We Have No One to Blame But Ourselves: Duke Falls to Boston College in Home Opener

Sep 19, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach David Cutcliffe reacts after his team was called for a penalty as they play the Boston College Eagles in the second quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

After playing 10th ranked Notre Dame tough just a week ago, the Blue Devils expected week-one to week-two improvement would lead them to victory in their home opener. Unfortunately, the opposite happened as costly turnovers and a well prepared Boston College team defeated Duke 26-6.

Both teams were neck and neck at halftime – with Boston College nursing just a one-point lead (7-6) at the break, but Duke’s inability to put points on the board due to costly turnovers, coupled with the Eagles scoring 16 points on three of their four 3rd quarter possessions, proved to be enough to put the Blue Devils away for good.

Sep 19, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Deon Jackson (4) rushes for a first down against the Boston College Eagles in the first half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

After the game Duke acknowledged that a lot of their wounds were self-inflicted.

“As an offense I thought we did good today moving the ball,” Duke quarterback Chase Brice said. “We pushed the ball. We were throwing and catching and got down to the red and just didn’t finish – turning the ball over in key situations where we need points. A lot of it was self-inflicted. We have to be better.”

“They did a better job in the second half,” Duke defensive end Victor Dimukeje told reporters. “We just have to prepare better next time. They made the plays that they had to make. We made some mistakes in the second half and we can’t blame anyone but ourselves.”

Sep 19, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive back Deon Jones (5) forces Duke Blue Devils quarterback Chase Brice (8) to fumble as Boston College Eagles defensive back Mike Palmer helps to make the tackle in the third quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Boston College Eagles won 26-6. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

After the loss, Coach Cutcliffe, who has taken over play-calling duties this season, took full responsibility for the loss.

“When you don’t start fast and then you have a five turnover game. You don’t come close to matching explosive plays. You have a couple of pretty bad penalties early and then turn it over at the most inopportune times; When you do that, you’re going to lose football games. I take full responsibility. Turnovers and the way our team played has got to fall on the head coach.”

Duke travels to Charlottesville next weekend to take on Virginia in Scott Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start and will be broadcast by the ACC Network.

Sep 19, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Boston College Eagles running back Travis Levy (23) holds onto the football as he is tackled by Duke Blue Devils safety Jaylen Stinson (16) and Duke Blue Devils safety Da’Quan Johnson (17) in the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Game Notes:

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