Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Name: Duke University
Mascot: Blue Devils
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Home Stadium: Wallace Wade Stadium (Capacity: 33,941)
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference(ACC)
Athletic Director: Kevin White
Head Coach: David Cutcliffe
Time Capsule
For the first time since 1989, Duke had a football team playing for a conference title. The Blue Devils, a program that has spent most of the last 25 years as the worst program in the FBS, won the ACC Coastal Division. Head Coach David Cutcliffe took a team that was short on talent, and managed to get them to Charlotte. Led by quarterbacks Brandon Connette and Anthony Boone, the Devils won some early season shootouts. What was originally a feel-good story became a serious matter once Duke upset Virginia Tech, and Miami. Duke finished the season with losses to FSU and Texas A&M, but that didn't ruin what was a historic season.
What To Expect This Season
Offense
Under David Cutcliffe, the Blue Devils have been a well coached, fundamentally sound offensive unit. This season, Anthony Boone will be the man responsible for managing this offense. Boone, a player who split playing time with Brandon Connette last season, is an inconsistent passer. He had a 1:1 touchdown to interception ratio last season and struggled against talented defenses. Cutcliffe has a great resume when it comes to quarterbacks, with both Eli and Peyton Manning blossoming under his tutelage. Boone doesn't have the talent of those two, but has shown signs of improvement this season, albeit against weak competition. Cutcliffe's teams tend to be balanced and Shaun Wilson has emerged as the leader at running back. Wilson, a true freshman has looked impressive, racking up 245 yards against Kansas. Over the previous 5 years, Duke has produced some talented receivers. From Conner Vernon, to Donovan Varner, the 'Devils have featured quick receivers who specialized in explosive plays. Jamison Crowder looks to be the next in that line. Crowder has been solid so far this year, averaging 13.5 yards per catch. Max McCaffrey looks just like his father, former NFL receiver Ed, and plays like him too. He's not as quick as Crowder, but he's a dependable receiver who runs excellent routes. Tight End Braxton Deaver doesn't see as many targets as the receivers, but he does take advantage when he does receive the ball, averaging over 13 yards per reception last season.
Last season, Duke had 4 returning starters on the offensive line. This season, Duke only returns 3 starters, but they return a ton of experience, and have a stud in Laken Tomlinson.
Defense
Even though Duke has opened the season with 4 creampuffs, the defense looks to be mightily improved from last season. The defensive line lost their top 2 from last season, but has been solid this season with nose guard Jamal Bruce leading the way. While the D-Line lacks experience, the linebacker corps returns completely intact. The unit, led by Kelby Brown is the best linebacker unit Duke has fielded in the last 20 years, and is very good at stopping the run. David Helton was the ACC's leading tackler last season with 133. Last season, the secondary entered the season with some major questions. There's just as many questions this year, with some key losses. Devon Edwards, and Jeremy Cash are the best in this group, with Edwards being a future NFL player. This unit may struggle to stop the pass once again.
Special Teams
Duke is loaded in the kicking game. Their punter/kicker combo is the best in the ACC, and it's not close. Ross Martin has a powerful leg, connecting on a 52 yard field goal last season. He's also accurate, he went 20/23 last year. Will Monday was the All-ACC punter last season, averaging 44.6 yards per punt last season. The return units are led by Jamison Crowder, who scored twice on returns last season.
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