You never want to overlook an opponent, and certainly Coach Cutcliffe and the Duke Blue Devils are heading into their home-opener versus North Carolina A&T with one thing on their mind – WIN.
Being disciplined and not making mental mistakes is where it starts for Duke. On the offensive side of the ball Duke did the necessary things to win against the 49ers. The identity of the Blue Devils is to feed Maxwell award finalist and week-one ACC Player of the week Mataeo Durant.
Feed the Beast
Last week Mataeo Durant ran for a school record 255 rushing yards with three touchdowns – two of which were over 50 yards. If this is any indication on the game plan for Friday night, we can expect Duke to go to Durant early and often.
The Blue Devils, who led the country in turnovers a season ago, only had one turnover versus the 49ers, but it was a costly one – causing the Blue Devils to play from behind and changing the momentum of the game. First year starter Gunnar Holmberg was forced to throw into cover 3’s and zone coverage late in the fourth quarter.
What we can expect from the Aggies?
Expect the Aggies to stack the box with seven defenders as UNC Charlotte did quite often – forcing Duke to air it out. Obviously stacking the box didn’t stop Mataeo from rushing for a school record 255 yards, but it did at times cause change of possessions where the Duke secondary was exposed all night long during three receiver sets.
The Aggies starting quarterback, Jalen Fowler, has the ability to scramble outside of the pocket – something Duke struggled with last Friday with Chase Reynolds extending 3rd down conversions. Speedsters Ron Hunt, Korey Banks and Sterling Berkhalter, who coach Cutcliffe identified as “special,” can cause problems for Duke’s secondary if the Blue-Devils don’t make it an emphasis to tackle with technique.
The Game will be Won on Defense
It’s no secret that Duke’s defense needs to make a statement, regardless of who’s on the opposite side of the ball. Nine quarterback hurries and one sack against UNCC won’t get the job done against A&T’s Jalen Fowler. Consistent pressure from up front will help the secondary contain the receiving core of the Aggies. Friday will require an all-around effort from the entire defense. One team. One sound.
On paper Duke should win this game, but that’s exactly why we play the game. Never underestimate your opponent. Both teams are looking for their first win of the season. The home opener is designed to unite both communities in the Bull-City.
Catch the action live from Wallace Wade stadium Friday night 8 p.m.
How to Follow
Television: ACCN
On-Air Time: 8:00 p.m.
Announcers: Matt Barrie (play-by-play), Eric Mac Lain (color analyst), and Bridget Condon (sideline)
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Satellite Radio:
Sirius: Channel 84
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Internet: Channel 84
Announcers:David Shumate (play-by-play); Dave Harding (color analyst); John Roth (sideline reporter); Cabell Philpott (studio updates)
Streaming Apps:
The Varsity (Blue Devil Sports Network from LEARFIELD)
Announcers:David Shumate (play-by-play); Dave Harding (color analyst); John Roth (sideline reporter); Cabell Philpott (studio updates)
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