ACC Preview (Duke)

Duke – Last Year: (0-12, 0-8), Returning Starters: 16 (11 off., 5 def.)

Duke won four games in 2003, two in 2004, one in 2005, and none in 2006. In 2006, Duke scored less than 15 points per game, and gave up over 33. The do return all eleven starters from an offense that was last in the league in scoring, tenth in rushing, and eleventh in total offense. Duke was fifth in passing offense last year, which was good for Duke.

Offense: Duke’s lone bright spot offensively last year was Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. Although he completed only 53 percent of his passes, and threw 16 interceptions as opposed to just 11 touchdowns, it was clear that he has talent. Duke returns its top five rushers, who rushed for over 1100 (4.06 ypc.) yards and nine touchdowns. The Devils also return just about everyone who caught a pass last year, as well as all five offensive linemen. That said, they were so bad last year, they will still be bad this year.

Defense: Duke was last in the conference in scoring, pass, and total defense, and second to last in rush defense. They lose six starters from that defense, but they will have a difficulty getting worse, although the pass defense will likely be worse. Duke’s best player a year ago was CB John Talley, and now that he is gone, Duke is unlikely to have any strength on defense.

Special Teams: Duke does return kicker Joe Surgan and punter Kevin Jones. Unfortunately, Joe Surgan was 3-10 on Field Goals last year. Return man Jabari Marshall did average 25.1 yards on kick returns, which is good.

Conclusion: Duke was bad last year, and they are going to be bad this year. Two years ago, Wake Forest in the cellar of the Atlantic, but last year the rose to the top. Duke is not going to do that.

S 1st Connecticut L
S 8th at Virginia L
S 15th at Northwestern L
S 22nd at Navy L
S 29th at Miami L
O 6th Wake Forest L
O 13th Virginia Tech L
O 27th at Florida State L
N 3rd Clemson L
N 10th Georgia Tech L
N 17th at Notre Dame L
N 24th at North Carolina L