First year starter Gunnar Holmberg and Duke avoid looking ahead to the Tobacco road rivalry battle of the blues, with a victory over Kansas – there second straight win over a power five conference opponent 52-33.
The Blue Devils were led by Holmberg, who rushed for 4 touch downs, which included 17 rushes for 88 yards. He also showed cohesion with his receiving core – completing 22-29 passes for 328 yards The Blue Devils were led by Holmberg, who rushed for 4 touch downs, which included 17 rushes for 88 yards. He also showed cohesion with his receiving core. – completing 22-29 passes for 328 yards to over 5 different receivers,
The game-changing moment in the first quarter came when Holmberg led his receiver to an outside hitch route, back shoulder, but before the receiver could turn around, Jayhawks defensive back Ra’mello Dotson jumped the route – timing it perfectly and intercepting the ball. Holmberg could have completely given up on the play, but chased down Dotson – tackling him inside the 20 yard line. Fou plays later the defense forced a missed field goal. Plays like that rejuvenate an entire team – revealing no quit and finishing plays until the whistle.
What We Learned?
Duke’s secondary is still a concern. Trevor Wilson, who was lined up one on one with the Blue Devils’ Jeremiah Lewis and Josh Blackwell, won several of his matchups on deep balls, something Cutcliffe eluded to after the game. Those big plays are something he said he wanted to focus on this upcoming week in practice, with UNC looming Saturday at Kenan stadium. The Tar Heels have several receivers who will be a point of emphasis for Duke.
Mataeo Durant opened up the game with a 57 yard Touchdown run and finished with 124 yards on 21 attempts. The Jayhawks continued stacking the box, sending delayed cornerback blitzes to counter the halfback draws and stretch plays designed for Mataeo which are designated to get him out in open space utilizing his speed.
Notable Achievement
Jake Bobo, who is Holmberg’s number 1 receiving threat, became the 39th Blue Devil all-time to reach the 1,000 yard receiving landmark.
Some thought the Blue Devils may be overlooking the Jayhawks due to their previously 122nd ranked run defense out of 130 FBS schools. Stats are just numbers on paper, and at the end of the day, you have to put your jersey on like the next man. Duke did what they were suppose to, which was protect their home field and remain undefeated on the season at Wallace Wade before entering conference play.
Up next for Duke is the Battle of the Blues – 8 miles down Tobacco road at a desperate UNC team who lost pretty handily to the hands of Georgia Tech.