Duke Football 2009

[4decadedukie]

In less then two-months, Duke will begin in its second campaign in the Cutcliffe-driven football restoration era. Obviously, tremendous of progress has been -- and is being -- made: speed and conditioning are being greatly emphasized, recruiting has improved massively, the fan/alumni base has be re-energized, real coaching and leadership are highly evident, ticket sales, donations and University support are substantially improved, team talent levels and professionalism have been significantly enhanced, in 2008 Duke defeated an SEC and an ACC program, and these are only the "tip of the iceberg."

I would appreciate the astute commentary of wise DBR participants predicting potential Ws and Ls. More specifically, will Duke defeat in-conferences rivals such as Maryland and UNC? Next December, will we be ecstatic, satisfied (continued, important, visible progress), or disappointed? I suggest "satisfied," because I believe another year of two will be required for Duke to achieve and sustain the levels of successes we seek, but I hope I am pessimistic.

[RelativeWays]

Duke's schedule this year is a bit easier than last year going by the power rankings. If Duke improves as we suspect, then there is no team team on the schedule that Duke has no shot of beating. Granted that Miami, VT and maybe Kansas are long shots, everyone else is fair game. The flip side is the only team that CAN'T beat Duke is NC Central. Everyone else has a good shot. I like our chances against WFU, UVA and UMD, not to mention Army and Richmond. I think at best we 6-6 or most likely 5-7. At worst we're 3-9. Duke should be more competitive this year but there are no games to take for granted.

[Bob Green]

I see Duke winning six games with three ACC victories. We should win three of the four non-conference games: Richmond, Army and NCCU. In the ACC, I predict victories over Virginia, Maryland and Wake Forest. Unfortunately, that will leave us one victory shy of being Bowl Game eligible so hopefully I am wrong, wrong, wrong!

Our success will be dependent upon the team executing all the good things they did last year plus showing improvement on the offensive line and secondary. It is imperative that the offensive line be able to run block so we can establish a running game, which will open up the passing game. The key is to run to setup the pass. The secondary has been prone to giving up big plays. We cannot afford to let our opponents score via the quick strike.

[formerdukeathlete]

.........recruiting has improved massively, the fan/alumni base has be re-energized, real coaching and leadership are highly evident, ticket sales, donations and University support are substantially improved, team talent levels and professionalism have been significantly enhanced, in 2008 Duke defeated an SEC and an ACC program, and these are only the "tip of the iceberg."

I would appreciate the astute commentary of wise DBR participants predicting potential Ws and Ls. More specifically, will Duke defeat in-conferences rivals such as Maryland and UNC? Next December, will we be ecstatic, satisfied (continued, important, visible progress), or disappointed? I suggest "satisfied," because I believe another year of two will be required for Duke to achieve and sustain the levels of successes we seek, but I hope I am pessimistic.

I am in the Relative Ways camp on the wins, losses this season. I hope, expect us to win a couple of ACC games, but the ones we grab may surprise, be unexpected. I dont think you can expect Virginia, Maryland or Wake, necessarily. We will have to out-coach and need some luck.

Recruiting is more the question mark than you may think. Using the 09, Cut's first full year class as the metric, we did not land a Sean Renfree level recruit as in 08, and currently the closest thing for 2010 is Olaniyan who may, there is the possibility, switch to Notre Dame if offered. The 09 class was ranked 52 by scout. Roof's 05 class was ranked 31 by scout and his 06 class was ranked 36. Roof's classes were also better qualified academically, based on SAT data available online. Much is made of all the North Carolina commits. But, we need to be realisitic, the way for Duke to become a national powerhouse in Football is to recruit nationally, as we wont out-recruit North Carolina as a general matter, consistently, for in-state talent. The way for Duke to have a nationally prominent program consistent with academic requirements which are part of our academic mission is also to recruit nationally. Stanford's 09 class was ranked 15 by scout and their 10 class is currently ranked 5th. This is with far more stringent academic criteria than Duke's at this time. The key measure of the skill with which Cut can recruit for Duke is when we land Ted Roof or better ranked classes with strong academic criteria. Then Duke would be in a position to sustain an upper tier program. I think we can do it. But it requires recruiting a lot more kids like Tryee Watkins out of places like New Jersery (included in the top 5 lists of our 09 class, with about 1100 math verbals) and fewer kids with sub 900 SATs. To find the best academic football match, we need to look nationally, with Stanford the roadmap to success. http://duke.scout.com/a.z?s=167&p=9&c=8&toinid=734&yr=2010 Out of the 22 commits currently in the 5th ranked 2010 class, just 3 are from California.

[roywhite]

Have to take issue with your comments on recruiting.

A good general rule is "Rivals for FB; Scout for Basketball"

The Rivals rating of #51 for the 2009 class is better than:
#65 -- 2008
#78 -- 2007
#56 -- 2006

..though not as good as #46 in 2005.

The class of 2010 has 5 3-star recruits out of 9 commitments so far, which projects well for this class to be rated near or better than the 2009 class.

In-state vs out-of-state recruits? If the players are of roughly similar ability, the in-state prospect has some advantages IMO---family and friends can attend games more readily, players can get home for a day or two if they feel a little homesick.

Seems to me Coach Cut is recruiting better and leading better than his recent predecessors. Will this show up in improved W-L this year; don't know, because he still has many players from previous regimes and there are some possible holes in the lineup.

Consistent efforts in recruiting and a gradual increase in our talent base should pay off in better football and some winning seasons.

[formerdukeathlete]

Have to take issue with your comments on recruiting.

A good general rule is "Rivals for FB; Scout for Basketball"

The Rivals rating of #51 for the 2009 class is better than:
#65 -- 2008
#78 -- 2007
#56 -- 2006

..though not as good as #46 in 2005.

The class of 2010 has 5 3-star recruits out of 9 commitments so far, which projects well for this class to be rated near or better than the 2009 class.

In-state vs out-of-state recruits? If the players are of roughly similar ability, the in-state prospect has some advantages IMO---family and friends can attend games more readily, players can get home for a day or two if they feel a little homesick.

Seems to me Coach Cut is recruiting better and leading better than his recent predecessors. Will this show up in improved W-L this year; don't know, because he still has many players from previous regimes and there are some possible holes in the lineup.

Consistent efforts in recruiting and a gradual increase in our talent base should pay off in better football and some winning seasons.

roy, you make a valid point, rivals is another widely followed rating, ranking service. i dont disagree with the in-state focus to the extent the kids are well-qualified academically. but, the Stanford roadmap strongly suggests we will have better players as well as better students (a win-win) with a national focus. As The Train has noted, Duke will need to make inroads in the powerhouse private and Catholic programs in the Northeast for Duke is to land top 20 recruiting classes. The catch, which some folks may not always see, is that among the say top 15 in any position nationally, the only ones who consider Stanford and who will consider Duke, are the better, top students. If we want top 15 by position players, and we do, we have to look nationally. Yes, winning some games will help, as will the new indoor facility and stadium redo when it happens. But the focus can not remain local. Our teams would have less talent as a result.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

The fact that there is this much discussion in July about Duke football and recruiting efforts is a sign of change for the better in the program. Many improvements could be observed last year and many can be expected this coming year. What a welcome change!

Over the next few years, I would expect that our recruiting will continue to evolve in terms of quality of recruits and geographic base. As the program continues to rise in credibility, the recruiting should evolve to better and better recruits. Coach C is a smart coach who understands and knows the fundamental bases of effective recruiting and who continually adapts what he's doing to changes in the situation. Let's hope that the staff remains in tact during this rise. They are as important to our success as the quality of recruits.

[brianl]

I agree that the mere fact that we're discussing optimistic points of the program only touches the surface of where this program has the potential to grow.

I feel that our season could break down like this

Wins----UR, Army, UNNC, MD, and Wake
Loss----KU, Both Techs, State, and UNC
50/50---@ UVA and @ Miami

I think the days of our ACC competition looking past the Duke game are over.

If you haven't purchased tickets yet, be part of the Duke Football Experience. Our crowds will also be a big factor in helping win some recruiting battles as well.

[wolfpackdevil]

My prediction for the 2009 Duke Football season. I actually think these are the best predictions ever made.

Week 1- vs. Richmond- W 31-17 (This is not a team to just pass over. They are the reigning FCS champions, But Duke will get the win.)

Week 2- vs. Army- W 24-10 (Army is a program that has not improved in the last five seasons. Duke should have an easy win here.)

Week 3- at Kansas- W 17-14 (I just have a feeling about this game. I think this win will be kind of like the game against Vanderbilt from last year. I think that Maggio will make a big kick, and the defense will be able to hold off the Jayhawks. Big win for Duke.)

Week 4- vs. NCCU- W 38-7 (This will most likely be the easiest game of 2009, but also the funnest. Wallace-Wade will be full to capacity for this homecoming game, and we will be cheering on the Blue Devils like crazy when they come on down for the Blue Devil walk. Big win for Duke, and a 4-0 start.)

Week 5- vs. VT- L 14-34 (This is win reality starts to set in. Virginia Tech will be one of the top ten teams in the country, and their overall greatness will be too much to handle. But Duke will fight like always.)

Week 6- at NC State- L 7-24 (NC State is another top team in the ACC, and their defense is just too fast and good. Even without a Nate Irving, their defense is ridiculously fast and strong. I Think our D can shut down their offense somewhat. But in a tough ACC stadium points will be hard to come by. State wins pretty easily, but were still 4-2.)

Week 7- vs. Maryland W 24-20 (After a VERY MUCH NEEDED by week, Duke will come back and look very sharp versus a pretty average Maryland team. Duke wins with a superior team.)

Week 8- at Virginia W 20-13 (On this halloween afternoon, the scariest man on the field will be Vince Oghabassee, going up against a very weak Virginia O-Line. Duke should have a fun day in Virginia, against an almost equal team. Duke's run defense will have to be on top of their game. But Duke will get a win an advance to 6-2, just one win away from a bowl game.)

Week 9- at UNC L 24-13 (It would be storybook like if Duke could go to their first bowl game since 1995 by beating their arch rival carolina on their home field. But...... I just don't see it happening. Carolina is just too good. They will be a top-tier program in about 5 years and right now they will compete for a spot in the Orange Bowl. Duke might fight the most they ever have in this game, but Carolina wins with a little bit of everyting.

Week 10- vs. Georgia Tech L 31-24 (I think this will be a shootout. Georgia Tech's option offense will be even better this year, and Duke's defense has lost their best linebacker in years. Duke will score, but GT will score more. Duke is 6-4 (2-4) with 2 games left.)

Week 11- at Miami L 24-10 (Duke will come out hard on this day in Miami, but they'll be going up against a top 20 team that is very good at home. Duke came close 2 years ago in the Orange Bowl against Miami, but this year Miami will jump on Duke early. Duke will fight back, but a late Miami TD puts the Devils away. Duke is 6-5, and needing a win vs. WF in the final week of the season.



Week 12- vs. Wake Forest W 23-17 (This is the year that Duke does it. Thanks to a great season by Thad, Vince, Vinny, and more Duke will beat WF 23-17. Nick Maggio will make a couple big FG's in the 4th quarter, and The Cutcliffe Crazies will rush the field as Duke will head to it's first bowl game in 14 seasons by beating the Deamon Deacons.

Duke final record: Overall: 7-5 Conference: 3-5

[crimsonandblue]

I guess anything's possible, but you think you'll hold Kansas to 14 points on the road? Kansas averaged over 33 a game last year . . . Only Texas held us to fewer than three touchdowns.

Duke is certainly improving and it wouldn't be shocking to see KU lose that game (horrifying, sure, shocking, probably not), but I can't see a second division ACC team holding down our skill position guys. Reesing, Meier, Briscoe, Wilson and Sharp all return. Our OLine has question marks, but should be decent enough. If we don't have 14 at half, I'll be surprised.

[wolfpackdevil]

I guess anything's possible, but you think you'll hold Kansas to 14 points on the road? Kansas averaged over 33 a game last year . . . Only Texas held us to fewer than three touchdowns.

Duke is certainly improving and it wouldn't be shocking to see KU lose that game (horrifying, sure, shocking, probably not), but I can't see a second division ACC team holding down our skill position guys. Reesing, Meier, Briscoe, Wilson and Sharp all return. Our OLine has question marks, but should be decent enough. If we don't have 14 at half, I'll be surprised.

Kansas's Offensive line is questionable for this year. And Duke's Defensive line has so many fast and strong weapons.

Vince Oghobaase, and Ayanga Okpokowuruk are the two leaders of the line.
Then the returnurs like Jeremy Ringfield, Charlie Hatcher, Wesley Oglesbee and Patrick Egboh.

And then guys like Vinny Rey, AB Kroham, Damian Thorton, and Andrew Holoman clogging up the middle for our linebacker positions.

I think Kansas O-Line has a lot coming for them

[CameronBornAndBred]

I guess anything's possible, but you think you'll hold Kansas to 14 points on the road? Kansas averaged over 33 a game last year . . . Only Texas held us to fewer than three touchdowns.

Duke is certainly improving and it wouldn't be shocking to see KU lose that game (horrifying, sure, shocking, probably not), but I can't see a second division ACC team holding down our skill position guys. Reesing, Meier, Briscoe, Wilson and Sharp all return. Our OLine has question marks, but should be decent enough. If we don't have 14 at half, I'll be surprised.
After seeing how we handled VT, it wouldn't suprise me. Of course we didn't do so hot against GT, that was a defensive nightmare. I'm not familiar enough with Kansas' offense to make a good guess, but as long as they don't run the wishbone....

[crimsonandblue]

Vince Oghobaase, and Ayanga Okpokowuruk are the two leaders of the line.

As long as we don't have to spell them, I think we'll be okay.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

there is no team team on the schedule that Duke has no shot of beating.
Duke goes 14 - 0, winning the Conference championship and the Orange Bowl. The we get to b*tch that we weren't playing for the National Championship in our BCS game... :eek::eek:



What? You were expecting something else? :cool::cool:

[4decadedukie]

My prediction for the 2009 Duke Football season. I actually think these are the best predictions ever made.

Week 1- vs. Richmond- W 31-17 (This is not a team to just pass over. They are the reigning FCS champions, But Duke will get the win.)

Week 2- vs. Army- W 24-10 (Army is a program that has not improved in the last five seasons. Duke should have an easy win here.)

Week 3- at Kansas- W 17-14 (I just have a feeling about this game. I think this win will be kind of like the game against Vanderbilt from last year. I think that Maggio will make a big kick, and the defense will be able to hold off the Jayhawks. Big win for Duke.)

Week 4- vs. NCCU- W 38-7 (This will most likely be the easiest game of 2009, but also the funnest. Wallace-Wade will be full to capacity for this homecoming game, and we will be cheering on the Blue Devils like crazy when they come on down for the Blue Devil walk. Big win for Duke, and a 4-0 start.)

Week 5- vs. VT- L 14-34 (This is win reality starts to set in. Virginia Tech will be one of the top ten teams in the country, and their overall greatness will be too much to handle. But Duke will fight like always.)

Week 6- at NC State- L 7-24 (NC State is another top team in the ACC, and their defense is just too fast and good. Even without a Nate Irving, their defense is ridiculously fast and strong. I Think our D can shut down their offense somewhat. But in a tough ACC stadium points will be hard to come by. State wins pretty easily, but were still 4-2.)

Week 7- vs. Maryland W 24-20 (After a VERY MUCH NEEDED by week, Duke will come back and look very sharp versus a pretty average Maryland team. Duke wins with a superior team.)

Week 8- at Virginia W 20-13 (On this halloween afternoon, the scariest man on the field will be Vince Oghabassee, going up against a very weak Virginia O-Line. Duke should have a fun day in Virginia, against an almost equal team. Duke's run defense will have to be on top of their game. But Duke will get a win an advance to 6-2, just one win away from a bowl game.)

Week 9- at UNC L 24-13 (It would be storybook like if Duke could go to their first bowl game since 1995 by beating their arch rival carolina on their home field. But...... I just don't see it happening. Carolina is just too good. They will be a top-tier program in about 5 years and right now they will compete for a spot in the Orange Bowl. Duke might fight the most they ever have in this game, but Carolina wins with a little bit of everyting.

Week 10- vs. Georgia Tech L 31-24 (I think this will be a shootout. Georgia Tech's option offense will be even better this year, and Duke's defense has lost their best linebacker in years. Duke will score, but GT will score more. Duke is 6-4 (2-4) with 2 games left.)

Week 11- at Miami L 24-10 (Duke will come out hard on this day in Miami, but they'll be going up against a top 20 team that is very good at home. Duke came close 2 years ago in the Orange Bowl against Miami, but this year Miami will jump on Duke early. Duke will fight back, but a late Miami TD puts the Devils away. Duke is 6-5, and needing a win vs. WF in the final week of the season.



Week 12- vs. Wake Forest W 23-17 (This is the year that Duke does it. Thanks to a great season by Thad, Vince, Vinny, and more Duke will beat WF 23-17. Nick Maggio will make a couple big FG's in the 4th quarter, and The Cutcliffe Crazies will rush the field as Duke will head to it's first bowl game in 14 seasons by beating the Deamon Deacons.

Duke final record: Overall: 7-5 Conference: 3-5


My heart warms at your predictions -- GO DUKE!

[Olympic Fan]

I am extremely confident about the long-term prospect for the Duke program under Cutcliffe ... I am less enthusiastic about next season.

As for my long-term optimism, let me say that's based on the commitment of the university to a winning football program (finally, after a quarter century of neglect) and -- to me -- the obvious experience and competence that Cutcliffe and his staff brings. When you look at the background of the assistants and the non-coaching staffers he hired, it's light years from what we had. I think it's significant that he kept his staff intact after last season (when's the last time that happened?).

One comment about recruiting. From the beginning, Cutcliffe and his staff have been distainful of the "star" system and the internet recruiting rankings. From his experience at Ol Miss, where he sent several "two star" recruits to the NFL, he's made it clear that he'd rather trust his own judgment in recruits. We'll see who is right, but I suggest that an interesting test will be Walt Canty, a two-star recruit from South Carolina who kicked major butt in the Shrine Bowl practices (and was defensive MVP in the game) and had at least one national writer calling him one of the national sleepers of the year.

Also, interesting that a recent story out of Miami suggests that the 'Canes are now saying their recruiting was too influenced by the internet "star" system and they are going to rely less on rivals and scout and more on their own judgement. I would also point out that Jim Grobe at Wake built his program from an ACC laughingstock (we used to have company at the bottom of the standings) into a consistent ACC contender without ever once having a recruiting class rated in the top half of the ACC.

All that said, I think it will take time for Cutcliffe to get Duke out of the lower reaches of the ACC (it took Grobe five years). Plus, I don't like this year's schedule. The two FCS opponents don't offer much chance to shine and Army is almost a now-win situation. I'm sure Cut will get a win or two in the ACC -- I hope Duke wins at least five overall to show progress over next year.

But keep in mind, Cut and his staff are rebuilding the offensive line, restructuring the secondary, trying to rebuilt the linebacking corps and looking for a playmaker at wide receiver. It's going to be tough.

All that said, there are only nine seniors on this year's roster. The three most important things I'll be looking for this season will be (1) for Renfree to establish himself as a successor to Thad Lewis; (2) for somebody on the defensive line to step up and establish himself as a successor to Oghabaase; and (3) for at least two young linebackers to emerge.

If those things happen, Duke will be in position to make a major leap in 2010. But I don't expect to see a major improvement this season.

[OldPhiKap]

The fact that there is this much discussion in July about Duke football and recruiting efforts is a sign of change for the better in the program. Many improvements could be observed last year and many can be expected this coming year. What a welcome change!

Over the next few years, I would expect that our recruiting will continue to evolve in terms of quality of recruits and geographic base. As the program continues to rise in credibility, the recruiting should evolve to better and better recruits. Coach C is a smart coach who understands and knows the fundamental bases of effective recruiting and who continually adapts what he's doing to changes in the situation. Let's hope that the staff remains in tact during this rise. They are as important to our success as the quality of recruits.


Nail
Head.

This is a process and not a quick fix. Coach has us moving in the right direction. I'm not so concerned about our record this year (although winning always beats losing). I'm more interested in what the program looks like in three or four or five years.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Here is an interesting read about one of Duke's early opponents, Army. They have a new coach and a new offense (triple-option). This should be a fun game. I'm glad to see they are running the triple option; while beating up Navy didn't help us much VS. GT last year, it won't hurt to face it before we see the Yellow Jackets again.

http://cfn.scout.com/2/873327.html

[4decadedukie]

Here is an interesting read about one of Duke's early opponents, Army. They have a new coach and a new offense (triple-option). This should be a fun game. I'm glad to see they are running the triple option; while beating up Navy didn't help us much VS. GT last year, it won't hurt to face it before we see the Yellow Jackets again.

http://cfn.scout.com/2/873327.html


I attended Army - Navy last December. Army was simply awful; the game was as one-sided as any Division I contest I have ever seen. I have great respect for the service academies and their athletic programs, and I extremely reluctant to count on any Duke victory before it is earned on the gridiron; however, we should be able to defeat Army, even as an away game.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I attended Army - Navy last December. Army was simply awful; the game was as one-sided as any Division I contest I have ever seen. I have great respect for the service academies and their athletic programs, and I extremely reluctant to count on any Duke victory before it is earned on the gridiron; however, we should be able to defeat Army, even as an away game.
I'm hoping it's a win too, but it's a new coach and new offense.

[formerdukeathlete]

I am extremely confident about the long-term prospect for the Duke program under Cutcliffe ... I am less enthusiastic about next season.

As for my long-term optimism, let me say that's based on the commitment of the university to a winning football program (finally, after a quarter century of neglect) and -- to me -- the obvious experience and competence that Cutcliffe and his staff brings. When you look at the background of the assistants and the non-coaching staffers he hired, it's light years from what we had. I think it's significant that he kept his staff intact after last season (when's the last time that happened?).

One comment about recruiting. From the beginning, Cutcliffe and his staff have been distainful of the "star" system and the internet recruiting rankings. From his experience at Ol Miss, where he sent several "two star" recruits to the NFL, he's made it clear that he'd rather trust his own judgment in recruits. We'll see who is right, but I suggest that an interesting test will be Walt Canty, a two-star recruit from South Carolina who kicked major butt in the Shrine Bowl practices (and was defensive MVP in the game) and had at least one national writer calling him one of the national sleepers of the year.

Also, interesting that a recent story out of Miami suggests that the 'Canes are now saying their recruiting was too influenced by the internet "star" system and they are going to rely less on rivals and scout and more on their own judgement. I would also point out that Jim Grobe at Wake built his program from an ACC laughingstock (we used to have company at the bottom of the standings) into a consistent ACC contender without ever once having a recruiting class rated in the top half of the ACC.

All that said, I think it will take time for Cutcliffe to get Duke out of the lower reaches of the ACC (it took Grobe five years). Plus, I don't like this year's schedule. The two FCS opponents don't offer much chance to shine and Army is almost a now-win situation. I'm sure Cut will get a win or two in the ACC -- I hope Duke wins at least five overall to show progress over next year.

But keep in mind, Cut and his staff are rebuilding the offensive line, restructuring the secondary, trying to rebuilt the linebacking corps and looking for a playmaker at wide receiver. It's going to be tough.

All that said, there are only nine seniors on this year's roster. The three most important things I'll be looking for this season will be (1) for Renfree to establish himself as a successor to Thad Lewis; (2) for somebody on the defensive line to step up and establish himself as a successor to Oghabaase; and (3) for at least two young linebackers to emerge.

If those things happen, Duke will be in position to make a major leap in 2010. But I don't expect to see a major improvement this season.


re your three most important things -

1. Renfree can go in and do the job, we all pretty much think, and there is a small chance he may win the starting job, but dont rule out Schroeder. This time of year the best inkling is reading interviews of players about what they are up to, as the workouts are informal and un-observed. Thad pointed out that Schroeder was throwing well.

2. Our D-line should be strong this season, upper tier in conference. nobody else on the roster has the raw ability of VO, who was what the 6th ranked nationally d-lineman when he was recruited in the 05 class? VO was a better student, and this relates to your comments about recruiting. Roof landed VO with about 1100 SATs and good grades over Miami and other top programs because he was a better student. We want to replace VO with a commensurate talent?, somewhere among the top prospects nationally is another kid who is willing to consider a top academic school among the many choices. VO will play in the NFL for years. This type of thing also helps the program, as well as being well represented by a smart young man. Cut, it seems is reorienting his recruiting a bit more toward targeting better students. As this goes, with the success we expect, the talent levels will improve.

3. We have a number of good linebackers in the pipeline. Not worried about that as being a hole.

[Jim3k]

Who will fall to Duke in '09? (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-6-266/Who-will-fall-to-Duke-in--09-.html)

[CameronBornAndBred]

Thanks much Jim, Heather is fun to read. She had Thad and Vince in the top half of her top 30. I'm looking forward to the press' pre-season guesses, I'm thinking it's becoming more uncomfortable for them to not keep us at the bottom of the heap anymore.

[Bob Green]

I'm going to expand past the thread topic of "Duke Football 2009" and ask, with Coach Cutcliffe revitalizing Duke Football, what out of conference teams would you desire to see become regular opponents? Personally, I would love to see us play South Carolina every year.

[wolfpackdevil]

I'm going to expand past the thread topic of "Duke Football 2009" and ask, with Coach Cutcliffe revitalizing Duke Football, what out of conference teams would you desire to see become regular opponents? Personally, I would love to see us play South Carolina every year.

I think playing South Carolina every year would be great!

East Carolina is another team I would like to see Duke play. It's a great stadium in greenville. And I would happily make the trip and have a long tailgate there every other year.

Also, I like that Duke is playing Stanford in the 2010 and 2011 season. A battle of good coaches, and very smart schools. I think it's also good for the team to make a long travel like that, to be ready for a travel like the ones we make to Tallahassee, BC, and Miami.


And if your gonna have one FCS opponent every year. I think it should be NCCU. It will draw a HUGE crowd, and they'll get tons of publicity for it. And an easy W.

[gep]

I'm going to expand past the thread topic of "Duke Football 2009" and ask, with Coach Cutcliffe revitalizing Duke Football, what out of conference teams would you desire to see become regular opponents? Personally, I would love to see us play South Carolina every year.

How about Notre Dame?:)

[Bob Green]

Also, I like that Duke is playing Stanford in the 2010 and 2011 season.

This site (http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/future_schedules/duke_future.htm) says we play Stanford in 2011 and 2012.

[Bob Green]

How about Notre Dame?:)

Notre Dame would be a great opponent, but that match-up doesn't have a realistic chance of happening.

[4decadedukie]

Northwestern: (a) Big 10 (or is it 11?) university; (b) recent football history with Duke; (c) excellent (almost Duke-like) academics; and (d) an opportunity for Midwest alumni and fans to see the Blue Devils every second year.

[Duke of Nashville]

Vanderbilt- Last years game was great : )

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

South Carolina used to be a regular on Duke's schedule. I used to dread beginning the season with them because the Gamecocks often seemed to beat down our team physically and psychologically. The games were more frequently away than at home because the athletic department made more money playing in Columbia than at home. What was billed as the final game between the two schools was an old fashioned "barn burner" played in Columbia.

In addition to the SEC schools already mentioned, I'd add Alabama. Over the years Duke's had some good games against Alabama. There's also the coaching connection between the two schools over the years.

[RazzyBailey31]

We just added Baylor in 2017 and 2018. Smart move I think. Recruiting hot bed and a winnable game against a BCS school.


http://www.wacotrib.com/sports/content/sports/college/2009/07/09/07092009wacbuduke.html

[airowe]

I wonder how Duke's recruiting haul for '09 stacks up with NC and State's after both programs have suffered detractions from this year's class.

I don't have a link since I'm posting from my Blackberry but I heard on 99.9 this afternoon that 7 out of 29 2009 recruits will not be enrolling at UNC this year.

[formerdukeathlete]

I think playing South Carolina every year would be great!

East Carolina is another team I would like to see Duke play. It's a great stadium in greenville. And I would happily make the trip and have a long tailgate there every other year.

Also, I like that Duke is playing Stanford in the 2010 and 2011 season. A battle of good coaches, and very smart schools. I think it's also good for the team to make a long travel like that, to be ready for a travel like the ones we make to Tallahassee, BC, and Miami.


And if your gonna have one FCS opponent every year. I think it should be NCCU. It will draw a HUGE crowd, and they'll get tons of publicity for it. And an easy W.

I am with Dr. Bob Green on the South Carolina idea. We might have a good chance of scheduling home-home series with them, particularly if we are able to expand Wade in seating capacity anytime soon. The South Carolina game ought to draw well in Durham, which helps in the financial arrangements if we have the sufficient number of fans in the stands. i have to think K. White is keenly aware of this. South Carolina may not expand our recruiting footprint, but it would be an intense rivalry. South Carolina might see benefit in playing Duke from the perspective of raising the academic profile in their recruiting.

East Carolina draws well. But i like South Carolina for the tradition, plus national attention in playing another SEC team.

From a recruiting footprint perspective, playing Pitt, UConn, Syracuse, Rutgers helps in the all important northeast, middle atlantic corridor.

[peloton]

DITBD, was that "last game" against USC down in Columbia a Duke victory? My future wife and I drove down for a Duke game at USC and I'll never forget it. We won the game basically at the end of the 4th quarter I believe. Aside from the Duke fans who made the trip down, the crowd was absolutely stunned and in a state of shock (and that may have included a few Blue Devil fans also.) I pretty much left Columbia on a high from the euphoria.

I would make more trips down to Columbia if we played the Gamecocks on a regular basis. That was my only trip to a game there but I remember Williams-Brice being a pretty nice stadium. All this talk of football is getting me revved up for some Duke football...I'm ready for September!

Le Peloton

[Bluedog]

We just added Baylor in 2017 and 2018. Smart move I think. Recruiting hot bed and a winnable game against a BCS school.


http://www.wacotrib.com/sports/content/sports/college/2009/07/09/07092009wacbuduke.html

2017?!?! I didn't realize they even try to schedule games so far in advance. Who knows what Baylor or Duke is going to be like at that time. I hope and believe we'll be greatly improved, though.

[johnb]

2017?!?! I didn't realize they even try to schedule games so far in advance. Who knows what Baylor or Duke is going to be like at that time. I hope and believe we'll be greatly improved, though.

We have several guys in the pipeline who should be ready for the Baylor series.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

DITBD, was that "last game" against USC down in Columbia a Duke victory? My future wife and I drove down for a Duke game at USC and I'll never forget it. We won the game basically at the end of the 4th quarter I believe. Aside from the Duke fans who made the trip down, the crowd was absolutely stunned and in a state of shock (and that may have included a few Blue Devil fans also.) I pretty much left Columbia on a high from the euphoria.

I would make more trips down to Columbia if we played the Gamecocks on a regular basis. That was my only trip to a game there but I remember Williams-Brice being a pretty nice stadium. All this talk of football is getting me revved up for some Duke football...I'm ready for September!

Le Peloton
Checking my Duke Football yearbook, we are 24-17-3 against them all time, with the last game being in 1991, a loss. We last beat them in Columbia in 1982. Previous to that, we beat them in 1974 in Columbia and I was there for that game. In fact, a brother in the SC chapter of my fraternity still owes me a "skin" that we bet on the game. (A skin is an animal hyde with the appropriate fraternity nomenclature and game results on it - bragging rights, if you will. Back then, it cost a couple of hundred $ to have one made, don't know what they would cost today.)

Looking deeper into the records, we beat them regularly until 1978. Since then, we've lost 9 out of the last 10 to them, which makes our record against them through 1978 23-8-3; not shabby at all!

[OldPhiKap]

DITBD, was that "last game" against USC down in Columbia a Duke victory? My future wife and I drove down for a Duke game at USC and I'll never forget it. We won the game basically at the end of the 4th quarter I believe. Aside from the Duke fans who made the trip down, the crowd was absolutely stunned and in a state of shock (and that may have included a few Blue Devil fans also.) I pretty much left Columbia on a high from the euphoria.

I would make more trips down to Columbia if we played the Gamecocks on a regular basis. That was my only trip to a game there but I remember Williams-Brice being a pretty nice stadium. All this talk of football is getting me revved up for some Duke football...I'm ready for September!

Le Peloton

I seem to remember that we tied it in the 4th on two straight possessions (20-20, maybe?).

I would love to see us renew with SC but after Spurrier moves on.

-- Le Brakeaway.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I seem to remember that we tied it in the 4th on two straight possessions (20-20, maybe?).

I would love to see us renew with SC but after Spurrier moves on.

-- Le Brakeaway.

Good memory, OldPhiKap! For 1991 South Carolina game, the State's headline could have read, "Duke Beats SC 24-24."

The historic contest ended in a tie after Duke played a Herculean game before a crowd of 71,200, only a small number of whom were cheering for Duke!

Getting out of Williams-Brice Stadium was a challenge because the parties had begun in the refurbished railroad cars assembled along George Rogers Blvd. Traffic was directed well away from Columbia making it difficult to get to our hotel which was actually near the stadium.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Checking my Duke Football yearbook, we are 24-17-3 against them all time, with the last game being in 1991, a loss.


Good memory, OldPhiKap! For 1991 South Carolina game, the State's headline could have read, "Duke Beats SC 24-24."


That's what the book says. Mea culpa. I didn't notice it the first time - guess I should have put on my glasses to notice the "T" wasn't an "L". I just knew it wasn't a "W".

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

One of my hobbies has been to attend games in well known football stadiums. The 1991 Duke-USC game was one of the most notable! When the theme from 2001 started up, the ground seemed to shake like an earthquake was starting up. Despite the final score being a tie, it felt like a win.

[4decadedukie]

The following, recent ESPN-U piece is directly pertinent to this thread:
linky (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-6-266/Who-will-fall-to-Duke-in--09-.html)

[johnb]

Sound slike we're saying we should combine alumni location, recruiting visibility, media attention, opposing team (ideally, a great name in a down year +/- a down week, which is tough to anticipate), and likelihood of a win. From that vantage, the ND game a couple years ago was perfect, and Bama was also excellent (though I think this Board was generally horrified when those games were scheduled). West Point works fairly well, though I don't know how well attended those games are by alums, and it's been about 60 years since anyone confused Army with Oklahoma. Leaving aside the top 15 or 20 teams in the country (it seems self defeating to schedule Southern Cal or Florida or other teams where there's gonna be a significant talent gap for at least a while), it sounds like we don't need to back away from anyone.

Having said that, I'm biased away from S Carolina (I live in the north) and don't see how NCCU helps us get a bowl bid (though otherwise I like the idea).

[loran16]

Just figured id revive this thread for overall football talk....

Has anyone else noticed we have very few if any defensive commits for 2010 who are ranked very high at all? Is this normal for football recruiting, that Defensive prospects commit later?

Or is duke having a problem, under Cutcliffe (A QB/Offensive guy) gaining Defensive recruits?

Anyone know?

[Bob Green]

We have a four star LB (if he sticks) and an in state three star LB plus a three star defensive lineman:

http://duke.rivals.com/commitlist.asp

[loran16]

We have a four star LB (if he sticks) and an in state three star LB plus a three star defensive lineman:

http://duke.rivals.com/commitlist.asp

Whoops, forgot about Olaniyan. Here's hoping he sticks (GET AWAY NOTRE DAME).

Stupid soft verbals.

[El_Diablo]

It's official. Olaniyan withdrew his verbal commitment to Duke:

http://duke.scout.com/a.z?s=167&p=2&c=901359&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fduke.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs %3d167%26p%3d2%26c%3d901359

http://duke.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=991565&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=