Duke 51, Pitt 48 (2OT) - WOO!!!!!

[devildeac]

We start out as 1 point 'dogs. Discussion please;).

[allenmurray]

We start out as 1 point 'dogs. Discussion please;).

If the football gods are paying attention we will win. Why? My son is making the drive from Wilmington NC to Pittsburgh to cheer on his beloved Blue Devils. If Duke does not win this game I will no longer be sure that there is any good in the world and will lose any remaining faith I have in a benevolent supreme being.

[OldPhiKap]

If the football gods are paying attention we will win. Why? My son is making the drive from Wilmington NC to Pittsburgh to cheer on his beloved Blue Devils. If Duke does not win this game I will no longer be sure that there is any good in the world and will lose any remaining faith I have in a benevolent supreme being.

Well, THAT's pressure right there!

[Scorp4me]

Wait...we're underdogs? I mean I know it's meaningless, but...seriously?

[uh_no]

Wait...we're underdogs? I mean I know it's meaningless, but...seriously?

anyone who watched pitt play last week cannot honestly think us underdogs.

GT ran the ball at will...something we do very well at.
GT forced several turnovers, including dropping several interceptions...Cash will have a field day.

Pitt really hasn't done anything impressive all year, if you look at their schedule. The only things I can see being an issue:

1) they're hot after getting blown out
2) we play sloppy on the road like we did at miami

I think we control the game and win this one by double digits.

[Tripping William]

Wait...we're underdogs? I mean I know it's meaningless, but...seriously?

Makes me wonder about the relative wagering habits of Duke fans vis-a-vis Pitt fans, and how Vegas has assessed those habits.

[devildeac]

anyone who watched pitt play last week cannot honestly think us underdogs.

GT ran the ball at will...something we do very well at.
GT forced several turnovers, including dropping several interceptions...Cash will have a field day.

Pitt really hasn't done anything impressive all year, if you look at their schedule. The only things I can see being an issue:

1) they're hot after getting blown out
2) we play sloppy on the road like we did at miami

I think we control the game and win this one by double digits.

Ssshhh. Don't tell Vegas;).

Can't count on the TO thought I'd obviously like to see us recover a fumble or two and our DB get a couple picks. Can't throw, throw, throw on 1st down w/o establishing the run. Our D can't give up 58 points either:mad:. But I'd sure like the O to hang another 55 on them;). Pretty much agree though.

[fisheyes]

Duke now 4 point dogs. Really? After Pitt's performance last week?

I hope the team is motivated by the disrespect.

Having said that, I do like being the underdog. Feels more natural :rolleyes:

GO DUKE!

[uh_no]

Duke now 4 point dogs. Really? After Pitt's performance last week?

I hope the team is motivated by the disrespect.

Having said that, I do like being the underdog. Feels more natural :rolleyes:

GO DUKE!

I can only imagine they spend all day looking at the vegas lines :)

[CameronBornAndBred]

From the ESPN blog's "upset watch".



No. 24 Duke (6-1, 2-1) at Pitt (4-4, 2-2), noon, ESPNU. Line: Pitt by 3.5. These two teams played a wild game a season ago, with the Panthers prevailing 58-55. Duke comes into this one off a bye, while Pitt has to shake off a miserable game against Georgia Tech in which it turned the ball over on its first five possessions. Duke has been the better team this season, so it is a little surprising to see Pitt favored, especially off such a bad performance.
Understatement of the whole write-up.

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/76376/acc-upset-watch-week-10-3

[CameronBornAndBred]

From the ESPN blog's "upset watch".

P.S...the espn blog crew have unanimously picked Duke to lose the last two games. We'll see how they sway their votes this week tomorrow or Thursday. I hope the once again choose us to tank, it's been a fun streak.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Here's the motivational video the team watch before the UVA game.
http://vimeo.com/109730620

They'll watch something equally inspiring before the Pitt game.

[DukeSean]

I don't think we ought to be the dogs that we are on Vegas line, but Pitt could give us big (literally) problems with Conner. I mean, he's bigger than our linebackers.

Pitt has lost 4 of their last 5 games, with 3 of those coming at home. While I don't see them having the same level of ball security issues as against GT, I still see us winning the TO margin, and with it, the game.

[Bay Area Duke Fan]

Who was favored in last year's Duke-Pitt game?

[Reilly]

Here's the motivational video the team watch before the UVA game.
http://vimeo.com/109730620

They'll watch something equally inspiring before the Pitt game.

Thanks. The link is worth clicking. Hunt or be hunted. Nice to see all the tremendous plays against UVa from the Cut years (Jay Hollingswoth, Des Scott, Jabari Marshall, Deaver and Crowder and Boone last year) also good to see the GT highlights this year.

[budwom]

Pitt self destructed last week. I don't think we can count on that again. They have a good running QB, an ace receiver and a very good, bruising running back. This game will not be easy.

[Bob Green]

They have a good running QB, an ace receiver and a very good, bruising running back.

The key to beating Pitt will be to force their QB to throw the ball. In the couple of Pitt games I've watched, Voytik has looked uncomfortable in the pocket, so Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles will probably be dialing up the heat in obvious passing situations. The challenge for our defense will be containing the run to create those obvious passing situations.

[budwom]

Yup, we're going to have to assign someone to him on passing downs as he's better at running than passing (though I have seen him uncork a few fine passes to Byrd).

[BigWayne]

I am sure Pitt will do better this week as they couldn't be any worse than last week, but I am hoping this guy (http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/10/28/7080621/pitt-homecoming-georgia-tech-eve6) has to write a similar report next week.

[CameronBornAndBred]

After unanimously picking both GT and UVA to beat us, the ESPN blog team has reversed course and selected the Blue Devils to come out on top. I was sort of enjoying that streak, but I agree with them that we'll win. They also look at defense from both teams. Hard not to focus on that side of the ball seeing as how both teams scored over 50 last go 'round.

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/76550/duke-pitt-look-for-better-defensive-showings-this-time-around

[subzero02]

We're 3.5 point dogs now... I like those odds.

[nyesq83]

http://blogs.post-gazette.com/sports/2013-06-20-18-53-28/pitt-redshirt-diaries/42790-behind-enemy-lines-duke

[Bob Green]

Here is an article on the Pitt offensive line:

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2014/10/31/Offensive-line-better-but-not-there-yet/stories/201410310160


For an offense predicated on running the football, Hueber [OL Coach] and head coach Paul Chryst admitted that the line play isn't where they want it to be.

[DU82]

Bumping this up. Perhaps we can talk more about DUKE games for a while than about cheaters.

Fairly miserable evening weather wise in downtown Pittsburgh, though I heard one forecast for tomorrow that indicated the rain won't be bad tomorrow. Hopefully the field isn't so saturated that a punt will stick in the grass/mud!

[Henderson]

Bumping this up. Perhaps we can talk more about DUKE games for a while than about cheaters.

Fairly miserable evening weather wise in downtown Pittsburgh, though I heard one forecast for tomorrow that indicated the rain won't be bad tomorrow. Hopefully the field isn't so saturated that a punt will stick in the grass/mud!

I'll bump on the same sentiment.

Looks like cold, but not freezing, with a 30% chance of rain. I believe Heinz Field still has natural grass.

Important game.

[DukeSean]

With field conditions forecasted the way they are, who would you think it benefits?

Both teams have good running games, but Pitt relies much more heavily on a single back than Duke's 4-back rotation. It's almost a wash, depending on if Conner can stay fresh late into the game. To me, the sloppy weather would hamper Voytik's ability to run out of the pocket and could be a benefit to us. I figure Boone will still have his brilliant moments and his WTH moments, so bad weather or not we'd still be searching for consistency with him.

[Reilly]

Gameday Saturday.

When they write the history of the 2014 ACC Coastal Division football championship, how prominently will this game be featured ....

I bet the payers are psyched to play in an NFL stadium ...

[bleudiable]

We're 3.5 point dogs now... I like those odds.

I don't get it. According to Vegas sources, over 90% of the action is on us, but the betting line has only dropped to 3. Usually Vegas wise guys have a pretty good handle on things. What do they see that I'm missing?

[arnie]

I don't get it. According to Vegas sources, over 90% of the action is on us, but the betting line has only dropped to 3. Usually Vegas wise guys have a pretty good handle on things. What do they see that I'm missing?

I like being a small underdog in these games. Local reporters are mixed on our chances with Laura Keeley and the Carolina beat writer picking Pitt.

[Bob Green]

Pitt QB Chad Voytik on Duke:


"I consider their defense a bend-don't-break defense, and they've got a good offense," Voytik said.

"They get turnovers here and there on defense when they need them, and they've got a good offense. I think that's led to their success."

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2014/11/01/Beating-Duke-is-must-for-Panthers/stories/201411010124

[roywhite]

Checking some weather reports, looks like some fog and light rain in Pittsburgh this morning; most rain finished by 11:00 AM, some wind (10 to 14 mph) and high near 40 for the day.

[Bob Green]

Steve Wiseman has an interesting article posted at the Herald Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com/sports/duke/x1476703461/No-24-Duke-can-t-forget-shootout-loss-to-Pitt

Coach Cutcliffe on the disparity between the defense being statistically strong in points allowed at 15.1 per game versus giving up 398 yards per game:


“If we can keep them from scoring it will be OK,” Cutcliffe said. “You’d prefer to not give up the yardage, etc. We have played well in the red zone. We have done a good job, not great, but a good job of taking the ball away at opportune times. We’ve done a really good job of giving up less yardage in the second half than we did in the first half. I’ve looked at thery thing you are talking about. What’s going on here? Everything statistically is about points per game. It’s the only thing that will ever matter in football.”

[budwom]

Pitt has a pretty solid team, their implosion vs GT last week notwithstanding. It won't be easy. But I like our coaching over theirs...

[uh_no]

Pitt has a pretty solid team, their implosion vs GT last week notwithstanding. It won't be easy. But I like our coaching over theirs...

or their loss to akron, or their loss to iowa....

i think they're a pretty good team, but their very inconsistent.

[OldPhiKap]

Pitt has a pretty solid team, their implosion vs GT last week notwithstanding. It won't be easy. But I like our coaching over theirs...

I cannot think of an ACC coaching staff that I would switch with.

[subzero02]

I don't get it. According to Vegas sources, over 90% of the action is on us, but the betting line has only dropped to 3. Usually Vegas wise guys have a pretty good handle on things. What do they see that I'm missing?

I don't know but if over 90 percent of the action is on us and the line has only moved 1/2 point, they feel very strongly that we're a lock to lose. I hope they're wrong.

[El_Diablo]

Just like we drew it up! Bend but don't break.

[nyesq83]

Gumby defense, slinky offense!

Oh, Pitt is now a 7-point underdog! Ha!

[El_Diablo]

Well, the run defense is certainly doing a lot of bending.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Yikes. They really pushed us around at the line of scrimmage. Gotta figure that out.

[ChrisP]

Gonna be a long day if we give up 6-7 yds per carry :(

[Tripping William]

Both D's picking right up where 2013 left off, it seems.

[CDu]

Anthony Boone regaining his form today! Now if we can just find an answer for Conner...

[ChrisP]

I will take the TD of course but...after running it down their throats repeatedly, why 2 throws on 1st & goal???

[nyesq83]

Which team will limit outright mistakes? Which team has better stamina?
We will find out.
But I love my Blue Devils.

Nice play mix on our second TD. Winning the first quarter until that runback. And we have been a 4th quarter team.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

As much whining as this board does about TV placement (which I admittedly care nothing about) everyone who feels we should be in prime time ought to peek at the empty stands.

If people don't show up to watch in person, how many folks are watching on TV?

7 pt lead at the end of the 1st? I'll take it.

[grossbus]

Offense with a good start.

Defense not so much.

[nyesq83]

Duke making many mistakes now.

[duke09hms]

Pitt offense getting whatever they want and then some.

[Sixthman]

Make the tackle -- win the game.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Defense has to stop hitting guys and start tackling them. Sheesh.

[jjasper0729]

Defense has to stop hitting guys and start tackling them. Sheesh.

I said the exact same thing to the TV and got a weird look

[arnie]

Defense has to stop hitting guys and start tackling them. Sheesh.

First time this year I've seen the D play this way. Don't think it's the scheme, just poor play. O needs to keep up now.

[SCMatt33]

If Duke can't make that kind of tackle on 3rd and long, you might as well multiply Pitt's remaining possession by 7 to figure out their final score. These are really easy tackles. I'm wondering if they're being bothered by the cold weather. I can't imagine that this team has played too many games in the low 40s before

[peterjswift]

Slightly offtopic, but this makes me more certain that the ACC probably doesn't miss UMD much - shenanigans by UMD before they play PSU: https://vine.co/v/OOOOTLAMFah

Both games are playing at the same time.

[arnie]

First time this year I've seen the D play this way. Don't think it's the scheme, just poor play. O needs to keep up now.

I think the O is keeping up!

[subzero02]

The over under for the game is 53... I don't think it'll survive the 1st half.

[arnie]

Slightly offtopic, but this makes me more certain that the ACC probably doesn't miss UMD much - shenanigans by UMD before they play PSU: https://vine.co/v/OOOOTLAMFah

Both games are playing at the same time.

Md thinks they're Penn State's rival. Think their record is like 1-35 or something. Sound familiar?

[duke09hms]

I'm afraid our D-line is going to wear down with all these RB and QB runs by Pitt.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

How has Pitt lost four times?

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Big mistake not using our timeouts here.

[Sixthman]

You give up a 100 yard rusher and a 100 yard receiver in the first half you must -- literally -- go back to the drawing board at half time. There is a lot of after the whistle barking and pushing which looks like Pitt is in the heads of our D.

[SCMatt33]

You give up a 100 yard rusher and a 100 yard receiver in the first half you must -- literally -- go back to the drawing board at half time. There is a lot of after the whistle barking and pushing which looks like Pitt is in the heads of our D.

I don't know what you can draw up. They are simply being destroyed physically and technically. They've had plenty of chances to get off the field with one on one tackles and can't make them. They've also given up big pass plays to covered receivers. Really you just have to hope that either a) the defense has better stamina than the Pitt offense or b) Pitt's offense makes more mistakes than Duke's

[bbosbbos]

Just back from the BB open practice, shocked to see the high score game against Pitt. Where is the D? They run and pass at will. It is painful to watch.:mad::mad:

[luvdahops]

Defense has to stop hitting guys and start tackling them. Sheesh.

This is our worst display of tackling since the 2010 Alabama game. Our guys need to make a point of wrapping up. The D-line is getting knocked back consistently, so we can't afford to give up yards after first contact, since that is already happening several yards downfield.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

That's either not a catch, or it's a TD. It can't be a catch short of a TD.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

I don't understand that ruling at all.

[duke09hms]

Hope we just run it in with a QB under center and not from shotgun-handoff to RB.

[ChrisP]

Ref begs to differ. Gotta try to punch it in here!

[grossbus]

What a great drive!

[tbyers11]

I don't understand that ruling at all.

Agreed. That is either an incompletion or a TD. No way it is complete at the 1. Thankfully, Sirk punched it in.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Great end to the half. Gutsy.

Not sure how Crowder didn't have a TD, but who cares.

[SCMatt33]

Wow. Big TD. Getting the ball back to start the 2nd is like a free defensive stop right now, which we desperately need.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Ref begs to differ. Gotta try to punch it in here!

I don't see how they can come to that conclusion. If his foot was in and it's a catch, then his first step out of bound is well after he breaks the plane. Unless I'm missing something here, that ruling seems impossible.

Anyway, fortunately, it's all moot, as is the poor use of timeouts at the end of the half there. Tie game.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Gutsy call. Like it.

This may come down to 1 defensive stop for one side.

Duke FB has arrived... I am officially as worked up about this game as any basketball game.

[subzero02]

56 first half points... We need to generate some turnovers or more 3rd and longs somehow.

[arnie]

Gutsy call. Like it.

This may come down to 1 defensive stop for one side.

Duke FB has arrived... I am officially as worked up about this game as any basketball game.

Announcer at half says both crowder tds were frauds. Don't think the 2nd one was anything other than defensive interference. Assume announcer's a UNC fan.

[bbosbbos]

A repeat of last year's game?

[Sixthman]

I don't know what you can draw up. They are simply being destroyed physically and technically. They've had plenty of chances to get off the field with one on one tackles and can't make them. They've also given up big pass plays to covered receivers. Really you just have to hope that either a) the defense has better stamina than the Pitt offense or b) Pitt's offense makes more mistakes than Duke's

I think you have to think about taking more chances. Maybe you give up some big plays, but Pitt is already making it look easy. You make a few defensive plays and it changes the equation.

[HK Dukie]

Announcer at half says both crowder tds were frauds. Don't think the 2nd one was anything other than defensive interference. Assume announcer's a UNC fan.

The halftime commentators are horrendous.

"Both of Crowder TDs were offensive pass interference"

"Duke can't stop anyone. Defense wins championships"

Well, on the TDs, the refs actually didn't just think Crowder was in the clear, they called defensive interference both times. On both commentators comments on Duke's Defense: going into the game Duke had the 4th best PPG against in the country. Why do these bozos get paid? Can't they at least get someone who spends 10 minutes looking at some stats before the game? Let's take one half of football and extrapolate that for the entire season!

[crdaul]

Announcer at half says both crowder tds were frauds. Don't think the 2nd one was anything other than defensive interference. Assume announcer's a UNC fan.

Who are these yahoo announcers? Not exactly neutral observations....go Devils

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Who are these yahoo announcers? Not exactly neutral observations....go Devils
Who cares? Flip channels and enjoy Miami thumping the ewes.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Really feel like this second half is the difference between a good season and a great season.

Come on Duke!

[arnie]

Who are these yahoo announcers? Not exactly neutral observations....go Devils

They are all related to Packer/Elmore/Patrick and tired of Dike gettin all the calls.

[75Crazie]

I don't see how they can come to that conclusion. If his foot was in and it's a catch, then his first step out of bound is well after he breaks the plane. Unless I'm missing something here, that ruling seems impossible.

Anyway, fortunately, it's all moot, as is the poor use of timeouts at the end of the half there. Tie game.
The ball has to cross over the goal line, not the body. It is possible that the ball never did cross the goal line within bounds on that play. I am assuming the replays did not have a sufficient viewpoint to determine where the ball was (in our out of bounds) when it crossed the extension of the goal line.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Ugh. Punting as good as turning it over.

[nyesq83]

Wasted opportunity on great kick return.

Can we hold or we get burned by long plays again? No.

Singleton out for the game due to stinger.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

The ball has to cross over the goal line, not the body. It is possible that the ball never did cross the goal line within bounds on that play. I am assuming the replays did not have a sufficient viewpoint to determine where the ball was (in our out of bounds) when it crossed the extension of the goal line.

The ball was well past when his next foot came down. The only thing I can think is that runner is out as soon as he hits the pylon, and it's based on where the ball is when that happens? No idea...

[Papa John]

The ball has to cross over the goal line, not the body. It is possible that the ball never did cross the goal line within bounds on that play. I am assuming the replays did not have a sufficient viewpoint to determine where the ball was (in our out of bounds) when it crossed the extension of the goal line.

The ball did cross the plane of the goal line—right before Crowder's left leg knocked the pylon prior to stepping out of bounds a yard deep into the end zone... That was an absolutely head-scratching, horrendous call. The only way to call it down at the one would be to conclude that Crowder's right foot was out-of-bounds, which negates the catch... It was either a TD or an incompletion... If I were in charge of the ACC officiating office, I'd have this crew sit out next week and review the rulebook...

[duke09hms]

Pitt's Connor is running all over our defense.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

I know we're of the bend don't break mindset, but I think we need to make some adjustments here. Giving way too much cushion, and Pitt is moving the ball down field with ease.

[ChrisP]

Gonna have to hope Pitt makes some mistakes, I think. I realize Pitt is a big, physical team, but our tackling has been pretty awful today.

[Sixthman]

That's what I'm talking about! Nice sack!

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Finally, a stop. I'm on board with more blitzes.

[ChrisP]

Nice blitz!!! Way to go D!

[devildeac]

great call-great tackle

[nyesq83]

I think the D is rusty for game speed AND power.

And I think Pitt might start to show some fatigue in the 4th quarter.

[Papa John]

Pitt's Connor is running all over our defense.

Easy to do when you are not committing enough bodies to the LOS... Pitt often has all 9 guys lined up tight at the line, like a goal-line formation... We have 4 down linemen, then the linebackers are 4-5 yards off the LOS with the DBacks at least that far off... Pitt's 9 are pushing our 4 back 3-4 yards before the linebackers have a chance to even engage—were getting blown off the line, which is logical because it's a simple numbers game (9>4)... I've been disappointed with the lack of adjustment to deal with this... The only time Pitt has been stopped is when they've gone away from the run and tried to get fancy with passing the ball... If I were them, I wouldn't bother doing that until we demonstrate an interest and ability to stop the run... Heck, if I saw our linebackers and DBacks sitting back off a stacked line like that continuously, I'd run the ball every play until we commit more guys to the box...

[devildeac]

I don't understand that ruling at all.

acc ref

[devildeac]

Announcer at half says both crowder tds were frauds. Don't think the 2nd one was anything other than defensive interference. Assume announcer's a UNC fan.

Crowd at our house said announcer said he's a former pitt qb.

[duke09hms]

Disappointing red zone offense from their 10. Hope that FG doesn't come back to bite us.

[ChrisP]

Don't understand play calling there on 1st & goal. No run on 1st or 2nd means you have to throw on 3rd. Then...we throw it short of the end zone? Don't get it.

Nice kick with the wind though! C'mon defense!

[duke09hms]

Easy to do when you are not committing enough bodies to the LOS... Pitt often has all 9 guys lined up tight at the line, like a goal-line formation... We have 4 down linemen, then the linebackers are 4-5 yards off the LOS with the DBacks at least that far off... Pitt's 9 are pushing our 4 back 3-4 yards before the linebackers have a chance to even engage—were getting blown off the line, which is logical because it's a simple numbers game (9>4)... I've been disappointed with the lack of adjustment to deal with this... The only time Pitt has been stopped is when they've gone away from the run and tried to get fancy with passing the ball... If I were them, I wouldn't bother doing that until we demonstrate an interest and ability to stop the run... Heck, if I saw our linebackers and DBacks sitting back off a stacked line like that continuously, I'd run the ball every play until we commit more guys to the box...

The big play threat of Boyd makes it tough to commit to the run since we've already been burned by long passes.

[Papa John]

The big play threat of Boyd makes it tough to commit to the run since we've already been burned by long passes.

Coverage has been pretty solid, though... I'd take my chances against Voytik's arm and stop the run...

[bbosbbos]

Why always mistackled? I do not get that.

[arnie]

The D looks real tired and totally ineffective now. Gonna have to score 50 I believe.

[CDu]

Frustrating to watch Pitt run all over us on the ground. Need to hold the to a FG here and hope to keep scoring. Oy.

[Karl Beem]

Abominable D.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Coverage has been pretty solid, though... I'd take my chances against Voytik's arm and stop the run...

I'd rather live with them trying to hit the big play rather than just giving them the whole field. You have to put some pressure on them to make plays.

[arnie]

I'd rather live with them trying to hit the big play rather than just giving them the whole field. You have to put some pressure on them to make plays.

Yea, we're bending and breaking today.

[El_Diablo]

We could put 11 in the box, and it wouldn't matter so long as we keep missing three tackles every run.

[devildeac]

huge sack

[tux]

We could put 11 in the box, and it wouldn't matter so long as we keep missing three tackles every run.

Not to be a total Duke homer, but I see a lot of holding by Pitt as well. Grabbed jerseys, etc.

It may be last team with the ball wins.

Go Duke!

[Papa John]

I'd rather live with them trying to hit the big play rather than just giving them the whole field. You have to put some pressure on them to make plays.

Not sure what that means... Pitt is normally lining up with 9[!] guys in tight formation on the LOS... The only reason they don't have 11 there is because their QB and tailback are in the backfield... If we commit only 4-5 guys to the LOS, they will run it every single time—there's no reason for them not to, because 9>4/5, which means they are blowing our down linemen 3-4 yards off the LOS every single play, which means their tailback or QB [whoever decides to carry it] already has a 4 yard gain before we have a defender in position to engage the play... By this time, though, they've dictated the flow of the play, and the carrier ends up running behind a wall for additional yards... It's insane—we need to bring more guys up to the LOS to fill the gaps, show some run blitzes, something [anything]...

[duke09hms]

huge sack

yeah but hard to get too excited about it or Pitt penalties when they can run it for however many yards they need

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Good job again bringing heat on a big 3rd down.

[duke09hms]

On another note, great to see Miami 37 - UNC 6 on the ticker.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

This is like watching one long OT.

[devildeac]

our d must be exhausted

[arnie]

yeah but hard to get too excited about it or Pitt penalties when they can run it for however many yards they need

We need a TD after long drive now. As minimum would like the ball tied with less than 2 min to go

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Not sure what that means... Pitt is normally lining up with 9[!] guys in tight formation on the LOS... The only reason they don't have 11 there is because their QB and tailback are in the backfield... If we commit only 4-5 guys to the LOS, they will run it every single time—there's no reason for them not to, because 9>4/5, which means they are blowing our down linemen 3-4 yards off the LOS every single play, which means their tailback or QB [whoever decides to carry it] already has a 4 yard gain before we have a defender in position to engage the play... By this time, though, they've dictated the flow of the play, and the carrier ends up running behind a wall for additional yards... It's insane—we need to bring more guys up to the LOS to fill the gaps, show some run blitzes, something [anything]...

I was agreeing with you.

[grossbus]

Crucial to score TD on this upcoming possession.

[devildeac]

yeah but hard to get too excited about it or Pitt penalties when they can run it for however many yards they need

Sad, but true. But the heat again on 3rd was nice.

[grossbus]

That will do. :)

[devildeac]

Run Forrest, err, Devon, run.

[arnie]

We need a TD after long drive now. As minimum would like the ball tied with less than 2 min to go

Wasn't exactly a long drive!

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Boom goes the dynamite!

[Mabdul Doobakus]

My internet connection/illegal video stream failed me on that one, but go Edwards go!

[devildeac]

Crucial to score TD on this upcoming possession.

From your fingers to God's ears and Devon's legs.

[Papa John]

I was agreeing with you.

Oh... My bad! ;)

[Karl Beem]

Splendid O!

[El_Diablo]

We should maybe just go for onside kicks from here on out.

[duke09hms]

How did Pitt lose to Akron? Is the Duke basketball effect catching up to Duke football? Where bad teams get up for us??

[Sixthman]

Finally they called the holding!

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Oh... My bad! ;)

No problem!

[tux]

No problem!

Love it when Pitt throws on 1st down...

[devildeac]

how the hell can you not be in front of that guy on 3rd and 6?

[duke09hms]

Love it when Pitt throws on 1st down...

YES now if we can only get 3rd down stops

[Papa John]

Love it when Pitt throws on 1st down...

As do I... And look what happened on 2nd when we brought 7 guys up to the LOS—we actually stopped them for a short gain...

[Sixthman]

Why no blitz on third and nine? It is how we have stopped them!

[devildeac]

how the hell can you not be in front of that guy on 3rd and 6?

And again on 3rd and 9 or so.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Totally agree. Two great blitzing opportunities and we play bend don't break. Don't get that.

[duke09hms]

So when they tie it up at 38-38, is our best chance a long 5 min. scoring drive?

[arnie]

And again on 3rd and 9 or so.

Have to continue to score tds. Pitt will have another possession.

[devildeac]

I guess blows to the head by running backs are OK, too.

[grossbus]

Crucial to score TD on this possession.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

So when they tie it up at 38-38, is our best chance a long 5 min. scoring drive?
Exactly. We gotta use the whole clock.

[devildeac]

So when they tie it up at 38-38, is our best chance a long 5 min. scoring drive?


I'll take that at this point.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

So when they tie it up at 38-38, is our best chance a long 5 min. scoring drive?

Exactly. Any kind of score, taking 4+ minutes off the clock and we're in great shape.

Agree with those who were not fond of the defensive playcalling in that drive. Take some chances. Why not? They're killing us anyway.

[Sixthman]

Let's run this down their throats.

[SCMatt33]

If Duke loses, they will really regret those two 3rd and long conversions that Pitt got on this drive. They can't stip the run at all and got passing downs twice and gave up soft catches playing coverage.

[Papa John]

Totally agree. Two great blitzing opportunities and we play bend don't break. Don't get that.

Agree... The defensive play calling has been absolutely baffling today... And in the goal line situation, we clearly see basic mathematics at work—how much more difficult it becomes to run the football when there are equal numbers of defenders committed to the LOS... We need to apply that logic to the rest of the field more often to stop the run and get Pitt in 3rd and long situations, then bring the blitz...

[subzero02]

So when they tie it up at 38-38, is our best chance a long 5 min. scoring drive?

Ideally... We have the ball with an offense that's playing well. Let's just be sure to punch it into the end zone.

[devildeac]

Our d has to be exhausted at 38-16 TOP. Sheesh.

[arnie]

Exactly. Any kind of score, taking 4+ minutes off the clock and we're in great shape.

Agree with those who were not fond of the defensive playcalling in that drive. Take some chances. Why not? They're killing us anyway.

Pitt has 31 1st downs. The UNC football fraud is over. Miami way up.

[duke09hms]

God I hope Connor goes pro this year

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Pitt has 31 1st downs. The UNC football fraud is over. Miami way up.

That's crazy, the 31 first downs, but it's also indicative of the way they're scoring. Lots of runs, 8-10 play drives, lots of first downs, not as many big plays. If give them the ball back with under 2 minutes left, they're going to have to change their offense some.

[SCMatt33]

God I hope Connor goes pro this year

Not just Conner. Our D-line hasn't tackled anyone today. Their entire offensive line has just owned the trenches

[devildeac]

I've got a bad feeling here.

[crdaul]

Is the offensive player allowed to grab a facemask....sure looked like Conner did...

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Terrible throw.

[duke09hms]

Let's run it down their throats for a GW Ross Martin FG.

[devildeac]

Got lucky there. Throw into double coverage?!?!

[arnie]

Got lucky there. Throw into double coverage?!?!

Go for it on 4 th

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Tempted to call this 4 down territory.

Go for it.

[jjasper0729]

I have a feeling we aren't going to get the ball back the way we can't stop them on offense

[duke09hms]

oh boy, dont think our defense has much left

[grossbus]

Really did not like the long pass play. Really didn't.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Strongly disagree with this coaching call to punt. I fear it may have just lost us this game.

Similar to our failure to call timeouts at the end of the first when Pitt had the ball on the goal line. You gotta know the game you're coaching in.

[arnie]

Go for it on 4 th

Big mistake by punting!!

[Tripping William]

Gut-check time for the D.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Why why why why why are we throwing long on first down. That might have been the fatal mistake we couldn't afford. Terrible play calling. Run the frickin ball!

[Wander]

It'd be a nice time for Pitt to rediscover their fumbling ways from last week.

[Sixthman]

Really did not like the long pass play. Really didn't.

Amen to that. Then throwing short of line to gain on third.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Alright, here we go. D has to get one big play - sack, tackle for loss, something. If they crank out 8 yards a run and kick an FG, we are done.

[91devil]

We snap the ball with 15 seconds on the play clock and then kick it into the end zone . Ugh .

[duke09hms]

How good is Pitt's kicker?

[tux]

Really did not like the long pass play. Really didn't.


Yes. Horrible call on 1st down. Fine on 2nd and short, but we needed a some positive yard on 1st down...


Looking for a miracle on D. One nice thing is that they're kicking into the open end. But still, we need a break.

[SCMatt33]

The offense got the ball 3 times in the second half and his gotten only 3 points. Probably need a turnover to win this game now. Can't see us stopping them straight up

[bbosbbos]

Terrible play selection. Should keep running, why two passes?

[ChrisP]

Really did not like the long pass play. Really didn't.

Agreed. Of course, a completion would have been nice. Also, wht not send Crowder down field on 3rd & 6 instead of a 3 yd route???

[Papa John]

Got lucky there. Throw into double coverage?!?!

I was hoping Boone would recognize that Pitt was dropping back into coverage—the whole right side of the field was wide open on that play... He could have easily run for the first down... Not the wisest decision to throw the long pass into the double team...

[devildeac]

Really did not like the long pass play. Really didn't.

Said the same thing in another chat room but with a bit more NSFW language.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Don't think this has been the coaching staff's best day.

[Papa John]

Big missed hold/hands-to-the-face on that play...

[bbosbbos]

Can not agree more. Poor play selection is killing us in the late game.



Said the same thing in another chat room but with a bit more NSFW language.

[ChrisP]

We need a turnover...

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Where is the blitzing!!!!!!!?????!!!!!

[grossbus]

Even I knew the QB was running.

[devildeac]

Big missed hold/hands-to-the-face on that play...

They've been consistent. They've missed it all day.

[Karl Beem]

They need to spy on the QB!

[arnie]

Big missed hold/hands-to-the-face on that play...

Just can't make a play

[El_Diablo]

We snap the ball with 15 seconds on the play clock and then kick it into the end zone . Ugh .

I didn't realize that at the time, but completely inexcusable to not run the clock down.

[grossbus]

Oh that was terrible.

[Papa John]

Pitt has mis-managed the clock so badly that they were forced to throw the ball to stop the clock... Of course, horrendous coverage on that dying quail of a throw kills us... Bummer—not a good job today by the defensive coaching staff at all...

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Terrible end of game management. Grrrrrrr

[CDu]

Where is the blitzing!!!!!!!?????!!!!!

Maybe blitzing was a bad idea?

[SCMatt33]

As bad as the run defense has been today, it's been the pass plays that have probably lost this game for us

[Karl Beem]

Astonishing.

[devildeac]

Two wks to prepare and this is what we do?

[SCMatt33]

Maybe blitzing was a bad idea?

Blitzing was a great idea. He had great coverage one on one. You can't let him catch that ball

[arnie]

Just can't make a play

The decision by Cut to punt maybe his worst decision at Duke. He'll learn from this.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Maybe blitzing was a bad idea?
It was the right call. Bad coverage.

[Papa John]

I didn't realize that at the time, but completely inexcusable to not run the clock down.

How so? You're punting with the hopes that your defense makes a stop so you get the ball back to try and win the game... Why would you possibly run the clock down in a tie ballgame in that situation?

[tbyers11]

Maybe blitzing was a bad idea?

No. I thought blitzing was a good idea. If we sit back they are going to complete something underneath for the 3 yards needed. Blitz made QB throw the ball early. DB never turned his head around until way too late.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Holy shank!

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

That is just CRAZY.

[dukelifer]

Iced

[arnie]

No. I thought blitzing was a good idea. If we sit back they are going to complete something underneath for the 3 yards needed. Blitz made QB throw the ball early. DB never turned his head around until way too late.

Unreal

[duke09hms]

Cutcliffe the ice genius!!!

[toughbuff1]

free football!!!

[grossbus]

The blitz worked. Don't know why defender was playing so tight. Should have been off.

KICKER ICED!

[tbyers11]

Holy crap!!!!!! Shank you very much.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

The decision by Cut to punt maybe his worst decision at Duke. He'll learn from this.

A really, really bad decision. I'm sure someone could run a simulation to show how bad that was, but I would bet it lowered our expected win percentage by a large number.

[bbosbbos]

Go Duke!

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Now how do you stop them from the 25?

[grossbus]

We are going to have to score TD's in OT.

[Karl Beem]

Bluit blew it!

[HK Dukie]

Holy crap!!!!!! Shank you very much.

That kicker really BLEWIT

[duke09hms]

Next play. Can our offense regain 1st half form?

[hurleyfor3]

Welcome to Heinz Field.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Yeah, they got what they wanted out of that blitz. Sometimes the defender just has to make the play. That ball was up in the air for a long time.

[Papa John]

I think Dr. Rosenrosen was the one who said somewhere below in this thread that watching this game has been like watching one long OT... Indeed... Well, there ya go... The long OT continueth... I'm not sure either team deserves to win this game [but I sure as heck hope we do!]...

[arnie]

We are going to have to score TD's in OT.

Or maybe Pitt fumbles for once

[duke09hms]

Overtimes favor running teams ... maybe Conner will get tired?

[subzero02]

They'll be reluctant to march out their kicker in OT after that miss. We need to put it in the end zone and protect the football.

[4Gen]

Blewitt

[mr. synellinden]

We're a pretty good running team too - when the play calling allows it.

[bbosbbos]

TD! Go Duke!

[Mabdul Doobakus]

TD! That was pretty easy really.

Go D? There's always hope.

[grossbus]

Well. That was easy

Now some D PLEASE.

[tbyers11]

Well that was efficient. Good play calling and nice execution by Boone.

[duke09hms]

ALRIGHT DEFENSE, let's do it

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

So do you stack the box and try to force them to throw?

[Sixthman]

It would be hard to imagine that we could keep Pitt from gaining ten yards on four consecutive runs.

[Papa John]

So do you stack the box and try to force them to throw?

Heck yeah... Otherwise, we might be here until tomorrow...

[arnie]

So do you stack the box and try to force them to throw?

Got to take some risks on D

[duke09hms]

Conner might get that Pitt record, 25 yds at a time

[devildeac]

Or maybe Pitt fumbles for once

They used them all vs GT.

[grossbus]

Yikes

[CDu]

No. I thought blitzing was a good idea. If we sit back they are going to complete something underneath for the 3 yards needed. Blitz made QB throw the ball early. DB never turned his head around until way too late.

Disagree. The clock was our friend. They needed 30 yards in 30 seconds. Blitzing creates one on one outside, which creates risk of big plays.

Thankfully we survived that ill-timed decision.

[El_Diablo]

How so? You're punting with the hopes that your defense makes a stop so you get the ball back to try and win the game... Why would you possibly run the clock down in a tie ballgame in that situation?

Our defense had forced one punt the entire game. Giving them extra time to march downfield and hoping for a defensive stop did not seem like a great decision.

[jjasper0729]

I go back to a previous post. Could we please tackle and not just hit? we're bouncing off that guy. Wrap him up and wait for help and bring him down

[duke09hms]

Well there goes our scoring defense average.

[91devil]

Boy Jeremy Cash has had a tough game.

[Mabdul Doobakus]

Unbelievable. I have no faith in us stopping this guy. You'd think there would be a way to force them into putting the ball in the air. There's not much misdirection here. They're just giving Conner the ball, and he's destroying us.

38 carries. Yikes.

[arnie]

Got to take some risks on D

I'll repeat it - have to take some risks. 11 in the box maybe

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Still hitting instead of tackling.

[MarkD83]

I hope Pitt misses the free throw...I mean extra point. This feels like a bball game.

[grossbus]

Conners should go to the NFL... Right now.