with a late fourth quarter safety in a 12-10 win at Connecticut.

After a devastating collapse to Florida State at home on national television, however, the Tar Heels responded with an impressive showing last week at Virginia Tech. They will look to continue their winning ways this weekend against the Blue Devils. Offensive coordinator John Shoop was able to get the ball to his playmakers, namely Greg Little, Shaun Draughn, and Ryan Houston, on key plays at Virginia Tech. Against the Blue Devils, expect a heavy dose of Draughn and Houston, with Little mixed in for his big play potential.

Injuries

Senior LB Abraham Kromah is listed as questionable for the Blue Devils. CB Lee Butler is expected to return after missing last Saturday’s game. Of note, senior RB Re’quan Boyette was not listed on the injury report for the first time this season.

Carolina has been hit with injuries throughout the season; depth will be a concern for both teams at several key positions.

Trends and numbers

For the first time in a long time, both Duke and Carolina enter this game with winning records of 5-3. At 3-1, Duke controls its own destiny in the ACC Coastal Division and can set up a first-place showdown with Georgia Tech with a win in Chapel Hill.

UNC has won 18 out of 19 in the series. Duke’s last win was in 2003.

UNC defeated Duke 28-20 in Wallace Wade Stadium last season, capping off David Cutcliffe’s first year at Duke with a 4-8 record. The Tar Heels went on to lose to West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

Thad Lewis has thrown for over 300 yards in 4 straight games. Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon have both had 2 consecutive 100-yard receiving games.

The Blue Devils have scored first in their last 6 games, including four scores on their opening drives. A fast start in a hostile road environment will be important for the Blue Devil offense.

Closing Thoughts

The greatest rivalry in sports takes to the gridiron this Saturday in Chapel Hill. For the second straight week, the Blue Devils’ high-flying passing attack will face a stiff test in the Tar Heel defense. Last week, the Blue Devils were able to find the end zone when it mattered, and will have to do the same against a terrific Carolina pass rush. The Blue Devil defense will have to continue to make big plays, keeping the ball out of the hands of the Tar Heel playmakers, by limiting the running lanes for Draughn, Houston, and Little. If you can’t make it to Chapel Hill this weekend, be sure to catch all 4 quarters on ESPNU, as this latest matchup in the classic rivalry is likely to go down to the wire.

Duke Football

BDN Audio – Standout freshman wideout Conner Vernon opens up to the media

Duke freshman Conner Vernon is having a heck of rookie season
Duke freshman Conner Vernon is having a heck of rookie season

Durham, N.C. - It's not that often that a freshman can step on the football field and produce record numbers in their first season.  Conner Vernon is an exception.  Coming off another great performance against Virginia where he caught a key touchdown pass, Vernon addressed the media for the first time this season during Duke's weekly press conference.

Vernon leads the ACC in catches and is third in yards per game, but let's not forget that he is third in the league in touchdown receptions as well.  There is more - Conner is the second leading reciever in the NCAA among freshman in both receptions and yards per game.  Want more?  Vernon already has the most receptions of any Duke freshman in history, he's 16 yards away from passing Walter Jones [ex New England Patriot] and his 128 yard game versus Virginia Tech is the fourth most yards of any true freshman.

Vernon talked of how he ended up at Duke, the upcoming UNC game and handling expectations just an hour ago and you can hear his comments for yourself thanks to BDN Audio.  It's worth noting that Cutcliffe said he has never coached a freshman that put up these kind of numbers and said Vernon could well make some All ACC teams based on performance.  Enjoy the chat -

Duke Football

It’s time to believe! Devils defeat UVA 28-17 for their third consecutive ACC win

Devils celebrate their 28-17 win over Virginia on Saturday
Devils celebrate their 28-17 win over Virginia on Saturday

The Duke Blue Devils won their third consecutive ACC game by beating Virginia in Charlottesville 28-17 on Saturday.   Maybe it's time to start believing in this team for a quick look at the standings shows that the Blue Devils are in sole possession of second place in the ACC's Coastal Division.

Coach Cutcliffe and his staff continue to surprise the college football world in just their second year in Durham and a change in culture is happening in more ways than one..  Duke and Virginia went toe to toe for most of the game, but a consistent and resilient game plan allowed Duke to push their record to 3-1 in the ACC and 5-3 overall.

Thaddeus Lewis made big plays when it counted and was cool under pressure while Nick Snyderwine connected on 5 of 5 field goals, showing what it means to have consistency in the kicking game.  Plenty of other Devils helped as well and we'll continue coverage on this key win mid afternoon.  Until then, check out the links page.

Duke Football

Duke defeats Virginia 28-17

DukeDuke utilized a clutch fourth quarter performance to defeat Virginia 28-17, on the road, in Charlottesville, to improve to 5-3 (3-1 ACC) on the season. The victory was the third straight conference victory for the Blue Devils. Duke scored the games final 16 points to comeback from a 17-12 deficit.

Duke dominated first quarter action by limiting the Cavaliers to 1 yard total offense. However, Virginia's defense bent but didn't break by limiting Duke to two field goals. Will Snyderwine kicked a third field goal five seconds into the second quarter to expand Duke's lead to 9-0.

Virginia managed a field goal in the second quarter and then took the second half kickoff and marched 66 yards in eight plays for a touchdown and a 10-9 lead. There were no additional points scored in the third quarter.

After three low scoring quarters, the two teams exploded for 26 points in the final stanza with Duke outscoring Virginia 19-7 for the victory. Thaddeus Lewis threw a 42 yard touchdown pass to Conner Vernon and Charlie Hatcher returned a Jameel Sewell fumble seven yards for another score. The fumble was forced by defensive lineman Ayanga Okpokowuruk. Will Snyderwine added his fourth and fifth field goals of the game.

Thaddeus Lewis completed 24-40 passes for 343 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Lewis has now thrown for 9,050 yards in his career and has passed Spence Fisher to move into second place all time behind Ben Bennett.

Donovan Varner (113 yards) and Conner Vernon (103 yards) each had seven receptions to pace seven Duke receivers. Varner and Vernon both recorded over 100 yards receiving for the second consecutive game.

On the defensive side of the ball, Leon Wright recorded his fourth interception of the season, while Vincent Rey led the team with 10 tackles. Jeremy Ringfield and Vince Oghobaase each recorded a sack.

Duke Football

Victories bring out the fanbase

History shows that when Duke Football wins, fans will start to turn out.
History shows that when Duke Football wins, fans will start to turn out.

Durham, N.C. - Many old timers will tell you that when Duke has won a few games in the past fans come out of the woodwork.  Unfortunately for Duke, a good crowd dwindled as the rain periodically soaked Wallace Wade Stadium this past Saturday.

Putting fans in the seats in Durham has been no easy task, but it is true that victories seem to cure all ills.  Duke stands 4-3 going into Charlottesville where they'll face a Virginia team hell bent on revenge after being held to a field goal last season.

But if the Blue Devils can pull out a third consecutive ACC victory, fans will not only turn out when Georgia Tech comes to town, but they'll travel to Chapel Hill in force for a game with their rival.

Duke Coach David Cutcliffe will not allow his team to look ahead and he's stated what many of us know in that Duke cannot afford to look past anybody.  Still, you can bet that his mind may well drift thinking of what could be if Duke continues it's ascend back into the college football world.

One cannot help but wonder what it would be like to see a solid sea of royal blue in Wade and if the wins keep coming, you will see just that.

Fan Quote of the Week - "Duke is not only winning football games, but they are exciting to watch."  Now, when is the last time you heard anything like that being whispered around Duke Football?