FB: Duke vs. NCCU (Sat. Sept 3, 6 pm, ESPN3)

[CameronBornAndBred]

I will be in town and attending the NCCU game (first game in 30 years) and bringing my son (the young colt) who is AAD (also a Daniel).

Would love to run into other DBR members; kindly tatoo your names on your foreheads so you are easily recognizable

Larry
DevilHorse

We won't be tattooed, but we do have a sign. Several familiar names will be eating from five turkeys we are smoking on our grill (before we smoke Eagles on the field) under our tent on Blue Devil Alley. Devil With The Blue Dress has a tent too, easy to find since it's the first one.

2016Sign.jpg

[AustinDevil]

FWIW, NCCU is a strong FCS program, coming off two straight conference championships. They have 13 starters back (one more than Duke) off an 8-3 team. They return third team All_MEAC QB Malcolm Bell and first-team All-MEAC running back Dorrell McClain. NCCU was picked third in the 2016 MEAC preseason poll.

NCCU is a strong MEAC program. They are in no way a strong FCS program, nor is the MEAC a strong FCS conference. Richmond, the other FCS program mentioned in this thread, is vastly superior to NCCU as a program (2009 national champion, two other FCS semifinal appearances, and double-digit FCS playoff appearances). Neither NCCU MEAC co-champion team made the playoffs, and that's even with the FCS playoffs recently expanded to 24 teams.

[Olympic Fan]

NCCU is a strong MEAC program. They are in no way a strong FCS program, nor is the MEAC a strong FCS conference. Richmond, the other FCS program mentioned in this thread, is vastly superior to NCCU as a program (2009 national champion, two other FCS semifinal appearances, and double-digit FCS playoff appearances). Neither NCCU MEAC co-champion team made the playoffs, and that's even with the FCS playoffs recently expanded to 24 teams.

While you are right that the MEAC is not one of the stronger FCS conferences, you are wrong about the MEAC champs and the playoffs. The league signed a 6-year deal with the SWAC last year that pits the champions of the two historically black conferences in a postseason bowl game ... instead of participating in the FCS playoffs (turns out the bowl deal and the TV contract that came with it is much more lucrative than the playoffs). But the MEAC has participated in the FCS previously almost every year ... and has even won some games.

[Troublemaker]

FYI, at one of the sportsbooks I look at, Duke has opened as 33.5-pt favorites.

I wonder if Cut will do something like give Jones the 1st half and Boehme the second half. (Note: I only follow college football casually, so that idea may be dumb for any number of reasons, haha.)

[sagegrouse]

FYI, at one of the sportsbooks I look at, Duke has opened as 33.5-pt favorites.

I wonder if Cut will do something like give Jones the 1st half and Boehme the second half. (Note: I only follow college football casually, so that idea may be dumb for any number of reasons, haha.)

Not dumb, although both may play in the first half. If Duke is cruising, I expect both QB's to play. And if Duke is having some troubles, Parker Boehme will certainly be sent in the game.

[AustinDevil]

While you are right that the MEAC is not one of the stronger FCS conferences, you are wrong about the MEAC champs and the playoffs. The league signed a 6-year deal with the SWAC last year that pits the champions of the two historically black conferences in a postseason bowl game ... instead of participating in the FCS playoffs (turns out the bowl deal and the TV contract that came with it is much more lucrative than the playoffs). But the MEAC has participated in the FCS previously almost every year ... and has even won some games.

Sorry, no, that is irrelevant data. NC A&T represented the MEAC in last year's Celebration Bowl. Both other MEAC co-champions, NCCU and Bethune-Cookman, were eligible for the FCS playoffs. Neither was selected. That the MEAC as a conference has managed not to lose every single playoff game in which it has participated--this is not a strong argument for the MEAC, nor for NCCU. Speaking of NCCU, by the way, as that was our original topic: how many times has NCCU represented the MEAC in the playoffs, and how many times has NCCU won a game?

[OldPhiKap]

FYI, at one of the sportsbooks I look at, Duke has opened as 33.5-pt favorites.

I wonder if Cut will do something like give Jones the 1st half and Boehme the second half. (Note: I only follow college football casually, so that idea may be dumb for any number of reasons, haha.)

Fair question. I would expect Cut to plan a series or two for Parker, at minimum. Both need to get some game snaps, and some game-speed film.

[Avvocato]

Not dumb, although both may play in the first half. If Duke is cruising, I expect both QB's to play. And if Duke is having some troubles, Parker Boehme will certainly be sent in the game.

I actually think that now that Cut has made his pick for starter, he needs to ride Jones a little, even if he is struggling. Cut obviously won't risk losing the game if Jones is playing that poorly, but otherwise, I think you have to support the kid, let him play and grow. If you start yanking him too quickly (for poor play), you can interfere with his progress. I do believe that Cut will give Boehme some series, but that's different than a quick hook. Of course, whatever I said, expect the opposite. Can't believe we are days away. As the great referee, Mills Lane, would say, "Let's Get It On!"

[Bob Green]

Here is a link to the full game notes at GoDuke.com:

http://www1.nmnathletics.com/fls/420...647.1432670323

The 2-Deep Depth Chart is on page 14.

[devildeac]

Forecast for Saturday now high of 79, low of 60 with a 10% chance of rain. After sunset, I might need a jacket (with lots of pockets) to wear over my cargo kilt (with my over-sized leggings) .

[OldPhiKap]

Forecast for Saturday now high of 79, low of 60 with a 10% chance of rain. After sunset, I might need a jacket (with lots of pockets) to wear over my cargo kilt (with my over-sized leggings) .

I normally ask folks to post pictures. I am hereby exempting you!

[DukeSean]

I was surprised at Dominic McDonald and Joe Giles-Harris being listed as starters. Does that mean Bere will mainly backup at MLB? Bere played a bunch last year and at times was very good, especially against the run. I'm more surprised at Dominic McDonald starting. I have heard no buzz about him at all. Thoughts?

I am more surprised at McDonald. JGH is a player. But I get the feeling McDonald is a guy that his been around and played sparingly for a couple of reasons (injury, not that good, position change) that Coach Cut wants to give an opportunity to start in his last season at Duke. I do not expect him to contribute much this season.

[budwom]

I am more surprised at McDonald. JGH is a player. But I get the feeling McDonald is a guy that his been around and played sparingly for a couple of reasons (injury, not that good, position change) that Coach Cut wants to give an opportunity to start in his last season at Duke. I do not expect him to contribute much this season.

I'll admit I has written him off by last year...but right now, I don't think I'd subscribe to the theory that his starting has anything to do with a last opportunity, I'm assuming he's done well in practice this Fall...there are
a lot of young guys at DE...it'll be interesting to see if McDonald keeps the job...hopefully he and some of the other guys prosper...we have a lot of good, young prospects at that position

[devildeac]

I normally ask folks to post pictures. I am hereby exempting you!

You are a kind (and wise [guy]) soul.

But, just in case anyone's interested:

chicken-legs.jpg

[SupaDave]

Sorry, no, that is irrelevant data. NC A&T represented the MEAC in last year's Celebration Bowl. Both other MEAC co-champions, NCCU and Bethune-Cookman, were eligible for the FCS playoffs. Neither was selected. That the MEAC as a conference has managed not to lose every single playoff game in which it has participated--this is not a strong argument for the MEAC, nor for NCCU. Speaking of NCCU, by the way, as that was our original topic: how many times has NCCU represented the MEAC in the playoffs, and how many times has NCCU won a game?

NC A&T ended last season ranked and begins this season as a ranked FCS team. In the past couple years, A&T has beat Elon (3 wins in a row), App State (in Boone), and suffered a crushing one point loss in 2014 to Coastal Carolina that went on to lose to perennial FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in the FCS playoffs. NC A&T scored more points on UNC last year than half of their opponents. Coming of a HBCU national championship, A&T is arguably a better team this year with more than a few draft picks and has upped the ante with scheduling with big games against Tulsa and Kent State on the non-conference schedule.

Don't sleep on the FCS teams (that Richmond team that beat Duke in 2009 went to the FCS Semifinals and lost to App State (with Armanti Edwards) who lost to Montana who lost to eventual champion Villanova). It could be argued that North Dakota State might easily handle Duke (4 championships in a row). We all know what happened to Michigan when App St was running the FCS...

Ironically due to Duke's inclusion of NCCU on the schedule since it became FCS eligible (remember that this is a program that was D-II just less than ten years ago), NCCU is right on the Aggies tails after having shared MEAC championships the last two years. That stands to change as this year the Aggies hope to win out and return the national championship game b/c as mentioned before - it's much more lucrative to go to than the FCS playoffs where a MEAC team is usually pitted against a powerhouse like Montana, Furman, Georgia Southern, Youngstown State or N. Dakota State - teams with long winning histories at that level (especially once Marshall stepped up to D-1).

Should be easily a win but NCCU is more talented than you think. Size is always the problem but they won't be scared.

[OldPhiKap]

You are a kind (and wise [guy]) soul.

But, just in case anyone's interested:

chicken-legs.jpg

Not only am I not interested, I am now also not hungry.

May have to hit the "Mmm, beer" thread too.

[devildeac]

Not only am I not interested, I am now also not hungry.

May have to hit the "Mmm, beer" thread too.

Ahh, just like the monks-liquid bread/sustenance .

[DU82]

Forecast for Saturday now high of 79, low of 60 with a 10% chance of rain. After sunset, I might need a jacket (with lots of pockets) to wear over my cargo kilt (with my over-sized legs) .

Update. Tropical Storm Hermine's projected track is coming through North Carolina, and some lingering effects, combined with a different front, may cause some problems. Friday appears to be a wash-out, and it will go into Saturday. Hopefully by afternoon, it will be less of or no problem, but stay aware of possible changing conditions.

And of course bring in everything from kilts, shorts, long pants, fans, jackets, rain ponchos sweatshirts and parkas to cover all possible weather conditions. And make sure to lay them down on the screening table one at a time to make sure the security team can review each item carefully.

[Bob Green]

Here is the latest Public Advisory on TS Hermine from the National Hurricane Center:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh...l/312048.shtml

RAINFALL: Hermine is expected to produce storm total rainfall
amounts of 5 to 10 inches over portions of northwest Florida through
Friday, with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches possible.
Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected across portions of
the southeastern United States from southeast Georgia, central to
eastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina, with local
amounts of 10 inches possible through Saturday. These rains
may cause life-threatening flooding and flash flooding.

[Olympic Fan]

I actually think that now that Cut has made his pick for starter, he needs to ride Jones a little, even if he is struggling. Cut obviously won't risk losing the game if Jones is playing that poorly, but otherwise, I think you have to support the kid, let him play and grow. If you start yanking him too quickly (for poor play), you can interfere with his progress. I do believe that Cut will give Boehme some series, but that's different than a quick hook. Of course, whatever I said, expect the opposite. Can't believe we are days away. As the great referee, Mills Lane, would say, "Let's Get It On!"

Cut said today that he would not yank Jones if he struggles -- and he expect the youngster to makes some mistakes.

He said he has no plans to play another QB, except for the possibility he MIGHT use a Connette package (for short yardage and goal line situations).

On the other hand, he said he would like to get the second unit as a group some time -- but he emphasized that there are no pre-game plans to do that for sure. I got the impression that he hopes that the lead is big enough in the second half to give his second team work as a unit. Obviously, several second-team guys will rotate with the first team (Shaun Wilson, Daniel Helms, etc.)