Duke Blue Devils: ACC Coastal preview
Duke hasn't been as good since QB Daniel Jones declared for the draft. They finished 2-9 last year as head coach David Cuteliffe embarks on his 14th year with the Blue Devils.
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The offense stalled from so many turnovers and constant mistakes. QB Gunnar Holmberg takes over from Chase Brice, who moved on to Appalachian State. Duke's passing game averaged 11 yards per reception when TE Noah Grant and RB Dean Jackson left the program. Duke was the worst in the NCAA in sacks allowed in 2020 as well.
On defense, the Blue Devils allowed 445 yards and 38 points per game. At least the pass-rushers found some success and the defense was able to get their own turnovers. The LBs were very young and green last year and the DL lost three out of four starters. Duke just doesn't seem ready to rise through the ranks in the ACC Coastal.
2021-2022 ACC Coastal preview: Duke Blue Devils
Duke's strengths: The linebackers were very green last season, but there should be maturity in the group now. Shaka Heyward led the team with 80 tackles in 2020. Dorian Mausai is a tall pass rusher for the 4-2-5 scheme. One of these two could have breakout seasons.
Duke's weakness: The defensive line lost three of their four starters. Den Frye will be moved down to DE with Notre Dame transfer Ja'Mion Franklin bringing bulk back to the DL. The Blue Devils mustered just 2.82 sacks per game last year.
Duke Blue Devils Key Players: Offense
RB: Mataeo Durant - He's a small, elusive RB who helped pump life into the offense last year. Durant has four 100-yard games in his last seven. He won't be able to handle the full workload but averaged 6.8 yards per carry with a team-high 817 yards.
QB: Gunnar Holmberg - Holmberg takes over the offense in 2021 and will have to work on his tendency to throw games away with turnovers. He's got decent size, a decent arm, and can play out of the pocket at times. If he just doesn't throw picks, this offense will be way better.
Duke Blue Devils Key Players: Defense
LB: Shaka Heyward - Shaka Heyward is undersized at 6'4'', 220 pounds but has mobility. He led the team with 80 tackles along with three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. You can't rely on his pass coverage skills but he can aid up front.
S: J'Marick Woods - Woods is a 6'3'' grad student from Michigan who should take over the starting role. He had 22 tackles and has the ideal size to be productive.
2021-2022 Duke Blue Devils ACC schedule
Week 1: Friday, September 3, at Charlotte
Week 2: Friday, September 10, vs NC A&T
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Northwestern
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Kansas
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at UNC
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs Georgia Tech
Week 7: Saturday, October 16, at Virginia
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at Wake Forest
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, vs Pittsburgh
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Virginia Tech
Week 11: Thursday, November 18, vs Louisville
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs Miami
2021-2022 Duke Blue Devils ACC prediction (3-9, 0-8 ACC)
Duke will score three non-conference wins early in the season but will struggle in ACC matches. They could cause some trouble for the likes of UNC and Kansas. It's a step in the right direction for this program, but there's still a long way to go.
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