FB: Duke 20, BC 19

[awhom111]

I figured that it would be good to get this thread started early this week now that the ACC has put up the TV Listings for the game. Thanks to the new TV deal, we will have a couple of slightly modified types of channel arrangements to look out for. There are two different types of ACC Network games this year and we get one type for our first conference game. This is basically the new version of the old Raycom package and it is available on a number of local broadcast channels. The new aspect of this particular package is that it has been made available to more markets outside of the ACC footprint so you are now in luck if you live in places like Fresno, CA, Grand Junction, CO, Twin Falls, ID, Lubbock, TX, and Green Bay, WI. Also, the ESPN3 regional blackout should no longer apply, so if you have it on TV but need to watch it on the computer or some other format, it should be available to you. Here is the list of broadcast affiliates from the ACC website, so that you can check well ahead of time if you can see the game on TV:

http://www.theacc.com/live/2011-acc-football-match-center-duke-at-boston-college.html

[DueBlevil]

I am pumped about this game! I really think we have a good chance to pull out a win

[OldPhiKap]

I figured that it would be good to get this thread started early this week now that the ACC has put up the TV Listings for the game. Thanks to the new TV deal, we will have a couple of slightly modified types of channel arrangements to look out for. There are two different types of ACC Network games this year and we get one type for our first conference game. This is basically the new version of the old Raycom package and it is available on a number of local broadcast channels. The new aspect of this particular package is that it has been made available to more markets outside of the ACC footprint so you are now in luck if you live in places like Fresno, CA, Grand Junction, CO, Twin Falls, ID, Lubbock, TX, and Green Bay, WI. Also, the ESPN3 regional blackout should no longer apply, so if you have it on TV but need to watch it on the computer or some other format, it should be available to you. Here is the list of broadcast affiliates from the ACC website, so that you can check well ahead of time if you can see the game on TV:

http://www.theacc.com/live/2011-acc-football-match-center-duke-at-boston-college.html

Thanks for the link. Only 7.5 point dogs. Easy.

Go Duke!

[devildeac]

"Must win" game for us this weekend?

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

"Must win" game for us this weekend?
In a sense, each game is a "must win." Beginning to accrue wins will be a major sign of success for this program.

[DueBlevil]

"Must win" game for us this weekend?

For any hope of a bowl game, I think it is, not because there aren't 6 more winnable games (Tulane, FIU, Wake, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and UNC I see as winnable, though we probably won't win all of them) but because it would be so demoralizing to our players and coaching staff. Richmond was shocking, Stanford was expected, but losing to an 0-2 and injury-ravaged BC would be just plain disappointing.

It would be amazing to start a 3-game win streak and go into the FSU game with a winning record.

[duke79]

Perhaps not a "must win" game, but a "very important" game for us to win. These are the type of games that Duke SHOULD be winning at this stage of their progress. Of course, I said that about Richmond too and that didn't work out so well. I just hope we can play more consistently than in the first two games.

[Bob Green]

It is about time for one of our return men to have a long return. True freshman Jamison Crowder has looked really good on kick returns and I expect he will bust loose on a couple of long returns before the season is over. Likewise, senior punt return specialist Lee Butler is overdue to return one all the way. He looked great diving into the end zone on the interception return for a TD.

This week would be a great time to see one (or both) of these guys explode on a return.

[pbc2]

BC is definitely on their heels and it would be a great opportunity for the Blue Devils to get their confidence back. BC has been extremely vulnerable both against the run and in their secondary. Luke Kuechly remains a stud at LB, so not allowing him to make gamechanging plays is key. Offensively, BC has struggled to move the ball consistently, especially through the air, but even on the ground with a banged up OL. This should be a very good matchup for Duke, and even BC fans are worried. Here's BDN's Q&A preview (http://bit.ly/nBMXBd) with BC Interruption.

[duke blue brewcrew]

Does anyone know where we stand on injuries going into the game? Specifically, I'm wondering if there's a chance to get Scott or Snead back in the line-up to help Thompson and Hollingsworth.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Does anyone know where we stand on injuries going into the game? Specifically, I'm wondering if there's a chance to get Scott or Snead back in the line-up to help Thompson and Hollingsworth.
Injury report will be released around 2P today.

[pbc2]

Jim posted in another thread, but here it is for those that missed it:

Byas - probable
Snyderwine - questionable
Connette - out
Moore - out
Scott - out
Snead - out

Even with our injuries, BC is more banged up and really struggling. This is a very good opportunity and looks like a good matchup for Duke. BC's defense has struggled up front and their secondary is depleted. Montel Harris is out for them Saturday and their offense has not been able to get going at all with Chase Rettig and Andre Williams.

Here are a couple previews to get you ready for Saturday's ACC opener:

BDN Preview (http://bit.ly/qMKemY)

Progress, it's all relative (http://bit.ly/mYPqmx)

[davekay1971]

I'm hopeful that this will be a good matchup for Duke. If Renfree is the quarterback that I (and, more importantly, Cutcliffe) think he is, we should see some success in our passing game today against BC's secondary. If BC is having to back off in coverage, even with our depleted RB corps, this may be a chance to see if there really has been the kind of improvement in our running game we've been expecting this season. Finally, our defense has an opportunity to step up and show more evidence of improvement over last season.

It's an ACC game and it's on the road, but it's an opportunity to put this season on track.

[killerleft]

The game is on WGHP 8 in the Greensboro/Triad NC TV market. Go Duke!

[riverside6]

Live stats and play analysis for the game here...

http://www.scacchoops.com/FB_ViewHDGame.asp?hGame=1147

[davekay1971]

Ugh.

I'm in the camp that taking Renfree out in short yardage situations just hurts the offense by telegraphing a run play. With Connette out, Cut went with another runner. Didn't get the play off, but I had little hope and didn't like seeing Renfree on the sideline.

Then the blocked punt.

Little things...

[ChrisP]

Not a good start. What's new, right? Once again, we see Renfree pulled after he'd been moving us down field. In the end, it didn't matter as we shot ourselves in the foot (AGAIN) with an illegal procedure penalty. If Duke could just stop beating Duke, we might have a chance to win some d**n games!

[grossbus]

i think i have seen this movie. :mad:

[ChrisP]

We excel at throwing passes that net less than 3 yards. I bet we lead the country in that regard. Seriously, what is the thinking behind that? When have any of us (coaches included) seen Duke receivers break tackles or juke defenders and gain much yardage after the catch? I simply do NOT get why we throw so many short passes.

And, as I was typing this, they took Renfree out again. I swear, I'm going to have a stroke if the coaches continue to insist on pulling Renfree in the midst of a good drive. WT*?

[ChrisP]

I realize I'm pretty much having a convo with myself here but....man, I really am hating our play calling in this game so far. :mad:

[davekay1971]

Our offense looks remarkably unexplosive so far. Perhaps with no credible run threat, BC is simply dropping back and allowing us to throw underneath, willing to give up a few 1st downs but no big plays, knowing that on 3rd and short we're struggling. If that's what they're doing, it looks like a good defensive strategy so far.

[DevilWearsPrada]

Connor Vernon limped off the field with assistance. Bob Harris said, they put a sleeve on Connor's leg.

1st quarter.... is over. I hope Duke plays a different game for the remainder of the game.

Lets go Duke!!!

[davekay1971]

Woo hoo! A sack! Despite this sustained drive for BC, the Duke defense does look better this year. Unfortunately, our offense looks worse.

Meanwhile, the rest of the ACC is busy falling on their faces, with Maryland getting spanked by WVU, Clemson dominated by Auburn, and Ga Tech struggling to get any separation from Kansas.

Alright...good stop. Long FG attempt coming up.

[davekay1971]

Oh my LORD that was a heck of a play!

Renfree down. We're getting banged up. Hope he's ok!

[ChrisP]

That was a gutsy, big time play by Renfree who got NAILED after he threw the TD pass. I hope he's ok, I really do but what the he** are we doing getting a penalty for excessive celebration? Scoreboard, guys! Jeez!

On a positive note, Renfree now has a TD pass for the season. It's a good thing we were so far away from the goal line or else the coaches likely wouldn't have let him be in there to even throw that pass ;)

[gep]

Anyone see the excessive celebration?

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Conner's a tough cookie! While triggering a penalty, his response to making the TD was probably a release of pent up frustration.

[DevilWearsPrada]

Anyone see the excessive celebration?

I didn't. I have the game on, TV volume down, and Bob Harris on the radio.

Renfree got nailed. The Duke Medical Staff is working overtime today.

And good to see Paul Asack get some time on the field, because he has alot of family in the stands, according to Duke Radio.

[davekay1971]

Ugh. Tough 3rd and long to give up. BC's QB has moments of extreme inaccuracy, especially when under any significant pressure. We need to turn one or two of those bad throws into turnovers.

Addendum: AWESOME defensive series there. Our guys are getting into the backfield. Put pressure on the QB, then tackle for loss.

Heck of a FG kick, but still, good defensive stop!

[ChrisP]

Three straight dropped passes? C'mon guys!

[davekay1971]

Three straight dropped passes? C'mon guys!

Stickum! Let's go retro...

[davekay1971]

Pretty well sick to my stomach after this. That's the first time today I've seen our defense play weak, weak football.

[ChrisP]

Is there such a thing as a "tackling coach"? If so, I propose we hire one! If not, I propose we invent one! Jeez! :mad:

[ChrisP]

Ok, 1:16 to go and good field position - let's see what we can do.

[grossbus]

BC receiver gets 17 yards after contact. Next play, running back goes right through tackle.

This after the aforementioned dropped passes and an offensive interference call.

Our excessive celebration violation was based on the fact that Vernon crossed the end line. Officials were upset enough that we crossed the goal line.

Many dumb penalties.

[ChrisP]

Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nice pass by Renfree! Maybe, just MAYBE (could it be?) the coaches will let Sean stay in the dadgum game and finish drives now?

[DevilWearsPrada]

Way to go Conner!!!

[davekay1971]

Very nice drive (with the exception of the false start). Way to come back and stop the momentum. Renfree is having a nice game. Add those dropped passes to his completion total and he's having a phenomenal completion percentage (at the half I think he's 20 of 26 with 3 drops).

[grossbus]

I sure hope vernon's knee doesn't stiffen up at halftime.

[davekay1971]

Wow, keeping half an eye on the Clemson/Auburn game and Clemson has really come to life! 28-21 Clemson.

[DevilWearsPrada]

I sure hope vernon's knee doesn't stiffen up at halftime.

Dont even think it! Run Connor Run! Love our Miami Connection: Donovan and Connor! Those Eagles have beaten up on our boys in the first half. I thought Coach Cut was absolutely in the right for ripping into the officials.

Lets keep pressing and stay focused, and throw over the Eagles!

[devildeac]

Anyone see the excessive celebration?

None base on radio commentary.

[Kimist]

...Our excessive celebration violation was based on the fact that Vernon crossed the end line...

Would someone please explain this to me? (The TV crew was too busy showing everything except the touchdown! :mad:)

k

[peloton]

With the way we played the 1st half I'll take being down by 5 points at halftime. Now, we need to build on the momentum from that last drive. I'm both disappointed and impressed (is that possible?) by the offense. Conner, Donovan, and Sean are displaying some toughness, both physical and mental. If the running game can just be a little more effective in the 2nd half that'll help immensely. This game is our's if we really want it but we've got to grab this victory...play with the determination that demonstrates we want it more than the Eagles! It's not going to be easy but it's time for the offense to man up and carry their weight! Show some pride...a few of the guys showed some in the 1st half but that should be just the beginning. Take it to 'em in the 2nd half...this is your half! Let's go Duke! You can do it Devils!

[TruBlu]

What a concept! Throw the ball down the field to Vernon and we can get 6 points. Hope the coaching staff notices this trend.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

What a concept! Throw the ball down the field to Vernon and we can get 6 points. Hope the coaching staff notices this trend.
There's a possible record awaiting Conner if today's trend can continue throughout the season.

[grossbus]

Penalties!!! :(

[grossbus]

Would someone please explain this to me? (The TV crew was too busy showing everything except the touchdown! :mad:)

k

I was being sarcastic.

[ChrisP]

Are you kidding me? Helfet HAS to catch that ball!!! Jeez guys come on!!! Sean is having a great day throwing the ball, we're moving down for what looked to be a TD that would have given us the lead and then...bone-headed play #56 for the game. DOH!

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Despite some disappointments and miscues (including that last play at the 5), the second half looks better offensively..... if Sean can get into a rhythm with the Killer V's, there will be better results than the two previous games.

[grossbus]

Bad enough to drop pass, but to bump it to the defender??!?!

We sure are getting dinged up. I think Vernon aggravated the knee.

[davekay1971]

Incredibly frustrating. We're playing well on defense, finally go the offense going, and we're just making costly errors that are the difference in the game.

The blocked punt that set up BC's first touchdown.

The big plays for BC's second touchdown.

The interception in the red zone.

Probably the difference between being down 5 and being up 7 or 9.

Also currently the difference between being 0-2 and 1-1 coming into the game today. Hope it doesn't end up leaving us 0-3 rather than 1-2 at the end of the game. We absolutely have the ability to win this game.

[grossbus]

Vernon now wearing braces on both knees.

[ChrisP]

Why did we go for the FG there? I would much rather have seen us go for it on 4th there. Also, I have two words for the coaching staff regarding the kicking game: OPEN TRYOUTS!

[PDDuke85]

hopefully the last FG attempt

[loldevilz]

This is just incredibly discouraging, driving the entire length of the field on two consecutive drives and not being able to score. Cutcliffe needs to remedy this immediately. I don't care if we have to use bizarre trick plays or whatever. He needs to figure it out.

[davekay1971]

[Insert family unfriendly exclamation of frustration here]. And again. Two beautiful drives to start the second half, two great defensive series, and we end up with no points, still down by 5. I'm ill.

[CDu]

Two good drives down the field with the chance to take the lead in the second half, and we get a dropped pass for an INT and a missed FG. We've got to do a better job of converting red zone trips into points. It's sounding like a broken record. This is ridiculous.

Renfree and the passing game have looked good though otherwise.

[davekay1971]

Our defense is carrying us.

When's the last time you could say that about a Duke football game?

[loldevilz]

Renfree is absolutely balling today. He honestly looks like he could be the best qb in the ACC. Its a real shame we can't seem to turn his play into wins.

[arnie]

Why did we go for the FG there? I would much rather have seen us go for it on 4th there. Also, I have two words for the coaching staff regarding the kicking game: OPEN TRYOUTS!

A field goal attempt on 4th and 1 from around the 20, down 5 with a longshot kicker. That's one of most bizarre decisions ever.

[davekay1971]

In the words of Ol Roy, in deep squat, with fists clenched..."C'MON!!!!!!!!!!"

Renfree out.

Boone in.

Run.

No gain.

[ChrisP]

First and goal inside the 10 and....new QB. WHAT????

[ChrisP]

I gotta give the BC defenders credit - they can hit and tackle! That looked like a TD for sure on the end-around. So glad to see Sean get the call on 3rd down and get the TD. This reply better not overturn it - the replay I'm looking at looks like a TD for sure.

[davekay1971]

Touchdown! That has to stand! Good use of Renfree's height!

[DU82]

See, a taller quarterback DOES make a difference!

[loldevilz]

Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!

[CDu]

Thank goodness they called that a TD on the field, because it was very inconclusive on review. Woohoo! Red zone success for once!

Hopefully it's just cramps for Vernon.

[grossbus]

Wow. Looked to me like he got toe down, but ineligible downfield (how does that happen on a two pt conversion?).

D has been getting the job done. Keep it up!

Kickoff OB?!?! Please!

[CDu]

Wow. Looked to me like he got toe down, but ineligible downfield (how does that happen on a two pt conversion?).

D has been getting the job done. Keep it up!

Kickoff OB?!?! Please!

I don't think it was an ineligible man downfield. It was that Vernon was an ineligible receiver because he stepped out of bounds and then came back in bounds. You can't be the first to touch the ball after going out of bounds. So Vernon's catch/no catch was irrelevant.

[davekay1971]

YES! Our defense has been so good this half!

Take in downfield and put it in the end zone!

[CDu]

Defense gets the stop. The offense now has a chance to extend the lead and chew up some clock. Let's go Duke!

[ChrisP]

Sorry, but how was that NOT a "horse collar" tackle on Helfet a minute ago?

[ChrisP]

It's about time they called something on BC for these late and "near late" hits on Renfree! Sean is taking a pounding today but seems to be hanging tough! :cool:

[PDDuke85]

what's the best 4th and 5 call??

[grossbus]

Gotta go for it, right?

[CDu]

Sorry, but how was that NOT a "horse collar" tackle on Helfet a minute ago?

He lassoed him around the side of the neck. A horse collar is pulling straight down on the back of the pads. It looked rough, but it wasn't a horse collar.

[davekay1971]

YES! Go for it. Expect the blitz, look for the quick hitter across the middle.

[CDu]

Gotta go for it, right?

I would. There's a good chance a punt would go into the end zone, and virtually no chance of a made FG. Might as well try to pick up the first down and keep the drive alive.

[grossbus]

I don't think it was an ineligible man downfield. It was that Vernon was an ineligible receiver because he stepped out of bounds and then came back in bounds. You can't be the first to touch the ball after going out of bounds. So Vernon's catch/no catch was irrelevant.

That wasn't the signal the ref gave. He did the ineligible receiver signal.

[grossbus]

D up!

[CDu]

Thatvwasn't the signal the ref gave. He did the ineligible receiver signaln

That's because it WAS an ineligible receiver. It just wasn't an ineligible man downfield (which would be a lineman). When you step out of bounds, you become an ineligible player until the ball is touched by someone else.

[loldevilz]

Ugh I do not feel good about this.

[davekay1971]

Right call. Little high on the throw.

Go DEFENSE!

It's not pass interference if it's overthrown by 10 yards, right?

[ChrisP]

He lassoed him around the side of the neck. A horse collar is pulling straight down on the back of the pads. It looked rough, but it wasn't a horse collar.

Ok, I know you're right but it looked awfully similar to a horse collar that WAS called in last night's Uconn-Iowa St. game

[ChrisP]

Ok, this is HUGE. Watch for the fake punt and let's make sure we handle the return. Come on, boys, it's winnin' time!!! :)

[CDu]

Defense again! Time to kill some clock.

[PDDuke85]

Regardless of outcome, game ball to the entire D

[grossbus]

Three first downs ought to do it. Let's go, Duke!!

[CDu]

Ok, I know you're right but it looked awfully similar to a horse collar that WAS called in last night's Uconn-Iowa St. game

Yeah, it was very close. Just slightly lateral and around the neck enough to be legal.

[Indoor66]

I lost my TV feed to Florida - Tennessee. Will someone keep updating the game, please.

[davekay1971]

Ga Tech and Clemson did their part holding up the ACC's honor, both impressive after rough starts. Maryland staged a comeback but wunderkind O'Brien chucked one too many interceptions for the to pull off the victory. The big game still to come. Hopefully FSU can help to make the ACC relevant in the national picture (at least until the mighty Blue Devils dash their national title hopes)!

[CDu]

HUGE first down!

[grossbus]

That's because it WAS an ineligible receiver. It just wasn't an ineligible man downfield (which would be a lineman). When you step out of bounds, you become an ineligible player until the ball is touched by someone else.

He did pat of head. Illegal touching (what you are describing) is a different signal (One hand held up to shoulder, fingertips touching the shoulder)

[CDu]

One more first down might just do it. 2nd and 7 here with 2:46 to go.

[ChrisP]

I lost my TV feed to Florida - Tennessee. Will someone keep updating the game, please.

Duke has the ball, 2:46 to play. 2nd and about 8. BC just took a TO but we're running the ball and trying to milk the clock.

[davekay1971]

Great job grinding out the running game, burning time off the clock.

We need to get this first down.

[CDu]

He did pat of head. Illegal touching (what you are describing) is a different signal (One hand held up to shoulder, fingertips touching the shoulder)

Then he made the wrong signal. The official in the back of the end zone took off his hat during the play, signifying that Vernon had stepped out of bounds. And the official described it as the receiver stepping out of bounds.

[ChrisP]

I think the announcers LOVE them some Steel Devitto! He's never just "Devitto". I have to admit, "Steel" is pretty bada** :)

[Indoor66]

Duke has the ball, 2:46 to play. 2nd and about 8. BC just took a TO but we're running the ball and trying to milk the clock.

Thanks. I have tuned into Bob Harris on line. 2:40 and 3 & 5

[CDu]

Ugghh, almost a worst case scenario. Lost about 10 yards on 3rd and 6. At least BC is out of timeouts and hopefully will have a LOT of field to cover.

[CDu]

BC ball, 2:24 to go, no timeouts. At the 21 yard line, so they need probably 50-60 yards.

[ChrisP]

C'mon "D"!

[davekay1971]

BC needs to move it about 50-55 yards. I'm a bundle of nerves.

I may have to do like Mark Sanchez and turn my back to the game.


Addendum: That was a disaster.

[grossbus]

Don't like rushing 3


And that's why. And I don't think that was a late hit on the QB.

[CDu]

Two incompletions. 3rd and 10 for BC from their own 21. Two more stops!

[CDu]

Ugghh. Bad news. Huge gain for BC AND a roughing the passer penalty. BC almost in FG range now.

[ChrisP]

How was that roughing the passer?

[davekay1971]

Any more yards for BC and Duke needs to use timeouts.

[CDu]

Well. Worse news. BC is now inside the Duke 15 with plenty of time.

[ChrisP]

Our defense has been really good for most of this game but we simply HAVE to get better at tackling people.

[duke79]

Oh NO !!! (It's not easy being a Duke football fan, ugh)

[CDu]

BC inside the 5 now. Not looking good at all. Finding ways to try to lose.

[ChrisP]

Wow, those squandered red zone opportunities really suck right about now :(

[davekay1971]

We dominated the entire second half. We made critical mistakes. This is agonizing.

[grossbus]

Block that kick!

[CDu]

Duke gets the stop. 4th and 2 from the 4ish yard line. Here comes the FG attempt. It's gonna take a miracle.

[duke79]

We need a HUGE gift here from BC.

[grossbus]

Reprieved!!!!

[CDu]

OFF THE UPRIGHT!!! We're gonna win!

[davekay1971]

Oh my god!

[duke79]

There REALLY is a Santa Claus !!!!!! LOL LOL

[DU82]

OMG! Some payback for past last minute losses.

[ChrisP]

Holy uprights, Batman!!! We caught a break! What do you know? Would you rather be lucky or good? That tackle by Canty on 3rd is looking huge right now!!!!! Way to go, Walt!

[PSurprise]

I'm waiting for the penalty. Where is it?!?!?

[davekay1971]

Oh my God!

[jimsumner]

The field goal gods giveth.

The field goal gods taketh away.

[CDu]

Holy S@&)%!

What a lucky break. We were due for one of those. I can't believe it. We win!

[davekay1971]

Wow...and way to cut away from the post-game interview for the car commercial. Thanks Raycom.

[grossbus]

The field goal gods giveth.

The field goal gods taketh away.

You are not wrong! :D

[arnie]

Holy S@&)%!

What a lucky break. We were due for one of those. I can't believe it. We win!

An absolute miracle - that goes our way for once

[wsb3]

If ever a team was due a break it was this team. What a tackle on third and one.

[killerleft]

That would have been a sad, sad loss! Sad... sad...:):p;):D:

[dukebsbll14]

Football gods say: eh, Richmond was tough on you guys, y'all can have this one.

By the by, we can still compete for the ACC Championship! Let's go to Shooters...

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I put a spell on that FG attempt. Don't doubt the Diva. ;)

[duke79]

I put a spell on that FG attempt. Don't doubt the Diva. ;)

I can only say: God bless you, Devil in the Blue Dress. We needed that spell !!

[OldPhiKap]

DiBD is very enchanting.

Congrats to the team and staff. And fans who watched and stuck with 'em.

Nice win.

[loldevilz]

I still can't believe Duke won. Wooo

[hudlow]

GO DUKE!!!

hud

[peloton]

Way to go Blue Devils!! Congrats to the team on a very hard fought and much deserved victory. Was there a little luck involved? Sure, but that's all part of the game obviously and who more so than Duke right now knows how devastating missed field goals can be. It's high time that we had a break or two go our way, I agree. KillerLeft, that would have indeed been a most demoralizing loss but we put ourselves in that position where BC had to make a FG. Man, was that tackle for a loss by Walt Canty absolutely huge or what?! That was the defensive play of the game. Savor the victory Blue Devils and let's build on this.

[Bluedog]

I'm obviously happy for the win and certainly we were due for some luck, but it's just ridiculous that it seemed like we completely dominated that game on offense and defense and had to have them miss basically an extra point to win. How can a team gain 465 yards and only score 20 points? We had 35 minutes time of possession to their 24 and 26 first downs to their 17. It just seems like a lot of games we play well enough to win, but make 3-5 incredibly stupid plays that cost us the game. Can't make a FG, costly turnover, stupid penalties, etc. By the way, I thought that was a very questionable rushing the passer call on us - looked like he got there barely after the release. In any event, I'll look at the positive and enjoy a rare road ACC win. :) But we were SOOO lucky and the miscues really are painful, especially when it seems like we dominated the game yet edged it out by being lucky at the end. But hey, it's a win. Go Duke!

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

DiBD is very enchanting.

Congrats to the team and staff. And fans who watched and stuck with 'em.

Nice win.
It's great to add BC to the list of ACC wins since Coach Cutcliffe's arrival. Next up, the Pelicans represented by Riptide himself.

I'm preparing a special spell for Tulane. It begins with Bonjour, y'all.... the rest will be revealed next Saturday.

[DueBlevil]

Wow BC resembled Duke more than Duke did today! Made 2 field goals of 40+ yards but missed a PAT and a 23-yarder that would've won it. We deserved a break like this!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

One down, Tulane to go!

[loldevilz]

I'm obviously happy for the win and certainly we were due for some luck, but it's just ridiculous that it seemed like we completely dominated that game on offense and defense and had to have them miss basically an extra point to win. How can a team gain 465 yards and only score 20 points? We had 35 minutes time of possession to their 24 and 26 first downs to their 17. It just seems like a lot of games we play well enough to win, but make 3-5 incredibly stupid plays that cost us the game. Can't make a FG, costly turnover, stupid penalties, etc. By the way, I thought that was a very questionable rushing the passer call on us - looked like he got there barely after the release. In any event, I'll look at the positive and enjoy a rare road ACC win. :) But we were SOOO lucky and the miscues really are painful, especially when it seems like we dominated the game yet edged it out by being lucky at the end. But hey, it's a win. Go Duke!

I totally agree. We absolutely dominated them in every way in the second half except we could seem to score. I honestly think this team is starting to look really good. If we only had won that stupid Richmond game, then we would be sitting at 2-1 and a bowl game would be looking really doable.

[OldPhiKap]

I totally agree. We absolutely dominated them in every way in the second half except we could seem to score. I honestly think this team is starting to look really good. If we only had won that stupid Richmond game, then we would be sitting at 2-1 and a bowl game would be looking really doable.

Bowl game is do-able, we just need to sneak a win against a team we "shouldn't" beat.

And, if you can't do that, should you really go to a bowl anyway?

So let's focus on Tulane and 2-2. Still 1-0 in the conference either way.

[ForkFondler]

I totally agree. We absolutely dominated them in every way in the second half except we could seem to score. I honestly think this team is starting to look really good. If we only had won that stupid Richmond game, then we would be sitting at 2-1 and a bowl game would be looking really doable.

It's hard to argue that we should have beaten both Richmond and BC. I'm just glad we won one the way we lost one.

[cspan37421]

By the way, I thought that was a very questionable rushing the passer call on us - looked like he got there barely after the release.

I agree, but let's not miss the forest for the trees ... when will everyone admit that it's going to be very hard to compete in football if we can be penalized for rushing the passer? ;) No wonder it seems like an uneven playing field....

Seriously, the only replay I saw made it look like they could not have backed off the hit had they wanted to. But give the guy credit, he made a pass to the middle of the field that kept their drive alive. It looked like our safety bit on him rushing out of the pocket or something, leaving a seam in coverage.

No way it's a "make up call" for Renfree's last roughing ... Renfree had long given up the ball and the guy was still 2 steps away when Renfree got hit.

I liked the pass made by Boone for first down ... outside shoulder, very nicely done.

We need a new walk-on kicker something fierce, though. If Snyderwine got the job in an open tryout, it's time to see if we can get another (healthy) Snyderwine the same way. Where's Heather Mercer when you need her?

Oh, and although I'm not superstitious, I think it's way premature to engage in bowl talk ... let's get to 5 wins first. This is but one. One game at a time.

[Faison1]

That was unbelievable. When Duke had to punt away, I had a feeling of dread.

I am so happy for those guys, as I'm sure a last second loss would have been brutal for thier confidence.

[loran16]

Indeed, Bowl talk is BEYOND premature.

Our next two opponents - Tulane at home then FIU on the road - are surprisingly not as terrible as you might think - Tulane is going to be 2-1, while FIU is 2-0 with a win AT Louisville. Both are very easily loseable games, and both teams may be better than BC.

What Cut needs to take away from this game is simple:
1. Abandon the run for screens. Even if Scott is healthy, We're a better team when we pass by far than we rush, and we have a good QB. Turn Renfree loose.
2. Take some shots downfield. Several of Renfree's big 3rd down plays were on nice long completions. There's no reason why 3/4 of our passes are short dinks for 5 or so yards.
3. Don't attempt FGs from beyond 20 yards. Seriously, that missed FG today was SOOOO PREDICTABLE.

The Boone pass worked. It was also a dumb idea - Renfree was rolling. Cut needs to stop killing the momentum of Renfree like he does constantly, especially near the red zone.

The Defense showed signs of improvement, but the BC Offense is terrible. It still broke down often in the first half, and on the final drive. Course the final drive was helped by Cut playing prevent Defense at the end. PREVENT DEFENSE PREVENTS WINNING.

[killerleft]

Indeed, Bowl talk is BEYOND premature.

Our next two opponents - Tulane at home then FIU on the road - are surprisingly not as terrible as you might think - Tulane is going to be 2-1, while FIU is 2-0 with a win AT Louisville. Both are very easily loseable games, and both teams may be better than BC.

What Cut needs to take away from this game is simple:
1. Abandon the run for screens. Even if Scott is healthy, We're a better team when we pass by far than we rush, and we have a good QB. Turn Renfree loose.
2. Take some shots downfield. Several of Renfree's big 3rd down plays were on nice long completions. There's no reason why 3/4 of our passes are short dinks for 5 or so yards.
3. Don't attempt FGs from beyond 20 yards. Seriously, that missed FG today was SOOOO PREDICTABLE.

The Boone pass worked. It was also a dumb idea - Renfree was rolling. Cut needs to stop killing the momentum of Renfree like he does constantly, especially near the red zone.

The Defense showed signs of improvement, but the BC Offense is terrible. It still broke down often in the first half, and on the final drive. Course the final drive was helped by Cut playing prevent Defense at the end. PREVENT DEFENSE PREVENTS WINNING.

I'm no tactician, but check the yardage we got through the air today and you'll see why we have so many "short dinks" in the passing game. I do know that those short passes are low-risk and in some measure ARE our running game.

[Indoor66]

The Defense showed signs of improvement, but the BC Offense is terrible. It still broke down often in the first half, and on the final drive. Course the final drive was helped by Cut playing prevent Defense at the end. PREVENT DEFENSE PREVENTS WINNING.

I agree with you on the prevent defense. I have never understood that thinking. We had done a good job with the defense all day, why change on the last drive? Why let a team march down the field? Prevent defense seems (to me) to fail more often than it succeeds.

[loran16]

I'm no tactician, but check the yardage we got through the air today and you'll see why we have so many "short dinks" in the passing game. I do know that those short passes are low-risk and in some measure ARE our running game.

Let me rephrase, Killerleft. I'm a big fan of using screen passes and short dinks in place of a running game. That's fine. But I'm talking about situations where you wouldn't be "rushing" but would be "passing" normally. 3rd downs and 10, 2nds and 8, etc. You can have some of those dinks, just as you might rush in those situations, but let Renfree loose some more!

[CDu]

Bowl game is do-able, we just need to sneak a win against a team we "shouldn't" beat.

And, if you can't do that, should you really go to a bowl anyway?

So let's focus on Tulane and 2-2. Still 1-0 in the conference either way.

I'd say that we'd need to sneak 2-3 wins against teams we "shouldn't" beat in order to get a bowl. We have Tulane, @FIU, FSU, Wake, Va Tech, @Miami, @UVa, Ga Tech, and @UNC. We may be favored in two of those, and it very well may be that Tulane is the only game we're favored in the rest of the way. Basically, we'd need to win all of the "winnable" games (Tulane, @FIU, Wake, @UVa, and Ga Tech) or get a huge steal of a win at UNC (I don't see us coming close against FSU, Va Tech, or at Miami with the Canes getting their players back).

I'd say a bowl game is highly unlikely, and getting a win against possibly the worst team on our remaining schedule today is a small (important, but small) step in that discussion.

It was nice to get a win, and very nice to see the offense move well. But we do still need to address the FG situation and the critical mistakes resulting in big plays. But it's nice to see Renfree have a big game, and it was nice to see the defense play very well for most of the second half (the last drive excluded).

[arnie]

Just realized this is our very first ACC win against any of the "new" entrants into the ACC all the way back to FSU's entry. -

[ForkFondler]

Indeed, Bowl talk is BEYOND premature.


Nuts to that. I've been around the block a few times. If you are a Duke football fan, you need to get your bowl talk in early.

[chrishoke]

Sweet win - great to be 1-0 in the ACC!

[OldPhiKap]

Nuts to that. I've been around the block a few times. If you are a Duke football fan, you need to get your bowl talk in early.

LOL, ain't it true.

But we're in it until we're out of it. We're still in it.

[-bdbd]

I agree, but let's not miss the forest for the trees ... when will everyone admit that it's going to be very hard to compete in football if we can be penalized for rushing the passer? ;) No wonder it seems like an uneven playing field....

Seriously, the only replay I saw made it look like they could not have backed off the hit had they wanted to. But give the guy credit, he made a pass to the middle of the field that kept their drive alive. It looked like our safety bit on him rushing out of the pocket or something, leaving a seam in coverage.

No way it's a "make up call" for Renfree's last roughing ... Renfree had long given up the ball and the guy was still 2 steps away when Renfree got hit.

I liked the pass made by Boone for first down ... outside shoulder, very nicely done.

We need a new walk-on kicker something fierce, though. If Snyderwine got the job in an open tryout, it's time to see if we can get another (healthy) Snyderwine the same way. Where's Heather Mercer when you need her?

Oh, and although I'm not superstitious, I think it's way premature to engage in bowl talk ... let's get to 5 wins first. This is but one. One game at a time.

Actually I'd echo the sentiment that it was a terrible call, especially at a decisive point in the game like that. In the replay that I saw their QB's hand essentially hit the oncoming Duke rusher in its follow-through. It was THAT close/quick. It was a bang-bang play, and was NOT roughing - certainly not if you insist on consistency from several other earlier hits that weren't as immediate hits as that one.

I agree strongly with the sentiment expressed here that we were due. Look, several teams have beaten us in recent years that shouldn't have - bad Duke luck, errors by Duke in the final minute or two, marginal calls at a critical juncture late, etc. So I have not the slightest guilt whatsoever in collecting this win and moving on at 1-2. We're certainly playing better as the season progresses (except for the kicking - thank goodness we have a commit from a top-flight kicker in this HS senior class!). I think we have reason to be (more) optimmistic (than usual) as the season progresses.

Go Duke FB!!!

:D

[wsb3]

I agree, but let's not miss the forest for the trees ... when will everyone admit that it's going to be very hard to compete in football if we can be penalized for rushing the passer? ;) No wonder it seems like an uneven playing field....

Seriously, the only replay I saw made it look like they could not have backed off the hit had they wanted to. But give the guy credit, he made a pass to the middle of the field that kept their drive alive. It looked like our safety bit on him rushing out of the pocket or something, leaving a seam in coverage.

No way it's a "make up call" for Renfree's last roughing ... Renfree had long given up the ball and the guy was still 2 steps away when Renfree got hit.

I liked the pass made by Boone for first down ... outside shoulder, very nicely done.

We need a new walk-on kicker something fierce, though. If Snyderwine got the job in an open tryout, it's time to see if we can get another (healthy) Snyderwine the same way. Where's Heather Mercer when you need her?

Oh, and although I'm not superstitious, I think it's way premature to engage in bowl talk ... let's get to 5 wins first. This is but one. One game at a time.

The roughing call I thought was weak but considering what transpired maybe it was for the best. If he backs up ten yards maybe he nails it..One decision that I did not get and wonder how others feel.. Forth and short when we were down 19-14 and with all our field goal woes we bring the kicker in..I thought for sure we would go for it.

[Reilly]

... If you are a Duke football fan, you need to get your bowl talk in early.

Hear, hear .... sort of the inverse of "go ugly early" ....

[SilkyJ]

I put a spell on that FG attempt. Don't doubt the Diva. ;)

Clearly my "NOONAN!" was not audible on the tely, but I can assure you their kicker heard it :)

Our margin for error is usually pretty low, so given all the mistakes we made I feel lucky to come away with a win. I'll take it, but its very lucky.

On the bright side, usually a combo of

missed short FG
random red zone INT
Kick off OB
9 penalties, including very untimely ones


spells disaster. To get the W in spite of this shows we have talent and can do more than just compete. I think our offense is quite good, and is limited only by play calling and coaching decisions. The D has weak spots but has been solid. We didn't get great pressure on the QB and the secondary had suspect moments. Better QBs will capitalize on that, though I'm not sure how loaded the ACC is at QB right now. More missed tackles than I'd like and we were lucky Rettig didn't connect on a couple passes to open receivers and also had a few drops.

Hopefully we can clean up some of the mistakes as we continue to grow throughout the season b/c the talent and performances are there on both sides of the ball to win at least a few more games, imho

[SilkyJ]

I'd also add that I really liked our kick returner. I have a feeling he's gonna break one soon.

[NYC Duke Fan]

I'd say that we'd need to sneak 2-3 wins against teams we "shouldn't" beat in order to get a bowl. We have Tulane, @FIU, FSU, Wake, Va Tech, @Miami, @UVa, Ga Tech, and @UNC. We may be favored in two of those, and it very well may be that Tulane is the only game we're favored in the rest of the way. Basically, we'd need to win all of the "winnable" games (Tulane, @FIU, Wake, @UVa, and Ga Tech) or get a huge steal of a win at UNC (I don't see us coming close against FSU, Va Tech, or at Miami with the Canes getting their players back).

I'd say a bowl game is highly unlikely, and getting a win against possibly the worst team on our remaining schedule today is a small (important, but small) step in that discussion.

It was nice to get a win, and very nice to see the offense move well. But we do still need to address the FG situation and the critical mistakes resulting in big plays. But it's nice to see Renfree have a big game, and it was nice to see the defense play very well for most of the second half (the last drive excluded).

How is Georgia Tech a winnable game? Didn't they put up 60+ points yesterday against Kansas...60+ points !!!! I'm not sure sure Duke could put up 60+ points against Wellsley.

[killerleft]

How is Georgia Tech a winnable game? Didn't they put up 60+ points yesterday against Kansas...60+ points !!!! I'm not sure sure Duke could put up 60+ points against Wellsley.

That's the spirit!

[fuqua1997]

Congrats on a good road win for the team that really needed it. Way to play some D in the second half :)

[roywhite]

Watched the game again this morning.

Just a few observations:
Would have been a real tough one to lose; Duke thoroughly dominated the 2nd half
Great play by Walt Canty to make the stop on 3rd down late
What a ridiculous call the roughing-the-passer penalty was on Duke on BC's final drive
Jamison Crowder is a little package of dynamite
Somehow we've got to solve the redzone scoring issues to reach our potential

congrats to the team and coaches on a really good win

[Olympic Fan]

Just a few points:

-- I agree the bowl talk is premature. At the same time, I also agree with the poster who suggested that premature bowl talk is the only kind we have. Seriously, the only way a bowl is feasable is for Duke to keep getting better. I don't think that's impossible -- this is an amazingly young team. In a way, this game reminds me of the 2009 game at Army. We had opened the season with a bad loss to Richmond and we were struggling against a pretty weak Army team on the road. We rallied in the second half (with the help of backup QB Sean Renfree) and got that win. After a loss at a very good Kansas team, we were 1-2. But that team won four of its next five (with only a tough 34-26 loss to Virginia Tech), including three straight ACC wins. Injuries cost that team a chance to go bowling -- but it was competitive in losses to UNC, Miami and Wake.

-- You have to admire the way Sean Renfree is maturing. Through his first seven starts, he threw for a bunch of yards (something like 250 yards a game), but was completing just over 50 percent of his passes and he threw 15 interceptions. Through his last eight starts (the last five games a year ago and the first three this season), he's thrown for slightly more yards (over 290 a game), but has completed over 70 percent of his passes and has thrown just three interceptions -- one of those was a desperation heave late in the UNC game ... one of those was a ball that bounced off Cooper Helfet's hands during the BC game).

I confess that nothing makes me more angry these days than pulling Renfree for the Boone/Connette package. I think Renfree has proven that he's an outstanding quarterback. Quit trying to out-coach everybody and let the guy play!

-- The running game is still sputtering, but I think that's more due to injuries to Snead and Sclott than anything else. Thompson continues to average more than five yards a carry (he had 10 rushes for 50 yards against BC). Hollingsworth/Kurunwune are both far below that. There was a third and short early against BC when I thought Hollingsworth demonstrated his limitations. He came wide right and was almost on the first down line when he was first hit. He went down like a stone, inches short of the first down (Duke was going to gamble on 4th and inches, but Kyle Hill jumped offside and they punted -- the punt that was blocked). Later in the game, Thompson had a similar play to the left. He was hit just short of the first down, but slipped the tackler and got another 2-3 yards -- enough to make the first down easily). Get Scott and/or Snead back and I'll vote to keep running -- until then, agree that swing and screens will take the place of the running game, with occasional contributions from Thompson.

-- The pass rush remains sporatic, although Kenny Annunike has now had four sacks in the last two games. The coaches always insisted that he had amazing talent ... last year was his first at DE and he was learning the position, while battling injuries. Hopefully, some of the young guys on the D-line will start adding to the count. On the other hand, the D-line -- and everybody else -- is doing an excellent job against he run. And while there are some breakdowns in the passing game, the two oppositing quarterbacks that Duke has faced that are not named Luck have less than a 50 percent completion rate against our secondary.

-- Okay, the kicking game remains abysmal. I think the best remedy is simply to hope that Snyderwine gets healthy soon. He seems to be close -- he was in uniform at BC and kicked before the game. If heathy, he's not just a good, but he's a GREAT kicker. Alex King has been fine as a punter, except for that weird blocked kick at BC. I still don't known what happened there -- both Walt Canty, who was the protector, and King looked awfully lazy on the play (if Canty did crew up there, he made up for it with his great third-down hit at the end of the game).

-- Well, Tulane this week. Personally, I'm not making any bowl plans based on one lucky win. But beat the Green Wave (not saying it will be easy, but Duke should be favored) and get to 2-2 and THEN we can go crazy!

[davekay1971]

Somehow we've got to solve the redzone scoring issues to reach our potential

congrats to the team and coaches on a really good win

We have two major obstacles to overcome in the red zone right now.

1) Will Snyderwine's ankle. If we'd had the ability to reliably kick a field goal this season, we'd be 2-1 and yesterday's game wouldn't have been as close.

2) The run has GOT to become enough of an option to force opposing defenses to defend the line of scrimmage. We saw yesterday that our passing game can chip it's way down the field all day long. When you get into the red zone, though, that field gets a whole lot shorter, and it becomes more difficult to get those 5-10 yard completions if the opposing team knows the pass is coming and is dropping 7-8 guys into coverage. 8 defenders crammed into 15-20 yards of field makes passing difficult and dangerous. Hopefully when 2 of our best running backs get back to playing, we'll see enough of a running game emerge be a credible red zone option AND open up the red zone passing for Renfree a bit.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Watched the game again this morning.

Just a few observations:
Would have been a real tough one to lose; Duke thoroughly dominated the 2nd half
Great play by Walt Canty to make the stop on 3rd down late
What a ridiculous call the roughing-the-passer penalty was on Duke on BC's final drive
Jamison Crowder is a little package of dynamite
Somehow we've got to solve the redzone scoring issues to reach our potential

congrats to the team and coaches on a really good win
The second half brought some of the best football from a Duke team in a long, long time...... offensive play that forced the very capable BC defense to change what they were trying to do..... a Duke defense that allowed no points in the second half. To be able to make such an adjustment from the first half to the second is significant. I hope that making that adjustment on the road will be another step to becoming the team we envision for the near future. It's exciting to think about what we'll see as the team becomes more consistent.

Can't wait to see what Walt, Jamison and the rest of the team can do against Tulane.

Geaux Duke! Beat Tulane!

[loldevilz]

Just a few points:


-- The pass rush remains sporatic, although Kenny Annunike has now had four sacks in the last two games. The coaches always insisted that he had amazing talent ... last year was his first at DE and he was learning the position, while battling injuries. Hopefully, some of the young guys on the D-line will start adding to the count. On the other hand, the D-line -- and everybody else -- is doing an excellent job against he run. And while there are some breakdowns in the passing game, the two oppositing quarterbacks that Duke has faced that are not named Luck have less than a 50 percent completion rate against our secondary.


Totally agree about Annunike. He was absolutely fantastic.

[Wander]

I always thought the goal was to go 3-2 in the first five games ("Phase I" as Jumbo would call it), so that's salvageable. It won't be easy, as FIU is surprisingly good. They beat UCF, which crushed BC by a much greater margin than we did, if you're into the transitive property thing. But as many have pointed out, we're a young team, so it's not unreasonable to think we'll be much better in game 5 than in game 1.

[OldPhiKap]

Watched the game again this morning.

Just a few observations:
Would have been a real tough one to lose; Duke thoroughly dominated the 2nd half
Great play by Walt Canty to make the stop on 3rd down late
What a ridiculous call the roughing-the-passer penalty was on Duke on BC's final drive
Jamison Crowder is a little package of dynamite
Somehow we've got to solve the redzone scoring issues to reach our potential

congrats to the team and coaches on a really good win

Right on every count.

Canty had the play of the final stand. Wow.

[Greg_Newton]

2) The run has GOT to become enough of an option to force opposing defenses to defend the line of scrimmage. We saw yesterday that our passing game can chip it's way down the field all day long. When you get into the red zone, though, that field gets a whole lot shorter, and it becomes more difficult to get those 5-10 yard completions if the opposing team knows the pass is coming and is dropping 7-8 guys into coverage. 8 defenders crammed into 15-20 yards of field makes passing difficult and dangerous. Hopefully when 2 of our best running backs get back to playing, we'll see enough of a running game emerge be a credible red zone option AND open up the red zone passing for Renfree a bit.

This might be a dumb question, but why don't we use (or recruit) fullbacks? I don't know if I can remember following a team with a good power running game that didn't ever give their HBs a lead blocker.

It seems like having a big, competent lead blocker is a huge asset when you're trying to run it up the middle - especially around the goal line. We have some shifty backs that can make the most of little seams, but there's not a lot they can do if they just run into a wall of linemen and linebackers.

[OldPhiKap]

This might be a dumb question, but why don't we use (or recruit) fullbacks? I don't know if I can remember following a team with a good power running game that didn't ever give their HBs a lead blocker.

It seems like having a big, competent lead blocker is a huge asset when you're trying to run it up the middle - especially around the goal line. We have some shifty backs that can make the most of little seams, but there's not a lot they can do if they just run into a wall of linemen and linebackers.

You have a better perspective than I do, but I wonder how much of this perception is a combination of (1) no established OL up to this year; and (2) injuries to the backs we have. Fullbacks need that hole to get into the secondary and pound, which has been tough for any back over the last few years. But I think the OL is much improved -- great protection on Saturday, most of the hits on Sean were late and cheap -- but you need that in order to use one of those big punishing backs.

[Bob Green]

This might be a dumb question, but why don't we use (or recruit) fullbacks?

I don't claim to be an expert here, but from my perspective there are two reasons: first, Coach Cutcliffe's offensive system emphasizes the wide receiver so we sacrifice the fullback position in order to play three wide receivers. Second, we utilize one of our tight ends as a fullback on the rare instances where we line-up in a two running backs formation.

[throatybeard]

The Fullback position has mostly disappeared from the College and NFL games. Which is too bad. I loved those guys. Pooh Bear Williams, anyone?

[jimsumner]

I don't claim to be an expert here, but from my perspective there are two reasons: first, Coach Cutcliffe's offensive system emphasizes the wide receiver so we sacrifice the fullback position in order to play three wide receivers. Second, we utilize one of our tight ends as a fullback on the rare instances where we line-up in a two running backs formation.

Right. Many teams use a tight end as a nominal fullback in short-yardage situations. Brandon King, who graduated last year, was quite effective in that role.

Helfet and Deaver are the receiving tight ends this season, Parker and Farrell the blocking tight ends. Danny Parker is a 6-4, 245 pound fifth-year senior. This should be his major contribution to the team.

[6th Man]

It's amazing how good an ACC victory feels. I really hope this gives the team some confidence heading into Tulane. I would also love to see Desmond Scott and Josh Snead back from IR. The more weapons the better. Also, as someone else mentioned I am very excited about the explosiveness of Jamison Crowder. Hopefully Duke can keep finding ways to get him the ball. There are a lot of weapons offensively when everyone is healthy.

Also really proud of the defense. They have come a looong way since last season.

1-0 in the ACC!

[DueBlevil]

Also really proud of the defense. They have come a looong way since last season.


The defense looked really good in the second half. Not sure if that was BC's ineptitude or Duke's defense, but there appeared to be much better swarming to the ball (presumably in part due to that increased speed we always hear about) and also more sound tackling than in the past. Really good to see

[Newton_14]

The Fullback position has mostly disappeared from the College and NFL games. Which is too bad. I loved those guys. Pooh Bear Williams, anyone?

Robert Newhouse was the man! (Also had the biggest thigh's of any human being I have ever seen!)

[jimsumner]

I'm old enough to remember when teams had a running fullback and a running tailback. Jimmy Brown and Bobby Mitchell, Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, Rick Casares and Willie Gallimore, Alan Ameche and Lenny Moore, Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris.

Those were the days.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Robert Newhouse was the man! (Also had the biggest thigh's of any human being I have ever seen!)
Guess you never had the opportunity to see Johnny McNabb up close.

[OldPhiKap]

I'm old enough to remember when teams had a running fullback and a running tailback. Jimmy Brown and Bobby Mitchell, Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, Rick Casares and Willie Gallimore, Alan Ameche and Lenny Moore, Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris.

Those were the days.

Yeah, but the leather helmets left something to be desired. ;>)

[Newton_14]

Guess you never had the opportunity to see Johnny McNabb up close.

You got me there DitBD.

On another note, I saw on Twitter tonight that Renfree set a record and a career high yesterday. It was missed originally, as one of Renfree's passes was credited to Boone. Once the error was corrected, it put Sean's numbers at 41 of 53 for a career best 368 yards! I believe the 41 completions broke the Duke record as well.

Other good news, Cutcliffe said today that Desmond Scott would be evaluated this week and Cut hopes he plays against Tulane! That would be great.

Big props to the defense yesterday as they came up big in the 2nd half. I would have rather we ran out the clock on that last drive without giving the ball back, or gotten the stop before BC got into FG range, but a win is a win is a win, and if any team deserved a break, this one did. We have to cut down on the mistakes, improve the Red Zone offense, and get healthy. Need Snyderwine, Scott, and Snead back in a bad way.

This team has talent, and can and will win games. Margin of error is small, and a lot of the talent is young, but if they get healthy and keep improving, it can be a good year. Beating Tulane to get to 2-2 record is a "must do" kind of thing.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

with/
Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris.

Those were the days.
Let's not short change Jimmy Kiick. While Morris was certainly the flashy tailback, Kiick was the workhorse, especially in the undefeated 1972 season. Well, check that. Csonka was THE workhorse, but Kiick was right there most of the time with him, not Morris, doing the dirty work for Csonka. I ought to know - we both wore #21 in the backfield, and I still use it in my email address. Know you know.

[jimsumner]

with/
Let's not short change Jimmy Kiick. While Morris was certainly the flashy tailback, Kiick was the workhorse, especially in the undefeated 1972 season. Well, check that. Csonka was THE workhorse, but Kiick was right there most of the time with him, not Morris, doing the dirty work for Csonka. I ought to know - we both wore #21 in the backfield, and I still use it in my email address. Know you know.

Jimmy K was okay but you gotta go with a guy nicknamed "Mercury." :)

[roywhite]

Jimmy K was okay but you gotta go with a guy nicknamed "Mercury." :)

Sorry, I'm partial to Franco and Rocky, two great backs who played together on the real team of the 1970's.
Bleier did plenty of the dirty work, but also had a 1,000-yd+ rushing season along the way.

[jimsumner]

Sorry, I'm partial to Franco and Rocky, two great backs who played together on the real team of the 1970's.
Bleier did plenty of the dirty work, but also had a 1,000-yd+ rushing season along the way.

Franco and Rocky. Two thumbs up!

[devildeac]

Sorry, I'm partial to Franco and Rocky, two great backs who played together on the real team of the 1970's.
Bleier did plenty of the dirty work, but also had a 1,000-yd+ rushing season along the way.


Franco and Rocky. Two thumbs up!

I had the opportunity to see Franco play in HS with one of our conference rivals. I would have rather had him on our side:(. What a beast/bruiser!

[killerleft]

Meanwhile, we have a football team getting ready to get to 2-2 overall, thus putting us in a great frame of mind for the last eight games. I hope everyone FULLyBACKS the Blue Devils, gets a big KIiCK out of it, and we CSONKa the Green Wave, FRANCOly. Show up!

Go Duke!

[sagegrouse]

Meanwhile, we have a football team getting ready to get to 2-2 overall, thus putting us in a great frame of mind for the last eight games. I hope everyone FULLyBACKS the Blue Devils, gets a big KIiCK out of it, and we CSONKa the Green Wave, FRANCOly. Show up!

Go Duke!

I tell you, I AMECHEing for another victory over the MOTLEY crew from Nawlins. -- sagegrouse

[devildeac]

I tell you, I AMECHEing for another victory over the MOTLEY crew from Nawlins. -- sagegrouse

SHULAly we can STEELer a win this Saturday and dolPHINISH off the Green Wave.

[CameronBlue]

I'm old enough to remember when teams had a running fullback and a running tailback. Jimmy Brown and Bobby Mitchell, Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, Rick Casares and Willie Gallimore, Alan Ameche and Lenny Moore, Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris.

Those were the days.

What no mention of Otis, Metcalf and Jones (for short yardage situations)?

[jimsumner]

What no mention of Otis, Metcalf and Jones (for short yardage situations)?

Look, Sagegrouse made a Marion Motley reference. Unless you want me to go back to Ernie Nevers, we should probably move on to more pressing topics.

Besides, I'm a Redskins fan. No love for Otis. :)

[killerleft]

What no mention of Otis, Metcalf and Jones (for short yardage situations)?

OTIS Duke team has me JONESing for a few big wins, but Metcalf?

[SoCalDukeFan]

Just as one loss should not mean a terrible season, one win does not make a winning season.

However I was impressed with what a saw. Duke basically dominated the second half and but for a few mistakes would have won easily.

SoCal

[CameronBlue]

Look, Sagegrouse made a Marion Motley reference. Unless you want me to go back to Ernie Nevers, we should probably move on to more pressing topics.

Besides, I'm a Redskins fan. No love for Otis. :)

Tell us about the ol days, Grandpa!:)

[Wildcat]

Good win for our guys! This should be a huge momentum builder for the team, fans and the Cut flip-floppers. I liked his play-calling and his all-out philosophy of playing to win. Good Win! Letme hear some good coach-speak now Cut. Go Duke

[jv001]

Look, Sagegrouse made a Marion Motley reference. Unless you want me to go back to Ernie Nevers, we should probably move on to more pressing topics.

Besides, I'm a Redskins fan. No love for Otis. :)

Yeh, the Skins with Riggins and Sonny. Love my Redskins. GoDuke!

[Indoor66]

How about the Bears and Papa Bear's favorite, Duke's own George McAfee? I'd like him to run for us on Saturday.

[Jim3k]

How about some of Duke's own fullbacks? Mike Curtis knew how to move the pile and supported excellent halfbacks such as Mark Leggett, Billy Futrell and Jay Wilkinson. In the same sense Curtis was a FB, really a power back, Steve Jones and Randy Cuthbert were also power backs, whether they lined up as tailbacks or fullbacks.

This is just a sample of really good power runners that have worn the uniform.

I am certain that if Cutcliffe had that kind of talent available, he'd find a way to use it. Those guys made their own holes and a single setback formation would have worked just fine for them.

[Reilly]

Tielor Robinson of recent vintage was a load. And Alex Wade should always be remembered, not only for his play, but for his mom's great poster board sign ("TMB" -- That's My Boy).

[throatybeard]

The loss to Duke has landed Boston College in ESPN's Bottom 10

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/page/bottom10110921/slogans-live-lose-bottom-10

[Scorp4me]

How about some of Duke's own fullbacks? Mike Curtis knew how to move the pile and supported excellent halfbacks such as Mark Leggett, Billy Futrell and Jay Wilkinson. In the same sense Curtis was a FB, really a power back, Steve Jones and Randy Cuthbert were also power backs, whether they lined up as tailbacks or fullbacks.

This is just a sample of really good power runners that have worn the uniform.

I am certain that if Cutcliffe had that kind of talent available, he'd find a way to use it. Those guys made their own holes and a single setback formation would have worked just fine for them.

I'm sure I'm missing something here but...I've never had a problem with the single back idea. We've had some great backs with good skills and speed over the years. Yet we continue to run our small speedy backs straight up the middle. If you wanna run up the middle recruit a fullback. If you wanna recruit tailbacks then give them some room to run. I about crapped myself when we ran a sweep play against BC. It was poorly executed, but it was still nice to see!

[Duvall]

The loss to Duke has landed Boston College in ESPN's Bottom 10

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/page/bottom10110921/slogans-live-lose-bottom-10

Schlabach is such a twit.

[Scorp4me]

The loss to Duke has landed Boston College in ESPN's Bottom 10

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/page/bottom10110921/slogans-live-lose-bottom-10

Not only did it land BC on the bottom 10, but Ole Miss is on there as well. If Duke wasn't listed on the waiting list it would be a perfect reversal of roles for Cutcliffe.

[jimsumner]

I'm sure I'm missing something here but...I've never had a problem with the single back idea. We've had some great backs with good skills and speed over the years. Yet we continue to run our small speedy backs straight up the middle. If you wanna run up the middle recruit a fullback. If you wanna recruit tailbacks then give them some room to run. I about crapped myself when we ran a sweep play against BC. It was poorly executed, but it was still nice to see!

I don't disagree with the premise. But Duke uses short passes to the RBs to accomplish the same thing. Duke successfully utilized a ball-control passing game against BC. Controlled the clock and moved the chains.

Now, if they can just add scoring points to the formula, everything will be cool.

[CameronBornAndBred]

The loss to Duke has landed Boston College in ESPN's Bottom 10

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/page/bottom10110921/slogans-live-lose-bottom-10
ECU gets an honorable mention right behind Duke...a day after they apply to the Big East.