Defense
Duke returns 5 starters on defense. Gone are DE Victor Dimukeje & DE Chris Rumph II who were both selected in this yearās draft & accounted for 4 of the 5 sacks last year against Charlotte. Only Ben Frye who started 9 games at DT last year returns on the defensive front so Duke will be looking for guys to step up. Frye has moved to DE this year from DT. Gary Smith (6ā2, 320), one of the projected starters at DT, has been nursing an injury and his status for the game this week is unknown. Duke returns at least 4 guys that have starting experience in the secondary. They play the same 4-2-5 defense that we do.
Offense
Five Starters are returning for Duke on offence. Gunner Holmberg is the projected starter at QB for Duke after Chase Brice transferred to App. He saw some action in the game against Charlotte last year and threw the lone interception by Duke. Their skill positions all seem to be experienced. Their top two WRs (BoBo & Calhoun) return from last year. Although he was not last yearās starter, Mateo Durant returns in the backfield as the leading rusher from last year. The Duke OL returns three starters up front as well as Jack Wohlabaugh who was the starter at C last year before he suffered a season ending injury. This would leave anyone to believe that we will get a heavy dose of the run game. If I were the coaches I might load the box and force Gunner to beat us since he is unproven.
Special Teams
The kicker, punter and long snapper from last year all return
Right now the weather is shaping up to be rather nice. No rain, the sun sets at 7:47 after reaching a predicted high of between 84-86. Hope the humidity drops too and weāll have a delightful evening to exact revenge on an unsuspecting opponent.
The silver lining in last years loss is maybe Duke will overlook us this year? Last year was a throwaway anyways with COVID, so Iād rather pull the upset this season at home anyways. I am hoping all of the transfers this year can outweigh what we lost last year for a net positive, plus better practices and preparedness with another COVID season. And a healthy Chris Reynolds + improved OL.
On the pessimistic side, I wouldnāt be surprised if Cutcliffeās record for season openers and after byes is better than his normal winning % (completely 0 research in this).
Molly Cotton always taking her snide shots at Charlotte. Just go move to Boone and work full time for your alma mater you donāt have a voice for radio anyway.
As much as I hate to admit it, I think this is more a result of Dukeās ābrandā than any thought that weāre better than we expect.
After years and years of being subpar at best, a lot of bettors see Duke as a favorite on the road and they bet against. It doesnāt matter who the opponent is.
Iāve made a years worth of tuition betting on Niner basketball and a little bit off football. We are so predictable itās comical. Vegas doesnāt really know g5 sports that well. Ready to see us change though
