FB: Pitt 24, Duke 17

[Bob Green]

Duke opens as an eight (8) points favorite over the Pitt Panthers. This is a game we really need to win!

[devildeac]

If you've seen these young men running, please call 1-800-#HAUL-IT:


http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/400/FL/FLEDWRSPOHLLDFX.20170418215023.jpg


http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/0/IT/ITAFHIOTWBUERMS.20170418215024.jpg

[OldPhiKap]

With y'all in spirit. LGD!!!!

[chrishoke]

We owe them. I was there in Pitt last year and they embarrassed us. Our young team needs to come together and kick their butt.

[OldPhiKap]

The Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier to be honored at Pitt game.

[budwom]

The Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier to be honored at Pitt game.

at which time I'm hauling him up to the booth to be our offensive coordinator for the day...my dream is still to get someone to offer him a million bucks and free use of a helicopter so he can golf at Pinehurst
or wherever each morning, consult as offensive coordinator in the afternoon, go home at the end of the season.

[OldPhiKap]

at which time I'm hauling him up to the booth to be our offensive coordinator for the day...my dream is still to get someone to offer him a million bucks and free use of a helicopter so he can golf at Pinehurst
or wherever each morning, consult as offensive coordinator in the afternoon, go home at the end of the season.

Steve is a member of the Augusta National I believe, and has a super-sweet gig at UFlorida. Would love to see it happen, but ...

Also not sure Cut would like it. Like Lance Armstrong coming back to be a support rider for Alberto Contador. Once the HBC, always the HBC.

[sagegrouse]

Steve is a member of the Augusta National I believe, and has a super-sweet gig at UFlorida. Would love to see it happen, but ...

Also not sure Cut would like it. Like Lance Armstrong coming back to be a support rider for Alberto Contador. Once the HBC, always the HBC.

Perhaps a guest appearance at a game where he would throw his visor a few times at appropriate moments and show up at the post-game press conference: "I don't know why I called a fake punt. I'm just an old ball coach, and it seemed like a good idea at the time."

[uh_no]

If you've seen these young men running, please call 1-800-#HAUL-IT:


http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/400/FL/FLEDWRSPOHLLDFX.20170418215023.jpg


http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/0/IT/ITAFHIOTWBUERMS.20170418215024.jpg

pleeeeaaaseeeee

god i feel these guys are wasting away in the backfield while we muck around elsewhere. That's a great message to recruits....come in and run for 5+ yards per carry...we'll be sure to underutilize you!

[mattman91]

This will be my first game/tailgate at Wallace Wade:cool:

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

This will be my first game/tailgate at Wallace Wade:cool:

Take some local brews - it will make you quite popular

[uh_no]

Take some local brews - it will make you quite popular

not even local....just some good stuff from Sam's will do. I unashamedly prefer real oktoberfest beer to local brews at this time of the year.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

not even local...just some good stuff from Sam's will do. I unashamedly prefer real oktoberfest beer to local brews at this time of the year.

Hrmmm here in Asheville we have pretty high standards.

[mattman91]

Take some local brews - it will make you quite popular

Oh yes. I've picked a few from my fridge to bring and I'm headed to town later to hunt for more.

[devildeac]

This will be my first game/tailgate at Wallace Wade:cool:


Take some local brews - it will make you quite popular

1. And we are all looking forward to your attendance!

2. Mattman has already been edjumacated/warned/instructed on the above. ;)

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Oh yes. I've picked a few from my fridge to bring and I'm headed to town later to hunt for more.

Have an awesome weekend. I will be thinking of all you guys as I drive past Durham on Saturday.

[devildeac]

not even local...just some good stuff from Sam's will do. I unashamedly prefer real oktoberfest beer to local brews at this time of the year.

Mattman is from Asheville and I think MtnDevil was suggesting he deliver local Asheville brews to the Duke-Pitt tailgate, but I'll let MtnDevil clarify. ;)

[uh_no]

Hrmmm here in Asheville we have pretty high standards.

i've yet to taste an american made festbier that can hold a torch to any authentic counterparts. The closest I found was victory. Most seem to be what american brewers think americans think oktoberfest biere should be....and the result is usually unsatisfactory.

[chrishoke]

1 reply 12 retweets 95 likes
Reply 1 Retweet 12 Like 95 Direct message
Stephen Wiseman‏ @stevewisemanNC 40m40 minutes ago
More
Duke starting LT Gabe Brandner is back at practice on a limited basis. Moving better. Missed Fla St game with hamstring injury

[devildeac]

1 reply 12 retweets 95 likes
Reply 1 Retweet 12 Like 95 Direct message
Stephen Wiseman‏ @stevewisemanNC 40m40 minutes ago
More
Duke starting LT Gabe Brandner is back at practice on a limited basis. Moving better. Missed Fla St game with hamstring injury

It's tough to watch the job the OL guys perform game after game (due to my inability to single out those guys) but my general impression was that Harris did a very good job in Brandner's place helping to protect Jones and clear the way for some nice (but not enough:p) Wilson and Brown yardage.

Thanks for the update.

[budwom]

This will be my first game/tailgate at Wallace Wade:cool:

bring eggs and bacon since it's yet another noonish start. Ack.

[chrishoke]

bring eggs and bacon since it's yet another noonish start. Ack.

Breakfast beer is very underrated.

[devildeac]

Breakfast beer is very underrated.

Yes, indeed, but with scrapple:


:rolleyes::o

7726

[Reilly]

Sunny and mid-70s forecast and honoring Spurrier. Sounds like a great day.

Who's starting the bowl vigil thread after the victory?

[lucybluebear]

C'mon devils. We need this one!

[Reilly]

Gameday. Win, and DBR gets a bowl-eligible vigil thread ....

[OldPhiKap]

LGD!!!!! We need this one.

[riverside6]

Advanced live stats and play analysis for the game here...

https://www.scacchoops.com/pittsburgh-at-duke-football-live-stats-10212017

[ChrisP]

I'm on ACC.com and clicked on "Watch Live Pitt vs. Duke" but...crickets :( Then tried WatchESPN but...it's blacked out. WTH??? Anyone else having these same issues trying to watch the game?

[nyesq83]

Illegal wedge formation on kickoff? Defender running into official on Pitt TD? Dear Ol Duke

[peteandpete]

I'm on ACC.com and clicked on "Watch Live Pitt vs. Duke" but...crickets :( Then tried WatchESPN but...it's blacked out. WTH??? Anyone else having these same issues trying to watch the game?

Yep....same here. How the heck do we get a delay of game out of a TO?

[53n206]

Anyone else think Jones seems slow to throw to open receiver?

[arnie]

Illegal wedge formation on kickoff? Defender running into official on Pitt TD? Dear Ol Duke

The official phrase during the Roof/Franks years? Looks like our O has reverted back to those glorious days.

[Faison1]

Our receivers continue to make me want to throw something at the TV.

Why in the world can't they catch?!?!

That pass on 3rd down to Lloyd was right in his hands....

[peteandpete]

Two more quarters without a TD.

[TKG]

Not sure which is worse, bad football or boring football. So far, we have both covered.

[nyesq83]

Lloyd is converted from QB to D back to receiver according to radio pregame. Ol Ball Coach threw shade on O coordinator during his time in booth to start 2nd half on tv. Aired ball out. Score and lead.

[peteandpete]

Holy crap batman!!!

[nyesq83]

But now D comes back in hot sun.

[peteandpete]

Take it down the field and put this one away!

[arnie]

Take it down the field and put this one away!

Completely different team showed up in 3rd quarter. Apparently, great halftime adjustments with passing game.

[peteandpete]

Noooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

[DukieInBrasil]

Some real lapses by this Duke team today, from passive stat observation. Got a FG attempt blocked, which via video looked like the kicker's fault, too low. Giving up a 92 yd TD run with 10 seconds left in the half is a real lack of spine play. Still up by 3 withe ball to start the 4th, but Duke should be up 13 to start the 4th and Pitt withe ball. Instead they're up 3.
pretty weak.

[Faison1]

Big Plays....

Special Teams....

Receivers....

These themes seem to continue throughout the season

[Devilwin]

Gotta make that catch.

[Faison1]

perhaps we should get some of our d-backs to play both ways....they seem to catch the ball pretty well

[Devilwin]

Bad call. Interception all day.

[Duke79UNLV77]

Really bad call!

[Devilwin]

Refs. .AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

[ChillinDuke]

The heck was that call. He has it in his sole possession while on the ground, no?

- Chillin

[DangerDevil]

I don’t understand replay reviews in college football. How is that not a reviewable play?

[martydoesntfoul]

Home field advantage? Yeah, right.

[martydoesntfoul]

Defense has been on the field way too long.

[arnie]

The heck was that call. He has it in his sole possession while on the ground, no?

- Chillin

Actually thought that was worst call against Duke I’ve seen. On replay clearly an interception when our DB hit ground. I don’t think announcers are right on not reviewable.

Would love to see Cut stand up to Swofford and get disciplined.

[DukieInBrasil]

Big Plays...

Special Teams...

Receivers...

These themes seem to continue throughout the season

the big runs looked like inept play from our LB and safety corps. Inside runs with nobody deep, how does that happen?

[TKG]

Miserable.

[ChillinDuke]

Parker. My God...

- Chillin

[DangerDevil]

Unfortunately we are doing are best to give this game away

[arnie]

That was really ugly. Think maybe Jones is no longer the answer at QB. Replays keep showing he doesn’t see the field or open receivers.

[Faison1]

Do I keep watching, and risk my blood pressure....or do I walk away and try not to think about it?

Hmmmm.....what to do, what to do....

[Faison1]

That was really ugly. Think maybe Jones is no longer the answer at QB. Replays keep showing he doesn’t see the field or open receivers.

We would have a different convo about Jones if his receivers could catch

[peteandpete]

Well done, indeed. Wouldn't want to take advantage of an opportunity.

[Devilwin]

Play calling got horrible again...

[ehdg]

This team is frustrating to watch! Not sure what’s happened the last 4 games but it’s so disappointing n upsetting.

[Devilwin]

Think it's basketball season!

[Devilwin]

Running out the clock with Hall. So depressing, I had high hopes for this team..

[arnie]

We would have a different convo about Jones if his receivers could catch

That was my impression early in the year, but starting to feel it as much on Jones as the receivers. Pitt has a poor D, and we’re making them look like Bama.

[6th Man]

There is a lot of work to be done. Daniel Jones has got to get better. I know the receivers haven’t really stepped up this season, but he is making terrible reads. The defensive lapses today have been inexcusable. Big play killers. Kicking field goals is still a problem. Ugh!!!!!!

[DangerDevil]

Hope I'm wrong but that Pitt 1st down is pretty much the nail in the coffin for this game and Unfortunately I think for our season as well

[TKG]

[QUOTE=6th Man;1008081]There is a lot of work to be done. Daniel Jones has got to get better. I know the receivers haven’t really stepped up this season, but he is making terrible reads. The defensive lapses today have been inexcusable. Big play killers. Kicking field goals is still a problem. Ugh!!!!!![/QUOTE

DJ makes no reads. He locks in on his primary receiver and throws that way 90% of the time.

[Devilwin]

Got time to tie. Tie a team we shoulda blasted. We may win one more game, honestly. Instead of improving, we've gotten worse.
To be fair, that bad call on the interception lead to this..

[ehdg]

Ever since the unc won it’s been all down hill. It’s like once we beat unc the team just stopped playing.

[ChillinDuke]

Bracey has GOT to catch that ball.

- Chillin

[jjredickrules]

Ever since the unc won it’s been all down hill. It’s like once we beat unc the team just stopped playing.

Loss today means we are 0-13 in remaining games that season since 2012 after beating UNC.

Last win in a season after beating UNC? 1961.

[arnie]

Loss today means we are 0-13 in remaining games that season since 2012 after beating UNC.

Last win in a season after beating UNC? 1961.

Another horrible missed call. Guess officials don’t give a s——.

[ChillinDuke]

Amazing. It's as if the games are supposed to go a certain way and we still don't have enough clout to get the "tie goes to the runner" calls.

- Chillin

[Faison1]

What in the heck, man

Bowl eligibility is now seriously in doubt

I just can't believe how bad the hands of our receivers are

Part of it is Jones throwing into traffic all the time, but I mean, c'mon!!! Catch it every once in a while

[AustinDevil]

Terrible ref decisions on our interception-that-should-have-been, and the holding on Helm on our last play.

But our offense more than earned this loss. DJ is horrendous. Receivers alternate between not fighting for the ball and butterfingering it away. Even the commentators know immediately that the bizarre and random QB substitutions simply mean the other D can key on the run. Playcalling in general remains atrocious. Stupid penalties, often repeated.

This is not a remotely good football team. And it's clear that Coach Cut, as much as I love him, was simply being honest in his comments earlier this week about not really knowing why this team is not clicking.

[Faison1]

Amazing. It's as if the games are supposed to go a certain way and we still don't have enough clout to get the "tie goes to the runner" calls.

- Chillin

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

[AustinDevil]

Bowl eligibility is now seriously in doubt.

Ironically, given our APR, we are very likely to get in if we beat Army and lose the rest. Not that I'm guaranteeing a win over Army. It just depends on whether a lot of other mediocre teams get to 6-6 or not.

[DangerDevil]

Amazing. It's as if the games are supposed to go a certain way and we still don't have enough clout to get the "tie goes to the runner" calls.

- Chillin

We did a good job beating ourselves, but on the final drive alone there were 3 incorrect calls.

1) On the Pass Interference call, Rahmig was actually held, that should have given us 10 yards instead for the spot of the foul.

2) Refs started the clock before the chains were set after the first down around 59 seconds left, cost us roughly 5 secs.

3) Helm was held on the interception that ended the drive.

[YmoBeThere]

Ironically, given our APR, we are very likely to get in if we beat Army and lose the rest. Not that I'm guaranteeing a win over Army. It just depends on whether a lot of other mediocre teams get to 6-6 or not.

Who would want to watch a 5-7 Duke team in a bowl game?

[Devilwin]

Things I don't get..
Why can't we get a freaking call, no matter how obvious?
Why do we over and over try that flat pass, that NEVER, EVER works?
When Quentin Harris comes in, everybody on planet earth knows he's gonna run..Really, Coach????
The play calling. OMG!
What happened to that run defense? From awesome to awful.

Coach Cut brought Duke out of the morass. But this team has some great players, and they are not playing to their potential. So where's the blame to lie? At the top, of course. Those calling for Roper's head ought to know that the plays come through the head coach....
They have GOT to stop with this "we beat UNC, that's our bowl" game mentality.

[OldPhiKap]

My understanding is that a Cut has little to no input on play calls. Whether you like or dislike the calls, the credit/blame is on Roper.

But when Jones repeatedly throws to a covered receiver, and the receiver drops the ball whether covered or not, the problem is not With the play calling.

So. Damn. Frus. Tray. Tin.

[buddy]

I'm done. At least with Franks and Roof you could expect bad football. I know Cut is a loyal guy, but loyalty works both ways. He must make significant changes in the coaching staff. I just cannot explain the lackluster offensive results. I just wasted another nice fall afternoon. Never more.

[FadedTackyShirt]

This is not a remotely good football team. And it's clear that Coach Cut, as much as I love him, was simply being honest in his comments earlier this week about not really knowing why this team is not clicking.

OLers and QBs are generally the brightest players on the field. With Duke's and Cut's pedigree, should always land 3 stud OLers and a QB in every recruiting class. Sadly not happening and not enough playmakers elsewhere to overcome that.

FSU was way more talented than Duke, but is disinterested, loafs, and plays down to their competition. Dabo and Richt are way better coaches than Jimbo.

Pitt and Duke have comparable overall talent, but Pitt just has a couple more skill position playmakers.

[sagegrouse]

My brief summary of the game, Sage words or not:

a. We have no red-zone offense.

b. It's a bad omen when there is a penalty for a "flying wedge" on the first play of the game, when that was made illegal in 1905.*

Kindly,
Sage
*Actually, I think it was a "blocking wedge" which was made illegal on kickoffs in 2010.

[Kimist]

Ever since the unc won it’s been all down hill. It’s like once we beat unc the team just stopped playing.


Lest we forget, while we still might have won the football game in Cheater Hill, it was the bonehead pass interception at the end by the heels QB that put most of the final nails into their powder-blue coffin.

But maybe Ole Roy will let the QB show up with the roundball team?

k

[Dukehky]

The definition of insanity is dong the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This is the same thing we've watched over the past month, and we just keep falling into the abyss. Run the ************************************************** ****************** ball in the redzone

Brittain Brown ran the ball once in the second half. Shaun Wilson ran it ZERO times.

Roper was a really good Special Teams coordinator, our special teams now suck. Demote Roper to STCo, reassign the special teams coordinator, then go out and get a real D-1 Offensive Coordinator. We haven't had a good one since Kurt Roper left, both times we replaced the OC by promoting from within, and it clearly isn't working. Montgomery wasn't the answer, and the guy who got beat out by Montgomery for that job (Roper) isn't the answer now.

First and 10 in the redone, maybe look at running the ball once.

I don't really blame our defense here. The run blitzes were dumb at that point in time with no safety help, there was a huge hold on the 85 yard run, and Gilbert had that interception. It was clear. Our offense had the ball for 20 minutes, defense was on the field for 40 minutes. I mean, they didn't play well, but they sure as hell didn't get tons of help from the offense or from the dudes in stripes.

I thought our play action was pretty good, you know what keeps those plays open? Running the ball and getting 3-4 yards every freaking play.

I hope Cutcliffe sees how disappointing these past two seasons have been and makes some changes to the staff. But there is a real chance we end the season on an 8 game losing streak, which will absolutely kill our recruiting. army at army is not a gimme by any means. In fact, at this point, I'd be surprised if they weren't favored.

This has been just an atrocious month of football for Duke, and to make it better, we get to go to Blacksburg. Awesome.

[Law Prof]

This was not fun to watch, even in person which I usually really enjoy, win or lose. In addition to the comments by others on the poor performances by Jones and his receivers, not to mention the refs, I have to say that this just doesn’t seem like a well-coached team any more. And for several years they seemed really well-coached.

How many times did we jump offside on kicks. Three? Why wasn’t that fixed after the first time? How many long runs from scrimmage will this otherwise strong D allow? Two per game is two too many.

Don’t get me started on the insane play calling, passing every down when our D is getting worn out on the field.

Clearly we need some better assistant coaches. IIRC, sticking with underperforming assistants lead to Cut’s departure from Mississippi.

This is one of the things that sets K apart from Cut. K is loyal, too, but not at the expense of the program. Look what happened with Pete Gaudet once K decided he needed a younger guy. K didn’t let sentiment get in the way of results. Neither should Cut.

[75Crazie]

I am appalled at some of the things I am reading in this thread. The middle of the season is NOT the time to fire coaching staff, outside of blatant or criminal activity. Wait and see what Cutcliffe does at the end of the year, but for gawd's sake don't start behaving like the spoiled fans at other major schools and start demanding that heads roll mid-season. Otherwise, you just add more proof to the professional appearance of a supposedly amateur sport. You also lower us to the mentality of those ****heads down the highway. I like to think that most Duke fans are better than that.

[devildeac]

Bad call. Interception all day.


Really bad call!

We were at the game and the crowd booed loudly but honestly, I couldn't tell live or on replay. However, son-in-law watched replay several times at his house and said Duke was royally screwed with this call.

[devildeac]

Another horrible missed call. Guess officials don’t give a s——.

If you're referring to the ball Helms tipped for the game-sealing INT by Pitt, I thought it was a bad throw. However, once again, son-in-law watching replay several times said obvious hold around his waist was blatantly ignored by the primates (?) impersonating P5 game officials. At that point, we shouldn't have been in that position.

[devildeac]

My understanding is that a Cut has little to no input on play calls. Whether you like or dislike the calls, the credit/blame is on Roper.

But when Jones repeatedly throws to a covered receiver, and the receiver drops the ball whether covered or not, the problem is not With the play calling.

So. Damn. Frus. Tray. Tin.


This is very likely correct from the info I received this week. Secret source. Trust this one.

So many problems as OPK and other posters up-thread have mentioned: drops, not fighting for 50/50 balls, big defensive lapses, DJ not looking to secondary targets, bad throws, some horrendous/blatent key officiating mistakes, etc.

[arnie]

If you're referring to the ball Helms tipped for the game-sealing INT by Pitt, I thought it was a bad throw. However, once again, son-in-law watching replay several times said obvious hold around his waist was blatantly ignored by the primates (?) impersonating P5 game officials. At that point, we shouldn't have been in that position.

Yes the reason Helms could only tip the ball is cause he was blatantly grabbed before the ball arrived. That and the interception not called we’re truly horrible calls. Cut needs to stand up for Duke and make himself heard - even at the expense of a 1-game suspension.

[devildeac]

Yes the reason Helms could only tip the ball is cause he was blatantly grabbed before the ball arrived. That and the interception not called we’re truly horrible calls. Cut needs to stand up for Duke and make himself heard - even at the expense of a 1-game suspension.

Never happen but multiple tent-mates agreed with this after the game.

[sagegrouse]

We were at the game and the crowd booed loudly but honestly, I couldn't tell live or on replay. However, son-in-law watched replay several times at his house and said Duke was royally screwed with this call.

What's worse, the call was deemed to be "non-reviewable" because it was called a reception by Pitt on the field. What is this nonsense? It was a potential turnover -- of course it should be reviewable.

[hallcity]

Who would want to watch a 5-7 Duke team in a bowl game?

You'd be surprised. Even fairly wretched bowl games get good TV audiences. In any case, ANY bowl game gives you more practice time which helps make you better the next season. Besides, if we get in with a 5-7 record we'll be playing against some weak team we'll have a decent chance of beating.

[OZ]

The definition of insanity is dong the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This is the same thing we've watched over the past month, and we just keep falling into the abyss. Run the ************************************************** ****************** ball in the redzone

Brittain Brown ran the ball once in the second half. Shaun Wilson ran it ZERO times. Roper was a really good Special Teams coordinator, our special teams now suck. Demote Roper to STCo, reassign the special teams coordinator, then go out and get a real D-1 Offensive Coordinator. We haven't had a good one since Kurt Roper left, both times we replaced the OC by promoting from within, and it clearly isn't working. Montgomery wasn't the answer, and the guy who got beat out by Montgomery for that job (Roper) isn't the answer now.

First and 10 in the redone, maybe look at running the ball once.

I don't really blame our defense here. The run blitzes were dumb at that point in time with no safety help, there was a huge hold on the 85 yard run, and Gilbert had that interception. It was clear. Our offense had the ball for 20 minutes, defense was on the field for 40 minutes. I mean, they didn't play well, but they sure as hell didn't get tons of help from the offense or from the dudes in stripes.

I thought our play action was pretty good, you know what keeps those plays open? Running the ball and getting 3-4 yards every freaking play.

I hope Cutcliffe sees how disappointing these past two seasons have been and makes some changes to the staff. But there is a real chance we end the season on an 8 game losing streak, which will absolutely kill our recruiting. army at army is not a gimme by any means. In fact, at this point, I'd be surprised if they weren't favored.

This has been just an atrocious month of football for Duke, and to make it better, we get to go to Blacksburg. Awesome.




We were not outmatched... we were out executed
The second half, for some inexplicable reason, we totally abandoned the run
The "Harris Wildcat" play is a wasted play
This was not the O's fault... it was not the D's fault... it was not special teams' fault... it was not the coaches' fault... It took a total team effort to lose this game.
This game was demoralizing.
Usually, I can find something positive about a game... today, it was the weather.

[buddy]

I am appalled at some of the things I am reading in this thread. The middle of the season is NOT the time to fire coaching staff, outside of blatant or criminal activity. Wait and see what Cutcliffe does at the end of the year, but for gawd's sake don't start behaving like the spoiled fans at other major schools and start demanding that heads roll mid-season. Otherwise, you just add more proof to the professional appearance of a supposedly amateur sport. You also lower us to the mentality of those ****heads down the highway. I like to think that most Duke fans are better than that.

No one is talking about mid-season firings. But this season is turning out to be a major disappointment. The offense and special teams have not performed up to expectations, yet we keep hearing that our recruiting is improving and that we have better athletes. So . . . if that is true, why do special teams jump offsides three times in one game? Why does our QB never look off a receiver? Why do we not run in the redzone? Why do we use the Connette package without a Connette? I agree that today was not fun. Last week, despite a close game, was not fun. This team is boring. Boring is fine if you win, but on a nice fall day boring is a terrible way to spend an afternoon. This team has scored 6 offensive touchdowns in the last 4 games. We're not talking about playing Alabama here. We should be better than this. We are not.

[Dukehky]

This is very likely correct from the info I received this week. Secret source. Trust this one.

So many problems as OPK and other posters up-thread have mentioned: drops, not fighting for 50/50 balls, big defensive lapses, DJ not looking to secondary targets, bad throws, some horrendous/blatent key officiating mistakes, etc.

This is an absolutely huge deal.

One time today did we have a player make a tough catch.

There was a stretch there before the FSU game where Daniel Jones threw 16-17 50/50 balls (either duke receiver catches it, or it's incomplete, so not terrible decisions), and duke caught 0 of them.

That really can't be overstated. When the QB is struggling, the guys around him have to help him out.

Roper, that means you too, run the freaking ball.

Just please, God, let Grayson, Trevon, and Marvin stay healthy.

[Wander]

Well, at least we're not as bad as UNC.

[chrishoke]

Roper, that means you too, run the freaking ball.


We predominantly ran the ball in the first half and scored 3 points.

[hallcity]

We predominantly ran the ball in the first half and scored 3 points.

Pitt couldn't defend the run -- until today. This was a team loss. Major problems with offense, defense and special teams.

[jimsumner]

I think it's safe to say that the off-season will include a thorough review of the assistant coaches.

Cut's post-game presser was just over six minutes and he used some variation of "poorly coached" numerous times.

Numerous.

He also used the word "angry."

And he looked it.

[OldPhiKap]

I think it's safe to say that the off-season will include a thorough review of the assistant coaches.

Cut's post-game presser was just over six minutes and he used some variation of "poorly coached" numerous times.

Numerous.

He also used the word "angry."

And he looked it.

Yup.

Everyone has four games left to earn their position. Time to see what floats and what sinks.

As disappointed as I am, though, we still have four games. While it is hard to take too many positive things from this game, stranger turnarounds have happened. Next play, next (really big) challenge.

[TKG]

Yup.

Everyone has four games left to earn their position. Time to see what floats and what sinks.

As disappointed as I am, though, we still have four games. While it is hard to take too many positive things from this game, stranger turnarounds have happened. Next play, next (really big) challenge.

VT beat the Cheats 59-7 in Blacksburg today. We travel to VT next week. Not sure that is the place for us to get healthy.

[martydoesntfoul]

I think it's safe to say that the off-season will include a thorough review of the assistant coaches.

Cut's post-game presser was just over six minutes and he used some variation of "poorly coached" numerous times.

Numerous.

He also used the word "angry."

And he looked it.
Jim-

In your article you didn’t mention the uncalled hold on Helm that led to the game-sealing INT. Did you not see it that way?

[richmclean]

DJ is a huge issue. The D is performing, the TEs, OL and RBs are there, the WRs not so great.

But at times I wonder whether DJ can throw it in the ocean standing on Johnny Mercer’s Pier here in Wrightsville Beach. He has lost command of his throws and his completion pct shows. Before the season we worried he might go Pro soon. Now I wonder if it’s next man up time.

[Dukehky]

DJ is a huge issue. The D is performing, the TEs, OL and RBs are there, the WRs not so great.

But at times I wonder whether DJ can throw it in the ocean standing on Johnny Mercer’s Pier here in Wrightsville Beach. He has lost command of his throws and his completion pct shows. Before the season we worried he might go Pro soon. Now I wonder if it’s next man up time.

Jack Sears would be nice to have around... I think DJ will figure it out. Today, the OL was pretty good in protection for the first time in a while. If that remains, then maybe we'll see DJ revert to last year.

Today, a real issue was the D Line's inability to get pressure on the QB.

Tough day, tough month. I think it's fair to say, as has been said above, that everyone on the staff other than probably Knowles and definitely Ben Albert (he's a freaking monster, just an awesome, awesome coach) is in the midst of a job interview.

[bigperm13]

Cut has done a ton right and meant a great deal to the program and its future, but his selection of some of his staff has bitten him and Duke in the butt.

[YmoBeThere]

You'd be surprised. Even fairly wretched bowl games get good TV audiences. In any case, ANY bowl game gives you more practice time which helps make you better the next season. Besides, if we get in with a 5-7 record we'll be playing against some weak team we'll have a decent chance of beating.


Yes, the benefits of playing in bowl game are well known. But we don't necessarily travel well particularly when we have a much better team(I was at the Sun Bowl, one can debate location impact on attendance). While a Belk Bowl appearance might be close by, you can tell by Wallace Wade attendance that proximity to Duke isn't a big factor.

[jimsumner]

Jim-

In your article you didn’t mention the uncalled hold on Helm that led to the game-sealing INT. Did you not see it that way?

That play took place on the opposite side of the field from where I was sitting and I didn't see a good replay. And I couldn't record the game, the U-Verse/Capitol dispute in its sixth week and all.

But Helm certainly seemed to feel like he was held.

[Bob Green]

That play took place on the opposite side of the field from where I was sitting and I didn't see a good replay. And I couldn't record the game, the U-Verse/Capitol dispute in its sixth week and all.

But Helm certainly seemed to feel like he was held.

Video is available here:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/video?gameId=400937499

[pamtar]

Sorry to interrupt but I was just checking to see if the real Daniel Jones was in here? No? Cool, ima go make sure he’s not lost in Duke forest. Maybe he’s just in there practicing his spooky for Halloween.

[TKG]

Sorry to interrupt but I was just checking to see if the real Daniel Jones was in here? No? Cool, ima go make sure he’s not lost in Duke forest. Maybe he’s just in there practicing his spooky for Halloween.

We need the QB Whisperer to work his magic and quick!

[rtnorthrup]

I think it's safe to say that the off-season will include a thorough review of the assistant coaches.

Cut's post-game presser was just over six minutes and he used some variation of "poorly coached" numerous times.

Numerous.

He also used the word "angry."

And he looked it.

Just curious, when was the last time Cut fired a coordinator.

[devildeac]

Video is available here:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/video?gameId=400937499

Pretty obvious hold there. Helms thought so. Yet another garbage no-call. But, we shouldn't have been in that position for the third week in a row, or, at least two out of the last three weeks. :mad:

[uh_no]

We predominantly ran the ball in the first half and scored 3 points.

not sure I agree with that assessment.

I count 10 pass plays and 10 run plays in our non scoring drives

In the scoring drive, we had 10 runs and 2 passes.

I see a bit of a difference in the distribution between scoring and non-scoring drives there.

Further, every single one of our non-scoring drives ended with a failed pass play. Every. Single. One.

[Scorp4me]

Two things.

First Cut's talk of poor coaching I think is him shouldering the blame. While I know many of us would like to think he is willing to re-evalutate his assistants, I'm not sure that is the case. And let's not forget Kurt Roper was vilified for years on here til he wasn't. Knowles as well til the beginning of the season and now is again. Not saying they shouldn't be looked at, just pointing out past situations.

And second I don't think we would be in this situation if Sirk hadn't been hurt last year. If Sirk hadn't been hurt we start last season better and probably have enough wins to make a bowl. Sears doesn't see himself potentially sitting and still comes and most likely is starting this year. Amazing how one event can change so much!

[cato]

every single one of our non-scoring drives ended with a failed pass play. Every. Single. One.

Except for the missed FGs?

[heyman25]

DJ is a huge issue. The D is performing, the TEs, OL and RBs are there, the WRs not so great.

But at times I wonder whether DJ can throw it in the ocean standing on Johnny Mercer’s Pier here in Wrightsville Beach. He has lost command of his throws and his completion pct shows. Before the season we worried he might go Pro soon. Now I wonder if it’s next man up time.
I wasn't there or saw the game,but Daniel Jones is a big disappointment. Roper may be running terrible plays,but Daniel Jones is on the field.He is failing the team.He better get his head straightened out or he has no future as a quarterback.

[Bob Green]

I wasn't there or saw the game,but Daniel Jones is a big disappointment.

If you didn't see the game, how do you know Daniel Jones is a big disappointment? Our receivers dropped a lot of passes that hit them in the hands. Yes, Jones has a lot of work in front of him to improve but he could use some assistance from the receivers. They need to catch the ball.

[peteandpete]

not sure I agree with that assessment.

I count 10 pass plays and 10 run plays in our non scoring drives

In the scoring drive, we had 10 runs and 2 passes.

I see a bit of a difference in the distribution between scoring and non-scoring drives there.

Further, every single one of our non-scoring drives ended with a failed pass play. Every. Single. One.

Spork worthy assessment. Never ran after about 14 minutes left. Barely ran in the third quarter. If we're not scoring a lot, we need to even out the TOP to at least help the defense in this regard - so maybe they'll be rested enough to start scoring again for us.

[uh_no]

Except for the missed FGs?

well if you're going to be silly about it.....and the possessions we punted on, and the fact that the fumble wasn't a pass because jones hadn't passed it yet.

[aGDevil2k]

If you didn't see the game, how do you know Daniel Jones is a big disappointment? Our receivers dropped a lot of passes that hit them in the hands. Yes, Jones has a lot of work in front of him to improve but he could use some assistance from the receivers. They need to catch the ball.

We had some drops, but he never looks off his first target, throws into coverage (quad coverage on our first field goal, and-goal series), and never makes his progressions. It looks like our receivers aren't open because he didn't see the open guys...And if he does he throws late. On a long pass to Taylor (a post) he threw about ten yards inside of where he should.

Right now, he's a struggling quarterback. Our receivers are ok...not amazing but not bad. But we have a quarterback that's just bad this year...He seems lost. Are we stuck or are our backups that bad?

Cut mentioned needing to take a different path on offense. I don't know what that is, or why we waited until the season was almost lost, but I am curious

[Bob Green]

We had some drops, but he never looks off his first target, throws into coverage (quad coverage on our first field goal, and-goal series), and never makes his progressions. It looks like our receivers aren't open because he didn't see the open guys...And if he does he throws late. On a long pass to Taylor (a post) he threw about ten yards inside of where he should.

Right now, he's a struggling quarterback. Our receivers are ok...not amazing but not bad. But we have a quarterback that's just bad this year...He seems lost. Are we stuck or are our backups that bad?

Cut mentioned needing to take a different path on offense. I don't know what that is, or why we waited until the season was almost lost, but I am curious

I don't disagree with you as I said Jones has a lot of work to do to improve; however, I believe our receivers are equally culpable. The pass to Taylor is an exception as that was definitely a poorly thrown ball. Jones is definitely struggling but our receivers drop too many passes.

Personally, I am more frustrated with the play calling. We pass too much. Run the damn ball!

[arnie]

I don't disagree with you as I said Jones has a lot of work to do to improve; however, I believe our receivers are equally culpable. The pass to Taylor is an exception as that was definitely a poorly thrown ball. Jones is definitely struggling but our receivers drop too many passes.

Personally, I am more frustrated with the play calling. We pass too much. Run the damn ball!

Unfortunately for Jones, the announcers illustrated during replays the many times he simply didn’t see wide open receivers. It helped me realize the receivers and their routes aren’t the only problem with the passing game. It’s totally broken.

[OldPhiKap]

I don’t see anything wrong with balancing the run game with passes. The problem is execution it seems to me, not the play calls.

Except the Quentin Harris random appearance thing. That is just confounding.

DJ is struggling, but has the talent to turn it around. While the replays showed a few times that someone was open, by and large the receivers do not get separation or DJ is getting it to them late. And then they often do not hold on, even in the open field.

The defense played well, although small errors on two plays led to two backbreaking long runs. The second one ~ right after we went up by 10 ~ turned the tide of the game.

So while I would not say that Roper’s play calling was unimpeachable, the execution of the plays is what lacks by and large. And the fact that we still don’t have a bye week (9 games straight before the rest week) is compounding the problems. This team desperately needs a reset, and we don’t get it until after our trip to Blacksburg this week.

[dukelifer]

I wasn't there or saw the game,but Daniel Jones is a big disappointment. Roper may be running terrible plays,but Daniel Jones is on the field.He is failing the team.He better get his head straightened out or he has no future as a quarterback.

That is pretty harsh. The kid is having a sophomore slump. The tools are there but he needs to be better.

[Law Prof]

I don’t see anything wrong with balancing the run game with passes. The problem is execution it seems to me, not the play calls.

Except the Quentin Harris random appearance thing. That is just confounding.

DJ is struggling, but has the talent to turn it around. While the replays showed a few times that someone was open, by and large the receivers do not get separation or DJ is getting it to them late. And then they often do not hold on, even in the open field.

The defense played well, although small errors on two plays led to two backbreaking long runs. The second one ~ right after we went up by 10 ~ turned the tide of the game.

So while I would not say that Roper’s play calling was unimpeachable, the execution of the plays is what lacks by and large. And the fact that we still don’t have a bye week (9 games straight before the rest week) is compounding the problems. This team desperately needs a reset, and we don’t get it until after our trip to Blacksburg this week.

...that’s not what we did yesterday. Our first TD drive was almost all runs. After that, it was mostly passes. This was especially true after Pitt scored its final TD to take the lead.

We should be able to run AND pass, and thus mix up our plays and keep opposing defenders off balance.

[OZ]

Spork worthy assessment. Never ran after about 14 minutes left. Barely ran in the third quarter. If we're not scoring a lot, we need to even out the TOP to at least help the defense in this regard - so maybe they'll be rested enough to start scoring again for us.

My memory is the TDs to Wilson and Rahming came off play action plays; but after 14 minutes, I don't recall a back lining up in the backfield. It looked as if we were in a hurry up offense; and we had the lead. On the radio, Jones called it "being aggressive." The Pitt defense had only to play the pass.

[Bob Green]

I don’t see anything wrong with balancing the run game with passes. The problem is execution it seems to me, not the play calls.

That is not what we did! Pitt ran 92 yards for a TD to cut our lead to 17-14. Shaun Wilson returned the ensuing kick-off 49 yards to give us fantastic field position at the Pitt 44 yard line. From that point to the end of the game, we ran the ball one time with back up QB Quentin Harris. Daniel Jones threw the ball 18 times plus he was sacked so 19 pass plays to one run over the final 15 minutes.

The play-by-play is telling:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400937499

Of the 18 passes, Jones completed eight, pass interference on Pitt was called once and one was intercepted. Eight passes were incomplete.

We completely abandoned the running game, when we had the lead. :confused:

[chrishoke]

That is not what we did! Pitt ran 92 yards for a TD to cut our lead to 17-14. Shaun Wilson returned the ensuing kick-off 49 yards to give us fantastic field position at the Pitt 44 yard line. From that point to the end of the game, we ran the ball one time with back up QB Quentin Harris. Daniel Jones threw the ball 18 times plus he was sacked so 19 pass plays to one run over the final 15 minutes.

The play-by-play is telling:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400937499

Of the 18 passes, Jones completed eight, pass interference on Pitt was called once and one was intercepted. Eight passes were incomplete.

We completely abandoned the running game, when we had the lead. :confused:

Bob, with respect, I believe only 3 of the 18 plays were with the lead, and one of those was a run.

This was a total team loss. The defense gave up 234 yards to a back that had just over 100 for the entire damn year!

[CameronBlue]

That is not what we did! Pitt ran 92 yards for a TD to cut our lead to 17-14. Shaun Wilson returned the ensuing kick-off 49 yards to give us fantastic field position at the Pitt 44 yard line. From that point to the end of the game, we ran the ball one time with back up QB Quentin Harris. Daniel Jones threw the ball 18 times plus he was sacked so 19 pass plays to one run over the final 15 minutes.

The play-by-play is telling:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400937499

Of the 18 passes, Jones completed eight, pass interference on Pitt was called once and one was intercepted. Eight passes were incomplete.

We completely abandoned the running game, when we had the lead. :confused:

I think this point speaks to the coaches lack of situational awareness. Some series are more critical than others, some plays more important than others and you can't derive the importance of timing by looking at the play distribution in the box score. At the risk of dabbling mindlessly in the metaphysical, the series following Wilson's kickoff return was the most crucial of the game IMHO (I call it humble you may call it something else). Pitt had definitely captured the momentum with the 92 yard TD made possible in part by a questionable blitz. But Duke recaptured a measure of that momentum with Wilson's KO return. On first down DJ passed into double coverage deep down the field, around the 10 yard line, a play with a low probability of success. The pass fortunately was so off the mark that only the Pitt safety was able to get a hand on it, otherwise it may have been intercepted. On second down Duke went to the QH package, Duke's version of a Chinese fire drill (Roper, such a prankster!) another low probability of success play based upon how little the QH package has produced this season, bringing up third and long. It offers no threat of a pass to distract the defense and the blocking schemes are confusing at this juncture; work out the kinks some other time dammit. Through my tears of rage I think I saw DJ pass to Helm out on the edge into what was not exactly triple coverage but there were 3 Pitt guys within 2-3 steps of Helm and the closest, a LB I think managed to knock a catchable ball out of Helm's hands. That was a HUGE momentum shift for Duke from which the team never recovered and I place the fault directly on the shoulders of whoever is calling the plays. Duke needed to capitalize on Wilson's return. Duke has had only a handful of running plays ALL YEAR that have resulted in a tackle for loss. Duke needed forward progress at that moment, something--even 2-3 yards on first and second down could've have changed the outcome of the series and allowed Duke to fully seize momentum and build on its slim lead. There are times that the coaches need to put down the Tarot deck and just revert to basic fundamental football and that series was one of those times.

[Bob Green]

Bob, with respect, I believe only 3 of the 18 plays were with the lead, and one of those was a run.

No problem, I enjoy the discussion. The crux of the problem, from my perspective, is we went 3 and out, throwing two incomplete passes and running for -2 yards with our back up QB, after Shaun Wilson gave us great field position with a 49 yard kick return.

In that situation, having the ball in Pitt territory, 1st and 10 with a 17-14 lead, we need to stay ahead of the chains by running the ball with Brittain Brown and Shaun Wilson. I list Brown first because Wilson needed a blow after the kick return. The offense absolutely had to sustain a drive to burn clock and score points to put the pressure on Pitt.

[Bob Green]

...the series following Wilson's kickoff return was the most crucial of the game... Duke needed to capitalize on Wilson's return. Duke has had only a handful of running plays ALL YEAR that have resulted in a tackle for loss. Even 2-3 yards on first and second down could've have changed the outcome of the series and allowed Duke to fully seize momentum and build on its slim lead. There are times that the coaches need to put down the Tarot deck and just revert to basic fundamental football and that series was on of those times.

Excellent analysis and commentary! I wholeheartedly agree. You state it much better than me but it comes down to running the damn ball (with a running back!).

[Dukehky]

No problem, I enjoy the discussion. The crux of the problem, from my perspective, is we went 3 and out, throwing two incomplete passes and running for -2 yards with our back up QB, after Shaun Wilson gave us great field position with a 49 yard kick return.

In that situation, having the ball in Pitt territory, 1st and 10 with a 17-14 lead, we need to stay ahead of the chains by running the ball with Brittain Brown and Shaun Wilson. I list Brown first because Wilson needed a blow after the kick return. The offense absolutely had to sustain a drive to burn clock and score points to put the pressure on Pitt.

I'd say Brown because he's our best offensive player... and he never gets the ball. This is Roy Williams-esque, terrible personnel usage, Cut has to give that kid the ball more often. (It's not like Larry Drew II starting over Marshall because Wilson is really good). For Brown not to get a carry in the second half is malpractice.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Well, at least we're not as bad as UNC.

To be fair, half of the cheaters team are on the injury list. I'd say we are worse than them given that our list has like 2 guys on it.

I hate to say it, but this team...the one that in the coaches' words is "the fastest and most talented", only knows how to play together as a team on one side of the ball.

We've seen it happen on the hardwood lots. We get those years when Coach K has plenty of talent, and a quick tourney exit because they can't figure out how to work together as a team. It's not as easy (or as hard) to do with a football team since there are so many more actors, but I get the sense that is what is going on with Duke. Lots of talent, lots of speed, little connection.

A puzzle with missing pieces, and I don't see a solution by season's end. Beyond frustrating.

[Devil549]

What I don't understand is the "Connette package" is not working and Jones can run the ball....so if you want to give the back up QB some snaps let him have a series.

Time to win games not build depth IMO....also some IMOs:
1- Run to set up pass...run until they stop you...I don't care what you call it RUN THE DAMN BALL out and in the red zone and run play action.
2- if you blitz HAVE somebody in the middle of the field yesterday was a joke giving up those two long runs.
3- Next time refs miss a call go crazy... on the INT that was called a "tie goes to the offense" get a penalty what the hell is 5 more yards?????
4- Finally play to win just RUN THE DAMN BALL!!!!!

I usually support coaches I supported Roof and Franks but yesterday was the worst coaching job by a staff I have seen at Duke since Roof replaced Franks which was the day WF kicked our butt. Coach Cut if you are not calling any offensive plays you should start because this program can fall apart a lot faster that you have built it.

[chrishoke]

No problem, I enjoy the discussion. The crux of the problem, from my perspective, is we went 3 and out, throwing two incomplete passes and running for -2 yards with our back up QB, after Shaun Wilson gave us great field position with a 49 yard kick return.

In that situation, having the ball in Pitt territory, 1st and 10 with a 17-14 lead, we need to stay ahead of the chains by running the ball with Brittain Brown and Shaun Wilson. I list Brown first because Wilson needed a blow after the kick return. The offense absolutely had to sustain a drive to burn clock and score points to put the pressure on Pitt.

I agree with all of that.

I'm headed to Blacksburg next weekend. After more than 50 years of Duke football fandom, I'm still a glutton for punishment.

[devildeac]

I do take a sliver of solace in the following:

59-7.

[richmclean]

After that one run in the 4th quarter we had about a three yard per carry average for the game which is what we ended up with. With just the backs it was 3.8. Ugh.

Simplifying the outcome (and our record) to "run the ball" is really just a way of saying DJ sucks so don't pass. Unfortunately we haven't been able to much of anything lately.

[Bob Green]

Simplifying the outcome (and our record) to "run the ball" is really just a way of saying DJ sucks so don't pass. Unfortunately we haven't been able to much of anything lately.

You're misinterpreting what posters are saying. No one is saying "don't pass." Posters are looking for balance. Run and pass the ball. On our last 20 offensive plays, we passed 19 times and ran once - with the back up QB not a running back.

[OldPhiKap]

You're misinterpreting what posters are saying. No one is saying "don't pass." Posters are looking for balance. Run and pass the ball. On our last 20 offensive plays, we passed 19 times and ran once - with the back up QB not a running back.

That is hard to explain, agreed. Even designed runs by DJ make sense if we are going to a no-back set.

[AustinDevil]

Loss today means we are 0-13 in remaining games that season since 2012 after beating UNC.

Last win in a season after beating UNC? 1961.

Many more years than not since that 1961 Cotton Bowl win, we lost to the Cheaters in the last game of the season and that was it. The fewer times we did beat them, we still almost never made a bowl, but we did lose postseason matchups in 2 seasons (1989 HOF Bowl, 2013 ACC Championship and Chik-fil-Peach Bowl). The 1989 team is closest to providing a single data point to support your claim, because we came out totally unprepared and were in a 28-0 hole to TTech before we started playing. But I don’t think it was because we had beaten UNC and then quit; Spurrier just treated the whole bowl experience for that team as a party, and not as an opportunity to win the damn bowl game. No one can say we didn’t try to win against FSU and A&M in 2013.

In 2012, anyone paying attention knew how important beating UNC and getting that sixth win was because we closed with FSU, Clemson, Ga Tech, and Miami and couldn’t expect to beat any of them (and didn’t). We should have beaten Cincy in the Belk Bowl, but regardless, no one can say we didn’t try very, very hard to win.

2016 was just a bizarre year, and UNC wasn’t the only win followed by disappointing losses. (See, e.g., Notre Dame).

So, in sum, I beg to differ that this is a meaningful point. If anything, I’ve been annoyed at times we haven’t come out with enough fight against the Chesters themselves! (The 2014 home loss is a prime example.)

[Kimist]

Former coach Steve Logan offers some professional insight into the problems of Saturday:

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/duke/video/17037654/

k

[Devilwin]

Well, shoot. Let's just go to Blacksburg and beat VT in their own back yard. That would cure some ills..:cool:

[Reilly]

Well, shoot. Let's just go to Blacksburg and beat VT in their own back yard. That would cure some ills..:cool:

Yes it would.

Cut has a competitive fire like no other. If this team catches that, it will go to Blacksburg and compete. Big time. And if it does that, it may win, or not, but if it brings that same fire and competitiveness the rest of the year, we may very well get to 6 wins with Army and WFU and GT left.

Compete.

The thing that bothered me about this year's roster is that there were precious few SR and RS SR competitive warriors. Look at past years' rosters and look at the SR/RS SR cadre and compare it to this year's, and this year is lacking. Time for this young talent to grow up and show up. Compete.

[jjredickrules]

Many more years than not since that 1961 Cotton Bowl win, we lost to the Cheaters in the last game of the season and that was it. The fewer times we did beat them, we still almost never made a bowl, but we did lose postseason matchups in 2 seasons (1989 HOF Bowl, 2013 ACC Championship and Chik-fil-Peach Bowl). The 1989 team is closest to providing a single data point to support your claim, because we came out totally unprepared and were in a 28-0 hole to TTech before we started playing. But I don’t think it was because we had beaten UNC and then quit; Spurrier just treated the whole bowl experience for that team as a party, and not as an opportunity to win the damn bowl game. No one can say we didn’t try to win against FSU and A&M in 2013.

In 2012, anyone paying attention knew how important beating UNC and getting that sixth win was because we closed with FSU, Clemson, Ga Tech, and Miami and couldn’t expect to beat any of them (and didn’t). We should have beaten Cincy in the Belk Bowl, but regardless, no one can say we didn’t try very, very hard to win.

2016 was just a bizarre year, and UNC wasn’t the only win followed by disappointing losses. (See, e.g., Notre Dame).

So, in sum, I beg to differ that this is a meaningful point. If anything, I’ve been annoyed at times we haven’t come out with enough fight against the Chesters themselves! (The 2014 home loss is a prime example.)

I agree with all this. My friend had just figured out that stat so I thought I’d share. I’m also superstitious when it comes to sports so I’d like to see this stat wiped posthaste.

Didn’t mean to offend :)

[JohnJ]

Many more years than not since that 1961 Cotton Bowl win, we lost to the Cheaters in the last game of the season and that was it.

Except on Nov. 18, 1961 we beat UNC 6-3 and then on Dec. 2, 1961 we beat Notre Dame 37-13. Don’t know if there has been a season after that where we beat a team after beating UNC.

[sagegrouse]

Except on Nov. 18, 1961 we beat UNC 6-3 and then on Dec. 2, 1961 we beat Notre Dame 37-13. Don’t know if there has been a season after that where we beat a team after beating UNC.

Wasn't UNC the final game of the season most every season until quite recently? If so, isn't the question somewhat silly -- not your question, of course, JohnJ.

Well, here's the verdict. The only years where UNC wasn't the final game of the regular season were:

1960 UCLA plus bowl game
1961 Notre Dame
1989 bowl game
1991 Clemson
2001 Clemson
2009 3 games
2012 4 games plus bowl
2013 ACC champ. plus bowl
2014 Wake plus bowl
2015 Wake plus bowl
2016 2 games

That's eleven times in 57 years but six times in the last eight years. We beat UNC in 1961, 1989, 2012, 2013, 2016, and now 2017. Not much of a criterion, especially considering we went 30 straight years when UNC was the final game except for the 1989 bowl game

[Devil549]

2-2 in the last 4 games and we go bowling need to see some changes on offense and better execution in all phases. I really believe Coach Cut will right the ship as next 4 games will tell us the direction of this program.

I stated earlier we need to run the ball I think we finally have the RBs that allow us to be a better offense than we are showing. We need a balanced offense with play action and we MUST be able to run the ball in the red zone which will in turn set up play action passes in RZ.

[aGDevil2k]

2-2 in the last 4 games and we go bowling need to see some changes on offense and better execution in all phases. I really believe Coach Cut will right the ship as next 4 games will tell us the direction of this program.

I stated earlier we need to run the ball I think we finally have the RBs that allow us to be a better offense than we are showing. We need a balanced offense with play action and we MUST be able to run the ball in the red zone which will in turn set up play action passes in RZ.

I would agree.

We are definitely on a very disturbing trend. Since that highlight year of 2013, we have gotten worse each year.

2013 - Division Champs, and that awesome game vs A&M
2014 - 9 win season and the Sun Bowl (soooo close)
2015 - the skid post-Miami but we did win a bowl, even with a worse regular season
2016 - thud - 4 wins and just 1-7 ACC (though, clearly injuries just hurt that squad like no other)
2017 - looks to be similar to 2016, but the schedule has turned out to be sooooo much worse

[Devilwin]

I've seen plenty of talent on this team, but I've also seen a young qb making bad decisions, receivers dropping passes, the defense giving up big plays, and the coaches calling the wrong plays at the wrong times. I have seen us robbed again and again by incompetent officials. I've seen a myriad of errors that, however, can be fixed. Cut has shown in the past we can win games against "superior" teams. It just all has to come together.. We can beat any team left on our schedule, and although it may be a long shot, I ain't conceding one damn single game!:mad:

[Natty_B]

Yes it would.

Cut has a competitive fire like no other. If this team catches that, it will go to Blacksburg and compete. Big time. And if it does that, it may win, or not, but if it brings that same fire and competitiveness the rest of the year, we may very well get to 6 wins with Army and WFU and GT left.

They have a weak SoS but Army is 6-2 and that game is at Army. At this point I don't know if we can pencil any game in a "likely winnable."

[devildeac]

I am anxiously awaiting Jim Sumner's Duke Football Notes, 10/24/17 thread...

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Well, shoot. Let's just go to Blacksburg and beat VT in their own back yard. That would cure some ills..:cool:
I’ll be there, just like in 2015 and 2013. I’m looking forward to being 3-0 there! LGD GTHc!

And yes, we need to run the damn ball more. Can’t believe I just said that, after so many years of chanting “throw the ball, throw the ball, throw the damn ball!” LGD GTHc!

[devildeac]

ACC power rankings from the N&O this AM by Joe Giglio:

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/article180387586.html

We're #13! (and deservedly so :mad:)

Comment about the #14 team:

"The NCAA didn’t punish c*rolina but Virginia Tech did."

(bold, lower case "c" and "*" my editing)

[devildeac]

Cut responds publicly:

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/duke-now/article180460381.html

About the "simultaneous" possession call:

" It looked as if Mark Gilbert caught the ball and it was wrestled to a tie, if you will. But he caught the ball clearly.”

About the blatantly ignored non-holding call:

"When it was suggested Sunday during a teleconference that Zeise could have been called for holding, Cutcliffe said, “It should have been.”

Cutcliffe made a similar claim on his television show that aired on Sunday."

Good for Cut. He'll get nowhere with this given who runs the acc office, but I'm glad he submitted the official complaint.

[Reilly]

Cut responds publicly:

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/duke-now/article180460381.html

About the "simultaneous" possession call:

" It looked as if Mark Gilbert caught the ball and it was wrestled to a tie, if you will. But he caught the ball clearly.”

About the blatantly ignored non-holding call:

"When it was suggested Sunday during a teleconference that Zeise could have been called for holding, Cutcliffe said, “It should have been.”

Cutcliffe made a similar claim on his television show that aired on Sunday."

Good for Cut. He'll get nowhere with this given who runs the acc office, but I'm glad he submitted the official complaint.

I usually don't complain about ref-ing. Refs make mistakes. We're all human. Teams have to overcome setbacks, yada yada. But that "simultaneous" call, coming when it did and how it did, in this season where we have little margin for error (our own doing, that) was a real game-changer and potential season-changer (in terms of making a bowl or not, perhaps). Just huge, with potentially huge repercussions. It's stunning how Duke got the short end in the Miami Halloween lateral game, and now this. That "simultaneous" call might be as big as the NCSU bad calls in 1988 that kept Duke out of a bowl (and got Spurrier suspended).

[uh_no]

I usually don't complain about ref-ing. Refs make mistakes. We're all human. Teams have to overcome setbacks, yada yada. But that "simultaneous" call, coming when it did and how it did, in this season where we have little margin for error (our own doing, that) was a real game-changer and potential season-changer (in terms of making a bowl or not, perhaps). Just huge, with potentially huge repercussions. It's stunning how Duke got the short end in the Miami Halloween lateral game, and now this. That "simultaneous" call might be as big as the NCSU bad calls in 1988 that kept Duke out of a bowl (and got Spurrier suspended).

and yet we still overcame the bad call and put ourselves in a position to win...the big PI call on the other side...red-zone...just need the TD

and then we tried to pass the ball three straight times.


I simply can't get up in arms about the refs punching us in the face if we're busy shooting ourselves in the foot at the same time.

[chrishoke]

Cut also mentioned that the refs started the play clock before trhe time out was complete when we were assessed a delay of game penalty before going for it on 4th down on the 2.

[El_Diablo]

Cut also mentioned that the refs started the play clock before trhe time out was complete when we were assessed a delay of game penalty before going for it on 4th down on the 2.

Argh, that sucks. It's good to hear that it was not entirely Jones' fault (although he still should have checked at some point).

[Bob Green]

Argh, that sucks. It's good to hear that it was not entirely Jones' fault (although he still should have checked at some point).

Quentin Harris was in at Quarterback when the delay of game penalty was called.

[El_Diablo]

Quentin Harris was in at Quarterback when the delay of game penalty was called.

Jones came back in after the timeout and was under center when the flag was thrown.

[Bob Green]

Jones came back in after the timeout and was under center when the flag was thrown.

My apologies, you are correct. :o

[buddy]

It seems odd that the play was non-reviewable. I believe you can have a review to see if a pass was completed. If so, why not simultaneous possession, because that call REQUIRES that the offensive player received the ball.

[buddy]

It seems odd that the play was non-reviewable. I believe you can have a review to see if a pass was completed. If so, why not simultaneous possession, because that call REQUIRES that the offensive player received the ball.

[MarkD83]

I hope this game does not cost us 6 wins

[El_Diablo]

I hope this game does not cost us 6 wins

This or the UVA game....

[Devilwin]

But a win tonight will rub a healing salve on our wounds. And I for one, do not think it's impossible.