Wake Forest @ Duke

[Bob Green]

Duke hosts WF this coming Saturday and looks to end a 24-game ACC losing streak. After beating Northwestern to snap the nation's longest D-1 losing streak at 22 games, Duke has been very competitive in two close losses (at Navy and at Miami). A quick look at statistics indicates that the contest may come down to which team does a better job against the opponents strength. Duke will look to pass the ball to score, while Wake Forest will run a more balanced attack. The table below illustrates yards per game and ranking amongst the 119 D-1 teams:

Duke WF
Total O 303 (106/119) 338.5 (89/119)
Rush O 60.2 (116/119) 145 (66/119)
Pass O 242.8 (48/119) 193.5 (92/119)
Total D 457.4 (104/119) 351.5 (50/119)
Rush D 189.8 (93/119) 115 (33/119)
Pass D 267.6 (97/119) 236.5 (71/119)

In order to secure the victory, Duke's defense is going to have to stop Wake Forest's offense. WF will probably try to pound out yardage on the ground in order to win "time of possession" and keep the ball out of Thad Lewis' hands. When we have possession, Thad & Company must eliminate turnovers and score points.

Prediction: Duke 31 - Wake Forest 28 (Yes, I am predicting Duke wins by a Field Goal!)

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Beat Wake!

[4decadedukie]

Bob,

I certainly hope you are right and that Duke prevails. Further, I believe this is a key game -- one we can win and one that we need to win to ensure team/fan attitude remains intensely focused for the remainder of the season.

I will make no prediction re the margin of victory, but I will suggest that our KICKING GAME is likely -- once again – to be decisive.

[devildeac]

Duke hosts WF this coming Saturday and looks to end a 24-game ACC losing streak. After beating Northwestern to snap the nation's longest D-1 losing streak at 22 games, Duke has been very competitive in two close losses (at Navy and at Miami). A quick look at statistics indicates that the contest may come down to which team does a better job against the opponents strength. Duke will look to pass the ball to score, while Wake Forest will run a more balanced attack. The table below illustrates yards per game and ranking amongst the 119 D-1 teams:

Duke WF
Total O 303 (106/119) 338.5 (89/119)
Rush O 60.2 (116/119) 145 (66/119)
Pass O 242.8 (48/119) 193.5 (92/119)
Total D 457.4 (104/119) 351.5 (50/119)
Rush D 189.8 (93/119) 115 (33/119)
Pass D 267.6 (97/119) 236.5 (71/119)

In order to secure the victory, Duke's defense is going to have to stop Wake Forest's offense. WF will probably try to pound out yardage on the ground in order to win "time of possession" and keep the ball out of Thad Lewis' hands. When we have possession, Thad & Company must eliminate turnovers and score points.

Prediction: Duke 31 - Wake Forest 28 (Yes, I am predicting Duke wins by a Field Goal!)

I hope you are right Bob. Ozzie, Duketaylor(and family) and I will be there eating Q and consuming a few, but not too many adult beverages and cheering loudly to break the streak(no, not that kind of streak, Ozzie!). If we win by a FG, my biggest fear is that it will be 1FG in 3 or 4 FG attempts for a win. Go Devils!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

If we win by a FG, my biggest fear is that it will be 1FG in 3 or 4 FG attempts for a win. Go Devils!

If we win by the predicted 31 - 28 score, we could have 5 touchdowns and only one xpoint conversion. Just kidding!

[Bluedawg]

I read somewhere, don't recall where so i can't link, that the players are looking forward to showing the home crowd how much they have grown as a team.

I hope they can and I'm calling for a big old DUBYA! on Saturday.

[6th Man]

I read the same quote from a player stating that they are very anxious to show the home crowd how much they have improved since UCONN. I thought that was a very cool statement. I am stoked for the game tomorrow. This is a HUGE game for the program. We have been knocking on the door the last few and have a crack at the defending ACC champs. The players know they can play with them as they should have won last year. I'm ready for kick-off!!!!! Let's all show up and support these guys and come home with a W!

[TillyGalore]

I'll be there cheering my heart out!!

Let's go Duke!!!!!!

[devildeac]

I'll be there cheering my heart out!!

Let's go Duke!!!!!!

Tilly-if you get this message before gametime come visit Ozzie and me at about the 42 yard line about 1/2 way up in the 'ID' section. I promise we will NOT have Earljam with us

[Stray Gator]

I can't be there, because we're getting ready to leave New Orleans en route to Baton Rouge for a little tiff between the Gators and LooserAnna State this evening. But we'll be listening to Bob Harris on XM and cheering loud for a Blue Devil victory. Dump the Deacs! (And Go Gators!)

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Erron Riley is a MAN. 60-some yard TD pass from Lewis to Riley. Single coverage, Riley just went up and got it.

9-0 DUKE

Game's on ACCselect.com for $5 for those interested.

[wilson]

Normally I follow the boys via GameChannel on Yahoo! or ESPN GameCast, but neither seems to be available today. Anybody know what gives and/or where I can follow the game? (FWIW, I can't seem to get much from GoDuke.com either)

[gep]

I use Yahoo Sports for Bob Harris... go to the scoreboard, the click on the audio link. But, audio may be a bit delayed...

[4decadedukie]

I'm listening via the Internet; here's the URL:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/242/popup/index.php?rn=193177&ch=193369&cl=4097363

[YmoBeThere]

Just started listening, seems to be going okay so far.

[YmoBeThere]

Scoreboard shows Carolina leading Miami 27-0...Miami isn't carrying their weight in the conference.

[YmoBeThere]

Normally I follow the boys via GameChannel on Yahoo! or ESPN GameCast, but neither seems to be available today. Anybody know what gives and/or where I can follow the game? (FWIW, I can't seem to get much from GoDuke.com either)

I'm getting nothing either...other than the radio broadcast. Perhaps a server issue somewhere?

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Game's on ACCselect.com for $5 for those interested.

I think it's the Duke radio broadcast + the feed you would see on the screen at Wallace Wade. I kind of prefer to it all the nonsense you get when you watch a game on ESPN or whatever.

9-7 now.

[JasonEvans]

The 2nd half will be interesting. Roof does not exactly have a reputation as a guy who makes great half-time adjustments. Lets see how he does this time.

Eron Riley is sick!! Nothing but loooong TDs for that kid.

--Jason "C'mon Duke!!" Evans

[YmoBeThere]

Does anyone know how we scored...looks like a touchdown by Riley, but did we get a field goal also with a missed PAT or perhaps a safety?