FB: Duke 35, Navy 7

[Olympic Fan]

Due to the government shutdown, all varsity athletics at the service academy have been shut down:

http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100113aac.html

Of course, we can only hope the government gets its act together in time to save the Duke game, but there's a chance we'll have back-to-back open dates.

[Bob Green]

How does this impact our bowl eligibility? Is the game considered a Duke victory due to Navy forfeiting? Is the game rescheduled for a later date? Do we play an 11 game schedule but still need six wins to qualify?

Lots of questions that I do not know the answer to.

[Duvall]

How does this impact our bowl eligibility? Is the game considered a Duke victory due to Navy forfeiting? Is the game rescheduled for a later date? Do we play an 11 game schedule but still need six wins to qualify?

Lots of questions that I do not know the answer to.

It would just be a cancelled game that would not count as a forfeit due to Navy's failure to appear. It's hard to see how the game could be rescheduled since neither school has an open date. It's possible that Duke could find a team that needs a 12th game, like Fresno State, and invite them to play on Oct. 12 or another open date.

Some talk here. (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/government-shutdown-could-affect-duke-football/12946634/)

[-bdbd]

It would just be a cancelled game that would not count as a forfeit due to Navy's failure to appear. It's hard to see how the game could be rescheduled since neither school has an open date. It's possible that Duke could find a team that needs a 12th game, like Fresno State, and invite them to play on Oct. 12 or another open date.

Some talk here. (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/government-shutdown-could-affect-duke-football/12946634/)



More from the Washington Post. A soccer match today is already being cancelled.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/navy-air-force-football-game-in-jeopardy-because-of-shutdown-department-of-defense-cancels-other-service-academy-games/2013/10/01/d4bfe0c8-2ab2-11e3-97a3-ff2758228523_story.html

I have to think that they would find a way to get their Div-1 FB games played, even if Navy Alumni (who I saw in a recent survey have one of the three highest salary averages of any group of university grads -- don't worry Bob that is helped a lot by post-Navy-career incomes) have to donate to the cause.

But to answer the question, Duke could finish the season 5-6 and NOT be bowl eligible , especially since this is one of our more "winable" games remaining. You need 6 wins to Bowl.


BTW, Duke DOES have open dates on Oct. 5 and Nov. 2nd. However Navy has a full slate until Thanksgiving, but is open Nov. 30th (we play UNC that weekend) and Dec. 7th (the ACC Championship is that Sat. night - so special dispensation from the league would be required). Navy plays Army the following week, Dec. 14th weekend. I'd be very pleasantly surprised, though, if the game were able to be rescheduled later the same season...

http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/navy-m-footbl-sched.html

[Bob Green]

It would just be a cancelled game that would not count as a forfeit due to Navy's failure to appear. It's hard to see how the game could be rescheduled since neither school has an open date. It's possible that Duke could find a team that needs a 12th game, like Fresno State, and invite them to play on Oct. 12 or another open date.

Some talk here. (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/government-shutdown-could-affect-duke-football/12946634/)

Thanks for the link. Fresno State is 4-0 and ranked #23 in the nation so that is a tough replacement game for an even matched game against Navy.

[sagegrouse]

Thanks for the link. Fresno State is 4-0 and ranked #23 in the nation so that is a tough replacement game for an even matched game against Navy.

In 1964, Duke's October game against Tulane was postponed because of a hurricane IIRC (and there is always a first time). The game was made up on November 28. The favored Devils lost 17-0 to the Green Wave.

The rescheduling of the Navy game has some challenges: Duke's last game is November 30, an open date for the Mids. December 7 is currently open for both Duke and Navy, but it is the date of the ACC championship. Navy plays Army on December 14.

sagegrouse

[Matches]

Eastern Michigan is scheduled to play at Army that weekend. Possible replacement game? I have no idea how the logistics of that would work or even if it is allowed by NCAA rules.

[jimsumner]

Eastern Michigan is scheduled to play at Army that weekend. Possible replacement game? I have no idea how the logistics of that would work or even if it is allowed by NCAA rules.

I'd rather play Eastern Michigan than Fresno State.

But yes, this could very much be a bad thing for Duke.

[johnb]

Eastern Michigan is scheduled to play at Army that weekend. Possible replacement game? I have no idea how the logistics of that would work or even if it is allowed by NCAA rules.

Air Force hosts San Diego State in a Thursday night game that week. If we could host SDSU, that would presumably get us on an ESPN featured game.

[PSurprise]

I think it's time that Reggie pulls some strings for us....

[75Crazie]

If the shutdown drags on for that long, there will be several teams with similar circumstances ... any team that Army, Navy, or Air Force plays during that time (although one of the games this coming weekend is Air Force vs Navy). Ask Colorado how difficult it is to find a replacement game for just one team after having a game cancelled (in their case, due to the floods) ... they've been trying for several weeks now, with no success. Even if several teams end up looking for games, finding a match in the schedules is very difficult. If the Duke-Navy game gets cancelled, I think it would be pretty extraordinary to find any kind of a replacement game.

[Dev11]

Given that Duke is looking like a long shot to make it to the ACC Championship game, I wonder if the conference could find it in their hearts to allow us to play a game earlier that day in December.

[duke2x]

Air Force hosts San Diego State in a Thursday night game that week. If we could host SDSU, that would presumably get us on an ESPN featured game.

It's a nice idea, but that's a MWC game. It would have to be made up.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Given that Duke is looking like a long shot to make it to the ACC Championship game, I wonder if the conference could find it in their hearts to allow us to play a game earlier that day in December.
Or play on Thursday or Friday. College games are played on those nights, just not in Durham (yet).

[sagegrouse]

So asked MSNBC's Chuck Todd this AM, referring directly to the billions received by the organization from college sports.

Actually, the NCAA makes most of its money off the NCAA basketball tournament, not football.

sagegrouse

[uh_no]

So asked MSNBC's Chuck Todd this AM, referring directly to the billions received by the organization from college sports.

Actually, the NCAA makes most of its money off the NCAA basketball tournament, not football.

sagegrouse

Regular season rights go to the conferences, postseason rights go to whoever organizes it...which for football is the bowls, and for basketball is the NCAA.

[CrazyNotCrazie]

Roger Staubach has done pretty well in real estate and has a son who went to Duke - perhaps he could foot the bill...

[Duvall]

So asked MSNBC's Chuck Todd this AM, referring directly to the billions received by the organization from college sports.

Actually, the NCAA makes most of its money off the NCAA basketball tournament, not football.

sagegrouse

More importantly, that's not permitted under the law, so it doesn't matter what the NCAA wants to do.

[sagegrouse]

More importantly, that's not permitted under the law, so it doesn't matter what the NCAA wants to do.

Why would it be "not permitted under the law" for the NCAA to pick up the travel tab for the Naval Academy football team?

sage

[sagegrouse]

Originally Posted by sagegrouse

So asked MSNBC's Chuck Todd this AM, referring directly to the billions received by the organization from college sports.

Actually, the NCAA makes most of its money off the NCAA basketball tournament, not football.

sagegrouse


Originall Posted by Duvall

More importantly, that's not permitted under the law, so it doesn't matter what the NCAA wants to do.

Academy athletics gets money from one and all. Fund-raising: That's the purpose of the Naval Academy Athletic Association.

Actually, Duke could solve the problem by advancing some of the money paid to Navy, so it could be used for travel expenses. That doesn't solve the problem totally. There may be people who travel with the team paid with appropriated funds. Don't worry about the athletes; they have been exempted through yesterday's law protecting payments to service members. Yes, midshipmen are military personnel, and AFAIK still paid at one-half the rate of an ensign.

sagegrouse

[Dev11]

Why would it be "not permitted under the law" for the NCAA to pick up the travel tab for the Naval Academy football team?

sage

The government employees are barred from doing their jobs during the shutdown. Even if they wanted to do their jobs for free, they would be violating the law. It's not the players but the support staff who fall into the non-essential employee group.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Isn't there also the matter of upperclassmen being considered as being on active duty? The DOD has limited or cancelled travel for all such personnel including the midshipmen at Canoe U.

[devildeac]

And if we do play Navy, guess who might miss the game:

https://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2013/10/02/duke-wide-receiver-injured-weekend-altercation-lacrosse-player

:mad::mad:

[pfrduke]

And if we do play Navy, guess who might miss the game:

https://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2013/10/02/duke-wide-receiver-injured-weekend-altercation-lacrosse-player

:mad::mad:

I don't think Shooters has ever been mentioned in a news article unless it's in connection with bad things happening. It's a guarantee that someone got hurt, in a fight, too drunk, etc.

[Jim3k]

And if we do play Navy, guess who might miss the game:

https://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2013/10/02/duke-wide-receiver-injured-weekend-altercation-lacrosse-player

:mad::mad:

Aside from the altercation issues, why were a freshman and a sophomore in a bar? They are both minors, I'm sure. Or, is Shooter's a restaurant? I don't think a restaurant would need ten bouncers.

[blazindw]

Aside from the altercation issues, why were a freshman and a sophomore in a bar? They are both minors, I'm sure. Or, is Shooter's a restaurant? I don't think a restaurant would need ten bouncers.

Shooter's is a 18-and-over bar.

[Bluedog]

Aside from the altercation issues, why were a freshman and a sophomore in a bar? They are both minors, I'm sure. Or, is Shooter's a restaurant? I don't think a restaurant would need ten bouncers.


Shooter's is a 18-and-over bar.

I'd call Shooters a "western-themed dive of a dance club." ;) But I loved it...There are quite a few dance clubs in Durham that simply give out wristbands to those 21-and-up but let everybody else in ($5 cover last I recall). Somehow, I didn't realize that wasn't common in most cities at the time. Most of these cater to the Duke crowd, but Shooters definitely takes the cake on that front. In any event, not good news from any perspective.

[devildeac]

Looks like the service academies will at least be playing their games this weekend:

http://tracking.si.com/2013/10/02/army-navy-air-force-to-play-this-weekend/

[-bdbd]

Roger Staubach has done pretty well in real estate and has a son who went to Duke - perhaps he could foot the bill...

He didn't do half-bad in football either!

But seriously, the Navy Alumni are a relatively well-off bunch. I saw a study last week that ranked Navy grads as having the third-highest average incomes of any alumni group, all ages included. So I'd bet if anybody would fund a trip to Durham beyond the government, it'd likely be their Alumni Association.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Looks like the service academies will at least be playing their games this weekend:

http://tracking.si.com/2013/10/02/army-navy-air-force-to-play-this-weekend/

Seems to be in inconsistent with the legal opinions mentioned in this earlier report.
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/govt-shutdown-puts-service-academy-sports-hold-20436913

Has the announcement been made through other sources? It's not on the USNA's Facebook page yet. Because of the shutdown, the USNA web site is not being updated.

Here we go, from the USNA athletics web site:http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100213aab.html

[davekay1971]

Looks like the service academies will at least be playing their games this weekend:

http://tracking.si.com/2013/10/02/army-navy-air-force-to-play-this-weekend/

Go Duke. Win on the football field. And honor the guys we're playing against.

Playing the service academies is always a special day.

(The news from devildeac's post confirmed by Greta a few minutes ago.... Hold the inevitable "Faux News" commentary, my old PPB friends. I think this news is real)

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Go Duke. Win on the football field. And honor the guys we're playing against.

Playing the service academies is always a special day.

(The news from devildeac's post confirmed by Greta a few minutes ago.... Hold the inevitable "Faux News" commentary, my old PPB friends. I think this news is real)
Check out the link I posted from the USNA athletics web site. The current decision is about Saturday's football game between the Air Force Academy and Navy... important for the Commander-in-chief's trophy competition. Still no decision about other sports or other dates for the football team to play.

[davekay1971]

Check out the link I posted from the USNA athletics web site. The current decision is about Saturday's football game between the Air Force Academy and Navy... important for the Commander-in-chief's trophy competition. Still no decision about other sports or other dates for the football team to play.

You are correct. The decision is about this week's games for all three service academies (including the Army BC game). Future games remain up in the air. Keep our collective fingers crossed.

Here's an ESPN.com story

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9761603/army-black-knights-air-force-falcons-navy-midshipmen-play-weekend-source

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

You are correct. The decision is about this week's games for all three service academies (including the Army BC game). Future games remain up in the air. Keep our collective fingers crossed.

Here's an ESPN.com story

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9761603/army-black-knights-air-force-falcons-navy-midshipmen-play-weekend-source

Saturday's game at Annapolis is a big one because of a variety of factors... competition for the Commander-in-chief's trophy plus honoring the 1963 team and Roger Staubach.... in addition to the rivalry with the Air Force. It's a sellout with a major turnout expected, perhaps rivaling Homecoming there. The loss of revenue from the weekend could be rather daunting as well.... I've read as high as $4M.

[sagegrouse]

You are correct. The decision is about this week's games for all three service academies (including the Army BC game). Future games remain up in the air. Keep our collective fingers crossed.

Here's an ESPN.com story

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9761603/army-black-knights-air-force-falcons-navy-midshipmen-play-weekend-source

Money quote:


A source had told [ESPN's Brett] McMurphy earlier Wednesday that the costs of the games would be completely taken care of by "nongovernment funding," which generally comes from outside sources and is not approved through Congress. Because of that -- and the fact that the games had long been planned -- the teams will be permitted to play.

I am no longer a DoD "bean counter," but I can still drive a Mack truck through these exceptions. It implies what I thought: the coaches are not paid out of appropriated funds and are in no real sense federal employees (GS and GM scale, etc.). The players are considered military personnel and can work and be paid. Moreover, there is no legal distinction, regarding appropriated funds, between an AF-Navy game and a Duke-Navy game; therefore, if the funds can be found and there is a will to do so, the game will be played.

Which is good, because I am making the trek from Colorado especially for the game.

sagegrouse

[Bob Green]

Navy, Air Force and Army have been approved to play this weekend per ESPN:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9761603/army-black-knights-air-force-falcons-navy-midshipmen-play-weekend-source

This means the Duke vs. Navy game is certainly a go next weekend.

EDIT: http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100213aab.html

[ChrisP]

Navy, Air Force and Army have been approved to play this weekend per ESPN:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9761603/army-black-knights-air-force-falcons-navy-midshipmen-play-weekend-source

This means the Duke vs. Navy game is certainly a go next weekend.

EDIT: http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100213aab.html

Sorry but why is it "certainly a go"? I looked at the link you shared and it was just about Navy vs. Air Force, although our game is listed at the top right under "upcoming events".

Edit: I just spoke with whomever answered the phone in the Duke SID office and they said that they are "assuming it's a go". Honestly, that doesn't seem all that certain to me. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if there's more news later in the week.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Sorry but why is it "certainly a go"? I looked at the link you shared and it was just about Navy vs. Air Force, although our game is listed at the top right under "upcoming events".

The Navy AD has told the team to prepare to play Duke and expect to travel to Durham. Here's a link about this directive. http://m.capitalgazette.com/sports/navy_sports/navy-ad-says-mids-expect-to-play-duke-next-saturday/article_d7ff48b4-0c3b-5534-aaae-997fc7a0d08d.html?mode=jqm#.UlHS7EeBWrc.facebook

Duke is going ahead with the usual game day preparations this week including the Iron Duke Day tailgate event.

[JohnGalt]

Looks like the service academies will at least be playing their games this weekend:

http://tracking.si.com/2013/10/02/army-navy-air-force-to-play-this-weekend/

The United States Merchant Marine Academy will not be playing, unfortunately, as its midshipman evidently fall into the non-essential group.

The tiered nature of the federal academies is obvious and oftentimes understandable, but what's happening to Kings Point is beyond ridiculous.

[sagegrouse]

I received this in a message from Duke:


Government Shutdown: Any decision regarding the status of the Duke v. Navy game will be dependent on the status of the government shutdown and will not be made until Thursday October 10. Our hope is that this game will continue as scheduled.

Looks good, but not definite until Thursday.

sagegrouse

[Tappan Zee Devil]

The Navy AD has told the team to prepare to play Duke and expect to travel to Durham. Here's a link about this directive. http://m.capitalgazette.com/sports/navy_sports/navy-ad-says-mids-expect-to-play-duke-next-saturday/article_d7ff48b4-0c3b-5534-aaae-997fc7a0d08d.html?mode=jqm#.UlHS7EeBWrc.facebook

Duke is going ahead with the usual game day preparations this week including the Iron Duke Day tailgate event.


The military academies may be playing football, but going to school is another matter. I have a good friend who teaches at West Point. He said that he and all other civilian professors are furloughed. The academies are trying to hold class using only the military professors (less than half the faculty and in some departments much less than that), but he said it is complete chaos.

[Bob Green]

The military academies may be playing football, but going to school is another matter. I have a good friend who teaches at West Point. He said that he and all other civilian professors are furloughed. The academies are trying to hold class using only the military professors (less than half the faculty and in some departments much less than that), but he said it is complete chaos.

350,000 Department of Defense employees returned to work today.

[summerwind03]

350,000 Department of Defense employees returned to work today.

My civilian friends at the Naval Academy are back at work today. I would think that would bode well for the game going on.

[awhom111]

As long as the game is played, you will be able to watch it on the following stations:
http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/ACC-Network-Affiliates-for-October-12-Navy-at-Duke_10-07-13_h6wfpn

For those keeping score, the 88 DMAs (Washington DC and Hagerstown are in the same DMA), combine for a total of 67,474,660 television households or 58.29% of American television households. Compared to the last game on the ACC Network, Las Vegas, Madison, Hattiesburg, and Greenwood/Greenville are the new markets. New Orleans, Fort Myers/Naples, and El Paso drop off the list.

I will post the ESPN GamePlan/ESPN3 map whenever I see it. As always, you can watch the game online from the ACC website.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

The United States Merchant Marine Academy will not be playing, unfortunately, as its midshipman evidently fall into the non-essential group.

The tiered nature of the federal academies is obvious and oftentimes understandable, but what's happening to Kings Point is beyond ridiculous.
Having grown up in Great Neck, and Kings Point is one of the 13 villages that make up Great Neck, the MMA was always an afterthought for most residents. :(. I did waterski at he public marina next door many times.

I hope that the MMA gets its proper due now. It does mine.

[PDDuke85]

My civilian friends at the Naval Academy are back at work today. I would think that would bode well for the game going on.

I'm hoping this process is far enough along that one of our esteemed posters will start the "Next up, Duke VS Navy preview" thread

[matt1]

About the game itself, ESPN did not list it in this week's ACC upset watch. Duke is a slight favorite, but I am not sure if that is Heather Dinich saying that we should win easily or that it is not really an upset either way.

[Bob Green]

I'm hoping this process is far enough along that one of our esteemed posters will start the "Next up, Duke VS Navy preview" thread

Thread title changed to make this the official game thread. Go Duke! Beat Navy!

[Bob Green]

http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100713aab.html

Money quote:


The Mids have held all four opponents well below their scoring average.

Our offense will need to be hitting on all eight cylinders against the Midshipmen as Navy is ranked #22 in the nation in scoring defense.

[PDDuke85]

http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100713aab.html

Money quote:



Our offense will need to be hitting on all eight cylinders against the Midshipmen as Navy is ranked #22 in the nation in scoring defense.

If the vaunted running attack remains productive, I feel this offense can put up points against the Navy. I'm worried about another Pitt like shoot out.

[devildeac]

http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100713aab.html

Money quote:



Our offense will need to be hitting on all eight cylinders against the Midshipmen as Navy is ranked #22 in the nation in scoring defense.

Strangely, Bob, I'm not overly worried about our offense (no jinx intended). I still have night sweats (nightmares?) about our defense after giving up >500 yards to both Pitt and Troy, especially as we are now somewhat further depleted in the LB corps.

[awhom111]

ESPN Map:
http://assets.espn.go.com/gameplan/images/2012/blackout/1124416.jpg

Options to watch:

If you live in the green space:
-Local TV channel (see earlier link to TV station list)
-ESPN GamePlan
-ESPN3
-ACC Website

If you live in the black space:
-Local TV channel
-ACC Website

[throatybeard]

Why is extreme eastern North Carolina in the green space? Is there a B1G school located there? (They've been rather acquisitive recently).

[ForkFondler]

ESPN Map:
http://assets.espn.go.com/gameplan/images/2012/blackout/1124416.jpg

Options to watch:

If you live in the green space:
-Local TV channel (see earlier link to TV station list)
-ESPN GamePlan
-ESPN3
-ACC Website

If you live in the black space:
-Local TV channel
-ACC Website

Sooo, if I [am/will be] in a black space with internet, but no OTA -- I can't watch live. Oh well, looks like ESPN3 replay.

[-jk]

Sooo, if I [am/will be] in a black space with internet, but no OTA -- I can't watch live. Oh well, looks like ESPN3 replay.

Might be on the theacc.com feed?

-jk

[ForkFondler]

Might be on the theacc.com feed?

-jk

Looks like it, which means:

ACCN>>ESPN3/U, for black spacers

[Bob Green]

It's Friday so game articles are starting to show up in all the normal places:

http://www.foxsportscarolinas.com/collegefootball/acc-conference/story/Duke-QB-Boone-might-return-for-Navy-game?blockID=949363&feedID=3737

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/10/10/3269557/duke-vs-navy-ask-a-midshipmens.html

http://bluedevilnation.net/2013/10/navy-at-duke-preview/

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/10/10/3270344/duke-quarterback-anthony-boone.html

This is an important game so it would be really nice to see a big crowd at Wallace Wade Stadium tomorrow.

[Johnboy]

Why is extreme eastern North Carolina in the green space? Is there a B1G school located there? (They've been rather acquisitive recently).

As an affected downeast NC resident, I was concerned - until I see that I can catch the game on WITN-HD. I don't know what they are showing on their regular channels, but at least I get the ACC feed in high-def, as will most everyone else Down East (if they have a cable box).

The ECU game is at 3:30 at Tulane, so a 12:30 Duke start shouldn't conflict . . .there may be some overlap . . .

[jjasper0729]

Why is extreme eastern North Carolina in the green space? Is there a B1G school located there? (They've been rather acquisitive recently).

Not sure if you're being tongue in cheek but most likely it's because of East Carolina

[Bob Green]

Lauren Brownlow previews all the ACC action going on this weekend:

http://www.accsports.com/articles/acc-weekend-preview-oct-11

Money quote from the Duke section:


KEY FOR NAVY

Third and fourth down. Duke’s defense just can’t seem to get off the field this year, and Navy is going to want to stay on the field as long as possible, obviously.

She predicts a 34-31 Duke victory.

Meanwhile, the folks over at College Football News say Duke wins 37-30:

http://duke.scout.com/2/1335023.html


Duke will win the battle of the multi-dimensional quarterbacks, getting 250 total yards and a couple of key scores from Connette.

That's high praise considering how much press Navy QB Keenan Reynolds generates.

[chrishoke]

Good write-up by CFN, but they should have known that Kelby is questionable for the game and Kyler is out.

[loran16]

Having grown up in Great Neck, and Kings Point is one of the 13 villages that make up Great Neck, the MMA was always an afterthought for most residents. :(. I did waterski at he public marina next door many times.

I hope that the MMA gets its proper due now. It does mine.

Ozzie's from Great Neck? Hah, guess optimism and pessimism (myself) come from the same place!

[nyesq83]

According to the ACC pregame show!

[grossbus]

Man, Wally Wade is empty.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Did we know Boone was coming back? Complete news to me. Looks pretty good early...missed on one easy bubble screen pass, but otherwise has made a couple of nice accurate passes downfield. Duke driving early.

[nyesq83]

Sketchy spot forces a poor fourth down attempt. Otherwise AB looks pretty darn good.

[grossbus]

Geez, what was Boone thinking? Man was open.

[nyesq83]

man, wally wade is empty.

fall break

[loran16]

If that wasn't a Connette situation, What the heck was?

[Mabdul Doobakus]

The fourth down play was odd. He had a wide open receiver seeming exactly where he wanted him, just past the first down sticks. He was open for 2-3 seconds right in front of Boone, who for some reason decided to run out of bounds 3 yards short of the first down.

[nyesq83]

If that wasn't a Connette situation, What the heck was?

Agree 100%

Got too cute on that play instead of doing what this team does best.

Good D penetration on the last two plays.

[loran16]

Boone does not look good. He's missing wide open receivers twice, and seemingly is homing in on one receiver or being in trouble.

Meanwhile, we are good at rushing. We've had success in rushing every game. WHY ARE WE PASSING CONSTANTLY ON FIRST DOWN! Why are we going with an empty backfield?

You have a rusty QB, and you're forcing him to do EVERYTHING?!

[grossbus]

fall break


really? Already?

Back in the day, we didn't break until thanksgiving.

[nyesq83]

fall break


really? Already?

Back in the day, we didn't break until thanksgiving.

It has been the tradition since my years '79-'83 to have a long weekend, usually around Columbus Day.

[grossbus]

It has been the tradition since my years '79-'83 to have a long weekend, usually around Columbus Day.




Oh, I predate that easily. :D

[arnie]

fall break


really? Already?

Back in the day, we didn't break until thanksgiving.

Fall break explains all the empty seats? Attendance might be 100 higher if school was in.

[nyesq83]

Fall break explains all the empty seats? Attendance might be 100 higher if school was in.

Fall break means Duke University types are away for the long weekend, not just students.

Cool and rainy means, watch it on TV or internet.

And I assume Navy didn't bring extra people this year...

[loran16]

Fall break explains all the empty seats? Attendance might be 100 higher if school was in.

Arnie, I never said student attendance is good. But we have a small devoted fanbase, who is pretty good. But even they go away for fall break.

[loran16]

WHY ARE WE PASSING ON first down so damn often?

[arnie]

Arnie, I never said student attendance is good. But we have a small devoted fanbase, who is pretty good. But even they go away for fall break.

Oh, I'm at fault also. Thought about going, but simply didn't- not a good reason.

[grossbus]

First game I have been able to see this year.

Do we usually screen so much?

[grossbus]

Well, THAT looked good!

[dukelifer]

Well, THAT looked good!

Nice strike. Boone is looking sharp.

[ice-9]

Brilliant pass -- touchdoooooown!

[loran16]

First game I have been able to see this year.

Do we usually screen so much?

Yes and no. It's been a common play dating back to Thad Lewis. But we've been rushing a lot for good reason this year instead, and this is very strange for a QB coming off injury.

Our running backs are averaging 6.25 YPC so far this game, but have only 8 carries. The over 2:1 pass to rush ratio is very weird given our rushing success.

[nyesq83]

Well.

Nice to see blocking for AB and his cannon arm firing for a TD strike.

And it is amazing to see the other team have a penalty and a misfire on a retry field goal attempt. That used to be us.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Boone's arm strength on display on that TD pass. Been missing that the last few weeks.

Dude who made the recovery on that Crowder fumble deserves a lot of credit for that TD. He took on at least 3 Navy defenders by himself in that pile and somehow came away with the ball.

[loran16]

Good news everyone: Our Defense is still awful.

No Connette interceptions to blame this on guys.

[dukelifer]

Good news everyone: Our Defense is still awful.

No Connette interceptions to blame this on guys.

Too easy and I am not sure Duke has an answer.

[loran16]

Too easy and I am not sure Duke has an answer.

Duke's answer is still the same: Outscore the opponent, and pray they mess up on their offensive drives.

This isn't Georgia Tech we're facing, I have SOME faith.

[loran16]

Pretty fade for the second TD. Let's keep this lead going into halftime please!

[grossbus]

I hate the fade, but that was well executed.

[riverside6]

Live stats and play analysis for Duke/Navy here...

http://www.scacchoops.com/FB_ViewHDGame.asp?hGame=3234

[nyesq83]

Terrible tackling at times today

No rush

and terrible 3d down defensive closeouts

[loran16]

Terrible tackling at times today

No rush

and terrible 3d down defensive closeouts

Today? It's been all season. This team has never been able to tackle well under Cutcliffe. Again, every year ranked 90th or worse in D.

[grossbus]

Yeah. Twice converted third an really long.

[grossbus]

Big hit! Big turnover!!

[loran16]

Miracle fumble for the win!

In the 2nd half, we need to:
A. score on every drive;
B. The D - Jeremy Cash really - cannot cheat on the pitch - play for it like it's an option every time.
C. Pray they can't pass.

[nyesq83]

Did Cutcliffe just say Connette couldn't play so that's why Boone started???

[nyesq83]

Today? It's been all season. This team has never been able to tackle well under Cutcliffe. Again, every year ranked 90th or worse in D.

I meant at times today the tackling has been solid and strong, Professor Farnsworth!

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Defense hasn't been THAT bad. Poor tackling is pretty much expected at this point, but the Navy QB has been taken a bit of a beating.

[loran16]

Did Cutcliffe just say Connette couldn't play so that's why Boone started???

Yep. Said he "rolled his ankle".

[cf-62]

fall break


really? Already?

Back in the day, we didn't break until thanksgiving.

NO GB/PS, we had fall break when we were in school. I went to the Clemson game in Death Valley in 88 during fall break. That was the Dilweg almost upset game.

[loran16]

Defense hasn't been THAT bad. Poor tackling is pretty much expected at this point, but the Navy QB has been taken a bit of a beating.

This is false. Navy's averaging 6.65 yards per play. That's goddawful. The reason Duke has held them to 7 is:
A. Navy missed a FG;
B. Navy Fumbled;
C. With the Navy running scheme and Duke's short passes, the clock has been running constantly. Navy's only had four drives (Punt, Missed FG, TD, Fumble) in the entire half.

[nyesq83]

D has gotten burned on 3rd and long passes at least 3 or 4 times

[jv001]

Yep. Said he "rolled his ankle".

Who,s the back up QB for Duke? GoDuke!

[nyesq83]

Parker Boehme?

[grossbus]

Boone much better throwing down the field than to the sidelines.

[nyesq83]

Boone much better throwing down the field than to the sidelines.

Too much juice sometimes, needs to dial it down. Glad to have him back anyway.

Those short passes (even incomplete ones) are keeping the secondary honest.

[arnie]

Boone much better throwing down the field than to the sidelines.

Well that was easy. Blakeney strides are smooth.

[nyesq83]

Jela Duncan slices through the tiring Navy defense.

Nice mix of play calls

[dukelifer]

Wow a fake that worked. Bottle what the team has been drinking today.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

This is false. Navy's averaging 6.65 yards per play. That's goddawful. The reason Duke has held them to 7 is:
A. Navy missed a FG;
B. Navy Fumbled;
C. With the Navy running scheme and Duke's short passes, the clock has been running constantly. Navy's only had four drives (Punt, Missed FG, TD, Fumble) in the entire half.

6.65 yards per play is a pretty big improvement over recent games, I'm pretty sure. I didn't say they weren't bad...just that they weren't THAT bad. I'm just judging them against the standard they've set for themselves...this isn't the 1985 Chicago Bears. Plus, I thought they'd more big plays (tackles for losses, etc) than in previous games, which is key against the grind it out type of offense that Navy runs.


Anyway, turning into a blowout now...

[grossbus]

Who was favored in this game?

[nyesq83]

Who was favored in this game?

Duke by 3, but Boone was questionable or day-to-day all week.

[subzero02]

Good win... Effective running attack

[devildeac]

Did we know Boone was coming back? Complete news to me. Looks pretty good early...missed on one easy bubble screen pass, but otherwise has made a couple of nice accurate passes downfield. Duke driving early.

Just got home from work and reading thread now. My wife said Connette sprained his ankle Thursday and then Tommy Bowden said in his post-game analysis that Roper kind of surprised Boone with the news. Apologies in advance if someone 'splained already.

[devildeac]

Parker Boehme?

This is correct. I think Duke's still looking for the redshirt for him.

[devildeac]

Abandon ship!

[Duvall]

Just finished reading the thread. How much did we lose by in the end?

[devildeac]

Yep, lousy D:rolleyes:. I'll take these stats:

(Navy stats on left. Never have been able to copy/paste charts/columns:o.)
1st Downs 18 24
3rd down efficiency
5-12 10-16
4th down efficiency
2-2 2-4
Total Yards 319 435
Passing 89 301
Comp-Att
6-14 32-39
Yards per pass
6.4 7.7
Rushing 230 134
Rushing Attempts
50 37
Yards per rush
4.6 3.6
Penalties 5-35 3-35
Turnovers 3 0
Fumbles lost
2 0
Interceptions thrown
1 0
Possession 25:11 34:49

[loran16]

Merely decent first half led to an EXCELLENT second half. Hard to envision it going better. Some quick positives and negatives.

First of all, while they for some reason did not let him kick any FGs (the fake FG up 3 TDs really? Going for it that late? Cmon), Ross Martin had a fabulous time on kickoffs. 5 Touchbacks and one that the Navy guy inexplicably returned and got to the 10. Fantastic job from a guy who has struggled at times this year. Wish he got a FG attempt to bolster his confidence, but whatever.

Second, fantastic job by the D in the second half. Navy opened the 2nd half in the diamond formation - which GT used to freaking kill us and Pitt showed off once or twice - and ran for 5 yards...and then never showed it off again. The D responded by shutting down Navy - there were still a few too many mistakes, but Navy in the 2nd half went:
Punt
Punt
INT
Punt (Navy was in conventional offense mode for this drive, not triple option, due to the score. Duke shut down all the pass attempts)
Fumble

I still think the evidence is pretty clear this Defense is not good - Gave up nearly 7 yards per PLAY in the first half and even with the second half, gave up 5 yards per play overall, but Dukes D held for those two crucial punts in the 3rd that forced Navy into "Down 21, Must Take risks passing mode" which Duke had the advantage in.

Third: Hell of a job by Boone in his comeback. Nuff said.

Fourth: Not sure if this really is a negative, but I was confused by all the screens. Boone was coming off of an injury, where he was bound to be a little bit rusty, and even before the injury he was often throwing high on screens, which he was also today. Meanwhile, Duke has a great running game, and all four running backs were shown off today:
Snead (Starter): 35 yards on 7 carries (5 YPC)
Powell (2nd series?): 27 yards on 3 carries (9 YPC)
Thompson: 30 yards on 6 carries (5 YPC)
Duncan: 45 yards on 9 carries (5 YPC).

Duncan, oddly enough, didn't come in til the 3rd quarter, and was apparently on the exercise bike on the sidelines in the first half at one point (according to Laura Keeley). Hope he's not hurting.

The point is that, given how damn effective our runs are, why run so many screens instead of just letting our RBs do the work? Felt like last season's run/pass breakdown instead of this year's. Maybe they saw something on the scouting report about Navy and screens? I don't get it.

-----------------------
Next up is one of our most crucial games of the season - UVA, which is winnable. Let's hope they can pull it off.

[cato]

Just finished reading the thread. How much did we lose by in the end?

Seriously. Would love to hear more about the positives in a good ole fashioned beat down.

Does this put Duke two wins away from bowl eligibility?

[loran16]

Seriously. Would love to hear more about the positives in a good ole fashioned beat down.

Does this put Duke two wins away from bowl eligibility?

Yessir. And well, it's easy to want to rant about the negatives in the first half, less wanting to jinx the positives in the second causes no posts :-P

[dukelifer]

Seriously. Would love to hear more about the positives in a good ole fashioned beat down.

Does this put Duke two wins away from bowl eligibility?

I thought Duke played really well. Big stops when they needed them and a diverse offensive attack. I thought Duke ran for more yards - but they were effective yards. Boone looked in control the whole game. Navy looked like they had figured something out but Duke made adjustments. I am just impressed that they held Navy to 7. I suppose the rest helped.

[Greg_Newton]

Seriously. Would love to hear more about the positives in a good ole fashioned beat down.

Does this put Duke two wins away from bowl eligibility?

Let's ask the coaches:

Navy HC: “We got our butts whooped, all the way around. We got outcoached, we got outplayed. It’s been a long time since we’ve been beat that bad in every phase... ...It’s just a tough loss for our program, because we were thoroughly beat. They took us to the woodshed and got after us."

Cut: "It was our cleanest game and the best game we’ve played since I’ve been here in my opinion.”

[Papa John]

Seriously. Would love to hear more about the positives in a good ole fashioned beat down.

Does this put Duke two wins away from bowl eligibility?

I thought Duke played wonderfully, particularly in the second half. The D gave up a few chunk plays which led to that 7 YPC average loran cites above, but the reality is that the Duke D really shut down Navy's triple option (thus only 7 points from the middies). There were a couple of pretty bad missed tackles on Navy's only scoring drive, but after that Duke's D really tightened things up and locked down--really refreshing to see a Duke defense do that.

On offense, what can you say... Despite being away for weeks with a broken collarbone, Boone steps right back in and runs things with ruthless efficiency. At one point, I think we converted 7 or 8 third downs in a row. We were able to run the ball between the tackles well. Short and mid range passing plays were highly effective. Just really carved up Navy's D with ruthless efficiency. Now, granted, Navy is certainly not spectacular this season--their talent is certainly not up to par with GaTech, who butchered our D with the option attack... That said, we played an effective, disciplined game today, as the score clearly shows. Duke can definitely beat the teams coming up on the schedule if they continue playing like they did today.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

That was a very fine win for us today! Boone starting, much less playing at all, was certainly a surprise. But just like someone named Ryan Kelly, he had a superlative first game back! :cool:

Now, on to UVA and win #5!

Let's Go DUKE! http://www.crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/devil9f.gif http://www.crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/devil9f.gif

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I'm so glad I was in Wallace Wade Stadium to see this game in person. The drizzle certainly kept many people away and Navy didn't bring any Midshipmen, not even any musicians. Their Alma Mater had to be played over the stadium speakers after the game ended. I thought it was a far better game than you guys discussed online while we were out there in our seats!:cool:

[94duke]

Yep, lousy D:rolleyes:. I'll take these stats:

(Navy stats on left. Never have been able to copy/paste charts/columns:o.)


Here you go devildeac:

Navy Duke
1st Downs 18 24
3rd down 5-12 10-16
4th down 2-2 2-4
Total Yards 319 435
Passing 89 301
Comp-Att 6-14 32-39
Yards/pass 6.4 7.7
Rushing 230 134
Rushing Att. 50 37
Yards/rush 4.6 3.6
Penalties 5-35 3-35
Turnovers 3 0
Fumbles lost 2 0
Interceptions 1 0
Possession 25:11 34:49

[grossbus]

Very impressed with our ability to throw the ball DOWN the field.

[chrishoke]

Superb performance by our guys. That was a complete victory. On to Virginia.

[Richard Berg]

Too much juice sometimes, needs to dial it down. Glad to have him back anyway.

Those short passes (even incomplete ones) are keeping the secondary honest.

Shades of sophomore-era Thad Lewis. A comparison that bodes well, I think.

[Bob Green]

I thought it was a far better game than you guys discussed online while we were out there in our seats!:cool:

I agree. The defense really kept the pressure on Keenan Reynolds all afternoon. Anthony Boone and company sliced up the Navy defense with the short pass and our running game was solid. A very solid victory!

[wsb3]

Let's ask the coaches:

Cut: "It was our cleanest game and the best game we’ve played since I’ve been here in my opinion.”

I thought they played excellent. And I was trying to recall a game I saw in recent memory that they played this thorough a game and not that I have seen them all but none popped immediately to mind. Reading Cut's quote I don't think I was very far off and I will take him at his word if he says this is the best they played in his time. He knows a little bit more about his team & football then I do.:D

[sagegrouse]

I'm so glad I was in Wallace Wade Stadium to see this game in person. The drizzle certainly kept many people away and Navy didn't bring any Midshipmen, not even any musicians. Their Alma Mater had to be played over the stadium speakers after the game ended. I thought it was a far better game than you guys discussed online while we were out there in our seats!:cool:

Nor cheerleaders.

sagegrouse

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Nor cheerleaders.

sagegrouse

Bill, the goat, was missing as well.

[-bdbd]

Let's ask the coaches:

Navy HC: “We got our butts whooped, all the way around. We got outcoached, we got outplayed. It’s been a long time since we’ve been beat that bad in every phase... ...It’s just a tough loss for our program, because we were thoroughly beat. They took us to the woodshed and got after us."

Cut: "It was our cleanest game and the best game we’ve played since I’ve been here in my opinion.”

Really fun game to watch. Duke just dominated in the second half. Great to see Boone back and playing well, after the first quarter...
Probably the defense's best overall game all season.

4-2 and facing a fading UVA next week. UVA lost a heartbreaker in their final game at their old rival MD, having led most of the second half, giving up a late TD to go down by one with a couple minutes left, then marching quickly down the field to the Terps' 25, before settling for simply positioning to run the clock down and set up a final 40-yard winning FG. It sailed a yard wide right. MD dances on the home field and bids adeu to that old rivalry. UVA trudges off in the drizzle, wanting to see if they'll have the same HC next weekend against Duke. BTW, VPI, our opponent in two weeks, looked less than omnipotent in edging out Pitt. Their defense is very good, yielding just 9 to a Pitt offense that hung almost 60 on Duke, but their O is very mediocre.

We SHOULD be able to scratch out at least two more wins (and Bowl eligibility) against the likes of UVA, State (who looked poor in losing at home to a mediocre Orange squad), Wake and UNC...

[devildeac]

Wouldn't be surprised to hear about/see Boone's shoulder/arm in a sling for a day or two after chukkin' the ball 38 times yesterday;). My son-in-law talked to his old boss after the game and he said Boone's arm was pretty sore/tired.

[PDDuke85]

Play of the game? Duke football players standing behind the Navy players in support of the Navy fight song played at conclusion of yesterday's game. Another reason I'm thrilled Coach Cut is our guy!

[Devil549]

Great win and except for 2 drives the defense played very good. Some questions for those in the know:
1- France is he still injured as we basically played Kelby, Helton and Williams yesterday.
2- Saw Raynor in game after Wallace went down when does Wolf come back? This could be Raynor's chance for some PT. Also IMO Wray and Bruce get better each week.
3- Nash got involved yesterday good news since Johnell is out for a while and maybe allows Smith to RS.
4- Saw Blaser play LT late in game so that is good he is now back and got some reps.
5- When will BC be back as he will make offense better.
6- Anybody else glad we are dogs vs. UVA keep the guys with a chip on the old shoulder....need 1st ACC win to get us going/bowling!!!!!

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Play of the game? Duke football players standing behind the Navy players in support of the Navy fight song played at conclusion of yesterday's game. Another reason I'm thrilled Coach Cut is our guy!
That was the USNA the Alma Mater, Blue and Gold. The custom is that the team who loses has their Alma Mater played first, with both teams standing on the appropriate side of the field. The rest of the tradition is to go to the opposite side of the field where both teams then stand for the second Alma Mater. For whatever reason, the teams did not complete the tradition and assemble for the playing of the Duke Alma Mater. The only time I remember our team coming over in front of the band for the Alma Mater was after the first victory under Coach Cutcliffe. Maybe someday that can change.

[Olympic Fan]

Great win and except for 2 drives the defense played very good. Some questions for those in the know:
1- France is he still injured as we basically played Kelby, Helton and Williams yesterday.
2- Saw Raynor in game after Wallace went down when does Wolf come back? This could be Raynor's chance for some PT. Also IMO Wray and Bruce get better each week.
3- Nash got involved yesterday good news since Johnell is out for a while and maybe allows Smith to RS.
4- Saw Blaser play LT late in game so that is good he is now back and got some reps.
5- When will BC be back as he will make offense better.
6- Anybody else glad we are dogs vs. UVA keep the guys with a chip on the old shoulder....need 1st ACC win to get us going/bowling!!!!!

1. France is still hurt. No telling when he returns

2. Depth at DT is a growing concern. Sarmiento and Bruce are still the starters, but until Wolf returns (I think I's still going to be a while), Wray and Rayner are the only backups. I wonder about Nick Sink, who started seven games at DT last year, maybe moving back from TE (where he has only played a few snaps) or Sam Marshall moving back from OT (now that Blaser is back).

3. Agree about Nash ... had three catches, one was a big 3rd down conversion early, when the game was still in doubt.

4. Agree about Blaser ...

5. BC is day-to-day. Agree that getting him back makes us tougher-- for one thing, he's still great in short yardage situations. Not knowing he was hurt, me and my buddies were cursing the staff for the 4th down play that Boone botched early. I understand now, but get BC back and that kind of play is his cup and tea.

6. Cut is 4-1 against the Cavs. Boone started and threw 4 TD passes against them last year. Love the matchup.

[budwom]

Good info. But how does one reconcile France's status with the injury report? He wasn't listed at all, not as out, nor probable nor questionable.
I know Cutcliffe likes to be Secret Squirrel about a lot of injuries (and we can't really argue with the results) but I don't think the injury report tells us a whole lot...

Did Young Wiseman play? I don't recall seeing him, but perhaps he did.

[94duke]

Good info. But how does one reconcile France's status with the injury report? He wasn't listed at all, not as out, nor probable nor questionable.
I know Cutcliffe likes to be Secret Squirrel about a lot of injuries (and we can't really argue with the results) but I don't think the injury report tells us a whole lot...

Did Young Wiseman play? I don't recall seeing him, but perhaps he did.

The stats say that he did. Scroll down to "Participation Report."

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=1843&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=209282188

[chrishoke]

Young Wiseman did play in the 4th quarter.

[Devil549]

Thanks Olympic for info.

I know AYW on special teams all day and IIRC France on punt team but could be wrong. France must have lower body injury affecting his speed. Deion Williams played better this week but remember when we started year he was 3rd team LB. Any word on when Kyler returns? I was surprised AYW did not play more as I thought he played well vs. Troy must be staff feels McCarthey gives us more speed. AYW strength IMO is run support which is why I thought we would see him more vs. Navy.

Wonder if Singleton will play the UVA game....only a 1 game suspension?

[Devil549]

Also props to DL they are playing better and we have a lot of Depth at DE...IMO 5 deep with Fox-KA-Johnson-Woodruff-JDO. Wallace was listed as DE until we moved Marshall to OT and Wolf was improving....time for Rayner to step up, I know we recruited him as a LB but he could really give us an athletic DT/NG.

[jimsumner]

Thanks Olympic for info.

I know AYW on special teams all day and IIRC France on punt team but could be wrong. France must have lower body injury affecting his speed. Deion Williams played better this week but remember when we started year he was 3rd team LB. Any word on when Kyler returns? I was surprised AYW did not play more as I thought he played well vs. Troy must be staff feels McCarthey gives us more speed. AYW strength IMO is run support which is why I thought we would see him more vs. Navy.

Wonder if Singleton will play the UVA game....only a 1 game suspension?

My understanding is that Singleton was a one-game suspension, Barnes is indefinite.

Kyler? "Awhile."

Devon Edwards played lots of safety Saturday. He may have leap-frogged Young-Wiseman.

[budwom]

Yeah, it was good to see some of the young guys play....Fields did some good things, DeVon Edwards played, and Singleton should be back....Borders played some, too.
Encouraging to see good young athletes playing...

I also wonder about Sink. We've been using him on some short yardage situations as an extra tight end, but then he rolls out as a receiver.
Against Pitt we had a fourth and one and threw to him two yards behind the line of scrimmage, and he got nowhere..he's a big lumbering guy, doesn't look
much lighter than the 270 lbs he played DT at last year...we rolled him out again on Boone's aborted fourth down play early on Saturday.
I can see having him as a blocking tight end, but not so much as a receiver (even though I know he has decent hands). Given our dearth of DTs, I
wouldn't mind seeing him back at that position to give us some depth.

[Bob Green]

Yeah, it was good to see some of the young guys play....Fields did some good things, DeVon Edwards played, and Singleton should be back....Borders played some, too.
Encouraging to see good young athletes playing...

I agree the good things we are seeing from the young guys is encouraging. And on the injury front, Tanner Stone was walking with crutches on Saturday whereas he had been using a cart to support his leg in previous weeks. RSr Perry Simmons at RT will be big shoes to fill next season so the sooner Stone is able to get back to work the better. I realize he is out for the season, but seeing him on crutches is a nice sign of progress.

It seems to me Simmons plays almost every snap at RT. Overall, offensive line depth is a team strength but the RT position is thin.

[jimsumner]

Yeah, it was good to see some of the young guys play....Fields did some good things, DeVon Edwards played, and Singleton should be back....Borders played some, too.
Encouraging to see good young athletes playing...

I also wonder about Sink. We've been using him on some short yardage situations as an extra tight end, but then he rolls out as a receiver.
Against Pitt we had a fourth and one and threw to him two yards behind the line of scrimmage, and he got nowhere..he's a big lumbering guy, doesn't look
much lighter than the 270 lbs he played DT at last year...we rolled him out again on Boone's aborted fourth down play early on Saturday.
I can see having him as a blocking tight end, but not so much as a receiver (even though I know he has decent hands). Given our dearth of DTs, I
wouldn't mind seeing him back at that position to give us some depth.

Sink played at 285 last year. He's lost a few pounds this season.

This is the one position switch Duke made that seems like a head-scratcher to me. He was in the two-deep at a position of need and now is a deep backup at a position of relative strength. He has very good hands but lacks the mobility to exploit that. He is a good short yard blocking option but Duke hasn't used him all that much in that role.

Probably too late to move him back to DT for this year. He's a redshirt junior, so he could graduate or come back for one more year. Interesting to see how this turns out.

[barely]

Sink played at 285 last year. He's lost a few pounds this season.

This is the one position switch Duke made that seems like a head-scratcher to me. He was in the two-deep at a position of need and now is a deep backup at a position of relative strength. He has very good hands but lacks the mobility to exploit that. He is a good short yard blocking option but Duke hasn't used him all that much in that role.

Probably too late to move him back to DT for this year. He's a redshirt junior, so he could graduate or come back for one more year. Interesting to see how this turns out.

I share the sentiment about Sink. I just don't get it. I know were thin at DT last year, but he started 6-7 games last year and seemed to play pretty well at times. Why move him over to TE so he can sit on the bench?