FB: Virginia Tech 24, Duke 3

[Bob Green]

Does the lack of a Duke @ VT game thread help or hurt our chances this week? Sneak up on them?

I was giving other posters ample opportunity to start the thread. Anyway, here it is...discuss the game here. The team must play a lot better in all three phases to secure a win in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech is currently a 15.5 points favorite with the over/under set at 48. The last six Duke games have been under.

[Reilly]

I was giving other posters ample opportunity to start the thread. Anyway, here it is...discuss the game here. The team must play a lot better in all three phases to secure a win in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech is currently a 15.5 points favorite with the over/under set at 48. The last six Duke games have been under.

Take Duke and the points. We have a real D. Maybe we'll run, run, run the ball a la the Zack Asack game, only with RBs getting those carries.

[chrishoke]

Can we borrow Sirk from ECU for this game? The QB run has really been important in recent years against VPI>

[richardjackson199]

Take Duke and the points. We have a real D. Maybe we'll run, run, run the ball a la the Zack Asack game, only with RBs getting those carries.

Take the under.

[OldPhiKap]

Trying to summon the passion. Still feel kinda drained.

But I'll get there by kickoff.

[budwom]

Trying to summon the passion. Still feel kinda drained.

But I'll get there by kickoff.

That's where I am. After long trips to Derm for the Miami, FSU and Pitt games, I need a day at the sports recovery spa. Maybe they'll surprise me on Saturday.

[Bob Green]

Run the ball!

We have a 3-4 record against 7 Power 5 Conference opponents. In the three wins, Shaun Wilson and Brittain Brown combined to average 165 yards on 31 carries per game. In the four losses, they combined to average 93 yards on 19 carries per game. There is a small difference in yards per carry, 5.3 ypc in wins compared to 4.9 ypc in losses, but the real difference is they carried the ball 12 times less per game in the four losses.

http://www.goduke.com/fls/4200/stats/2017-18/football/plyr_29.htm
http://www.goduke.com/fls/4200/stats/2017-18/football/plyr_22.htm

Virginia Tech has a strong defense rated #3 in the ACC against the run (112.1 yards per game), #4 in the ACC against the pass (186.9 yards per game) and #1 in scoring defense (12.7 points per game); however, I am convinced Duke must give the ball to Wilson and Brown who are our two best offensive weapons if we are to have a chance to win.

Balance is the key so I am not advocating abandoning the passing game. We must successfully pass the ball but we need to run twice as many running plays as passing plays to win. If we can establish the run, and I acknowledge there is no guarantee we can against VT, it will take a huge load off Daniel Jones shoulders. Perhaps he will settle in and pass the ball much better once he realizes he doesn't have to win the game with his arm, he has to complement the running game with his arm.

I strongly desire to see Duke take the field Saturday night and run the ball right at the Hokies.


The QB run has really been important in recent years against VPI

Daniel Jones is going to need to tuck it and run at times. In the 24-21 loss last season, Jones rushed 18 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns. In the 4OT win in Blacksburg in 2015, Thomas Sirk rushed 18 times for 109 yards. As chrishoke states, the QB run has been successful against VT.

[whereinthehellami]

Decent game preview from Techsideline (http://virginiatech.sportswar.com/article/2017/10/25/virginia-tech-duke-preview-hokies-look-seventh-win-2017/).

[chrishoke]

Forecast for Saturday night in Blacksburg is 40's and rain. That might help.

[CameronBlue]

Run the ball!

We have a 3-4 record against 7 Power 5 Conference opponents. In the three wins, Shaun Wilson and Brittain Brown combined to average 165 yards on 31 carries per game. In the four losses, they combined to average 93 yards on 19 carries per game. There is a small difference in yards per carry, 5.3 ypc in wins compared to 4.9 ypc in losses, but the real difference is they carried the ball 12 times less per game in the four losses.

http://www.goduke.com/fls/4200/stats/2017-18/football/plyr_29.htm
http://www.goduke.com/fls/4200/stats/2017-18/football/plyr_22.htm

Virginia Tech has a strong defense rated #3 in the ACC against the run (112.1 yards per game), #4 in the ACC against the pass (186.9 yards per game) and #1 in scoring defense (12.7 points per game); however, I am convinced Duke must give the ball to Wilson and Brown who are our two best offensive weapons if we are to have a chance to win.

Balance is the key so I am not advocating abandoning the passing game. We must successfully pass the ball but we need to run twice as many running plays as passing plays to win. If we can establish the run, and I acknowledge there is no guarantee we can against VT, it will take a huge load off Daniel Jones shoulders. Perhaps he will settle in and pass the ball much better once he realizes he doesn't have to win the game with his arm, he has to complement the running game with his arm.

I strongly desire to see Duke take the field Saturday night and run the ball right at the Hokies.



Daniel Jones is going to need to tuck it and run at times. In the 24-21 loss last season, Jones rushed 18 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns. In the 4OT win in Blacksburg in 2015, Thomas Sirk rushed 18 times for 109 yards. As chrishoke states, the QB run has been successful against VT.

I agree with the general thrust of this post. VT averages giving up 12 points a game, that's impressive. Duke needs to dominate the time of possession, and that's for starters, and give VT fewer chances to score. They need to manage the clock far better than they have recently. That can't hope to do that without an aggressive ground game. It wont' be easy of course, VT has the ability to overwhelm Duke at the line of scrimmage but in Brown Duke has a back who can run through tackles, in Wilson a back who can make good tacklers miss. Duke needs to be patient--and this had been Cut's trademark--invest in the running game in the first half even if it's not always for positive yardage, hope that the defense holds VT in check and then hopefully we'll see if it pay dividends in the 2nd half. Duke should play this game as if it will be decided on the last possession of the game that matches a determined running attack against a tired defense. On defense Duke needs to get into the VT quarterback's head a bit. He's a true freshman and if Duke can mix in a few blitz packages, disrupt his concentration a bit then maybe we can hang with them until he makes a mistake. Gilbert has really been coming on, Fields is a veteran--if they can snag an interception or two it bodes well for a close game.

[Devilwin]

Agree DJ needs to run, and the line needs to give him time to find receivers. The defense really needs to step up too. Get a couple of long runs from the backs, we can win this game. And for God's sake, quit the pass in the flat, it never works! Don't throw deep on first down then run two times up the gut. Look for open guys over the middle, 6-12 yards downfield. Don't get down, keep your heads up, and make VT sorry they showed up!:cool:

[Bob Green]

Weather report calling for steady rain in Blacksburg on Saturday:

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/24060:4:US

Bad weather could help us if it forces the Offensive Coordinator to call more running plays. :cool:

[CameronBornAndBred]

Forecast for Saturday night in Blacksburg is 40's and rain. That might help.


Weather report calling for steady rain in Blacksburg on Saturday:

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/24060:4:US

Bad weather could help us if it forces the Offensive Coordinator to call more running plays. :cool:

I'm going to be enjoying my dry couch, but will be thinking of those that brave the trip and the rain to cheer our guys on.
LGD.

[chrishoke]

I'm going to be enjoying my dry couch, but will be thinking of those that brave the trip and the rain to cheer our guys on.
LGD.

My ticket may go to waste. I'm too old to sit in a cold rain for three hours. Damn it. Go Duke.

[devildeac]

Weather report calling for steady rain in Blacksburg on Saturday:

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/24060:4:US

Bad weather could help us if it forces the Offensive Coordinator to call more running plays. :cool:

Whose sig is this?

"<devildeac> anyone playing drinking games by now?
7:49:36<Wander> drink every qb run?
7:49:38<loran16> umm, drink every time asack rushes?
7:49:38<wolfybeard> @devildeac: drink when Asack runs a keeper
7:49:39 PM<CB&B> any time zack runs, drink"

[CameronBornAndBred]

Whose sig is this?

"<devildeac> anyone playing drinking games by now?
7:49:36<Wander> drink every qb run?
7:49:38<loran16> umm, drink every time asack rushes?
7:49:38<wolfybeard> @devildeac: drink when Asack runs a keeper
7:49:39 PM<CB&B> any time zack runs, drink"

I woulda been a second faster in typing my reply, but I was still sipping from Zack's last run.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

My ticket may go to waste. I'm too old to sit in a cold rain for three hours. Damn it. Go Duke.
We’re going, but have a pregame tailgate at someone’s house near the stadium. If it’s cold and rainy we may end up staying at the house and watching the game on tv. LGD GTHc!

[MarkD83]

No it is not bad form to bump threads so that others move down the list

[El_Diablo]

We have played VPI closely the last four years, going 1-3 with all games decided by 3 points or less.

[dukebluesincebirth]

Come on you wimps! Cold and rainy is the PERFECT football weather! Also, we are the inferior team here so weather could help neutralize the VT advantages. That said, I'll be watching from the warm, dry, cozy comfort of my living room:) Lets pull the upset! Why not?

[Bob Green]

We have played VPI closely the last four years, going 1-3 with all games decided by 3 points or less.

Correction: we are 2-2 against VT the last four years. We won in Blacksburg in 2013 and 2015, while VT won in Durham in 2014 and 2016.

2013: Duke 13, VT 10
2014: VT 17, Duke 16
2015: Duke 45, VT 43 (4 OT)
2016: VT 24, Duke 21

[CameronBornAndBred]

Come on you wimps! Cold and rainy is the PERFECT football weather! Also, we are the inferior team here so weather could help neutralize the VT advantages. That said, I'll be watching from the warm, dry, cozy comfort of my living room:) Lets pull the upset! Why not?

Wasn't it cold and rainy the first time we upset them?

[Scorp4me]

Decent game preview from Techsideline (http://virginiatech.sportswar.com/article/2017/10/25/virginia-tech-duke-preview-hokies-look-seventh-win-2017/).

Loved this gem from the article above. Good to see everyone looking down at UNC with disdain haha.

"The same player has started every single game at all 11 positions for the Blue Devils. It’s very difficult to have that kind of continuity during the course of almost an entire football season, but Duke has managed to do it so far. They are the opposite of their in-state rivals in that respect (and in many other respects as well, but we won’t get into that for the second week in a row)."

[Bob Green]

Decent game preview from Techsideline (http://virginiatech.sportswar.com/article/2017/10/25/virginia-tech-duke-preview-hokies-look-seventh-win-2017/).

I like this statement:


Their defense has kept them in games, but the passing game, or lack thereof, has really cost them.

It plays into my run the ball obsession.

[OldPhiKap]

It plays into my run the ball obsession.

You’ve convinced me. LGD!!!

[arnie]

BC running FSU out of the stadium. 21-0 in 2nd quarter. Wish we had a 2nd chance against them.

[Reilly]

Prediction: we'll compete fiercely. I've never seen Cut's body language expressing so much dismay as the last few weeks. The man doesn't let situations fester.

[duketaylor]

The lack of interest on the board for tomorrow's game. I'll be able to watch as I'll be off work in time and hope we kick their backside as I have to regularly endure Tech (and UVA) fans' ire. I have thanked these same folks for beating the cheats in successive weeks:D

Let's GO DUKE!!!

[Bob Green]

GAME DAY! Let's Go Duke!! Beat Virginia Tech!!! We are overdue for a big performance on both sides of the ball.

[budwom]

Prediction: we'll compete fiercely. I've never seen Cut's body language expressing so much dismay as the last few weeks. The man doesn't let situations fester.

Speaking of festering, Cut has some serious issues with regard to his staff in the off season. Too many facets of the program are broken right now. What will he do, if anything?

[OldPhiKap]

Rev up!!! Game Day!!!

[60sDukie]

The local station (wmya ch 40) that is listed in the station list for the acc network as a local station carrying the game is listing Family Feud etc. tonight on their website and also on the directv guide instead of Duke football game. Does anybody know if it will be on?

[Reilly]

Gameday Saturday. Weather looks like mid to high 50s and rain.

Believe the game is on the internet at the ACC site even if not on your local channel.

[Faison1]

Wake is beating Louisville 21-3 in 2nd quarter.....YIKES!!

Nothing looking easy for Duke here on out....

[Reilly]

Wake is beating Louisville 21-3 in 2nd quarter....YIKES!!

Nothing looking easy for Duke here on out...

Wake, BC, UVA up ... FSU, Duke down ... ACC topsy-turvey this year ...

[devildeac]

DBR chat open for tonight's game?;)

[Bob Green]

DBR chat open for tonight's game?;)

Yes.

[slower]

Loved this gem from the article above. Good to see everyone looking down at UNC with disdain haha.


It's easy, once you get used to it.

[OldPhiKap]

Bump. LGD!!!

[jafarr1]

Prediction: we'll compete fiercely. I've never seen Cut's body language expressing so much dismay as the last few weeks. The man doesn't let situations fester.

Four ugly performances in a row before making any kind of significant change seems like a lot like letting the situation fester.

[duke09hms]

Four ugly performances in a row before making any kind of significant change seems like a lot like letting the situation fester.

Haha seriously ... to be fair, it's not entirely Roper's fault he's a terrible OC. Cut is the one who promoted him straight from Special Teams to OC. Now both units are terrible.

Good thing is, we should be able to make a bowl at 5-7.

[riverside6]

Advanced Live stats for Duke/Virginia Tech...

https://www.scacchoops.com/duke-at-virginia-tech-football-live-stats-10282017

[Dukehky]

Yeah, lets never run the ball again. Maybe we can show Jacob Eason how badly we need him if we keep throwing incompletions and interceptions.

Cut hasn't fixed anything. Run the ball, give the defense at least a 2 minute blow or something. What a horrendous start to the game, and it seems to be a terrible game plan.

I'm super disappointed in Duke Football. We have the talent to compete and to win 3 out of our last 4 games the coaching has kept that from happening. Is Cut the problem? Does he need to prove that he's the QB guru so badly that he encourages these stupid play calls.

Vent vent vent vent vent.

These are all serious questions though. I just don't understand.

[chrishoke]

Total physical domination in the game so far. We are intimidated and cowering.

[Dukehky]

That dude got a finger on the ball, and Rahming fumbled it. Lolz.

[chrishoke]

Austin Davis w/ a monster block for our 1st first down. Then TJ fumbles on our 20. Our 2nd to.

[chrishoke]

That dude got a finger on the ball, and Rahming fumbled it. Lolz.

So weak.

[tteettimes]

So glad the World Series is on tonight

[chrishoke]

Good job D. Come on offense, make some plays.

[chrishoke]

Long pass to Lloyd. now 3rd and goal from the 12.

[chrishoke]

Jones misses and open tj in the end zone. fg is good 10-3 bad guys.

[Faison1]

Signs of life....but still same frustrations with dropped passes, bad play calling, and big play susceptibility ....

It would be great to get Daniel Jones running again. Our offense seemed to be good when he was running down field earlier in the season.

[chrishoke]

Nice 4th down stop by the D, then a 3 and out by the O. We can't block them.

[75Crazie]

Bonehead retaliation by Wilson drew a penalty and stopped the clock, giving Tech time to score.

[Faison1]

really bad play by Wilson....stopped the clock!!! and now they score

[ns7]

Dumb move to punt with so much time left on the play clock. Gave them that touchdown.

[ns7]

Dumb move to punt with so much time left on the play clock. Gave them that touchdown.

My bad. Clock stopped because of the penalty.

[Faison1]

The last 5 games have really reminded me of what Duke Football used to be 10+ years ago. You kind of expect the worst to happen.

[cbarry]

Game clock was stopped thanks to Shaun’s personal foul penalty. Without that penalty, VT doesn’t have time for a TD.

Dumb move to punt with so much time left on the play clock. Gave them that touchdown.

[arnie]

Nice 4th down stop by the D, then a 3 and out by the O. We can't block them.

Unbelievably stupid ball by Duke at end of half. Center snaps the ball to punter with 20 seconds remaining on play clock to allow VaT time for several plays. Of course they score in 3 plays. If center simply understood to not snap ball unto clock down ( or take delay call) we’re only down 7. A high school understanding of the clock.

[chrishoke]

yep, even our seniors are making ridiculously stupid plays.

[CameronBlue]

Game clock was stopped thanks to Shaun’s personal foul penalty. Without that penalty, VT doesn’t have time for a TD.

In addition to Wilson's bonehead play the Duke offense had two possessions within the last 2:52 and still couldn't get the clock to zero.

[arnie]

My bad. Clock stopped because of the penalty.

No, the clock was running when he snapped it.

[chrishoke]

Even if we shut them out in the 2nd half, we have zero chance of scoring 14 points.

[PDDuke85]

I'm not trying to be a wanker here but is Brittain Brown injured?

[Faison1]

Unbelievably stupid ball by Duke at end of half. Center snaps the ball to punter with 20 seconds remaining on play clock to allow VaT time for several plays. Of course they score in 3 plays. If center simply understood to not snap ball unto clock down ( or take delay call) we’re only down 7. A high school understanding of the clock.

I'm pretty sure the game clock was not moving. The play clock was, but the game clock was not. I was watching. But if someone has evidence to to contrary, please let me/us know.

[devildeac]

really bad play by Wilson...stopped the clock!!! and now they score

He was taunted and head-butted, then retaliated. Shoulda been 2 flags. Crap ref throws only one.

[Sixthman]

I'd like to see us play like we've got nothing to lose in the second half. Afterall, we've got nothing to lose.

[devildeac]

I'm pretty sure the game clock was not moving. The play clock was, but the game clock was not. I was watching. But if someone has evidence to to contrary, please let me/us know.

I did not see the game clock running.

[arnie]

I'm pretty sure the game clock was not moving. The play clock was, but the game clock was not. I was watching. But if someone has evidence to to contrary, please let me/us know.

Yea I thought the game clock was running, but so mad about the flag I’m probably wrong. I don’t DVR the games.

[Faison1]

He was taunted and head-butted, then retaliated. Shoulda been 2 flags. Crap ref throws only one.

Without a doubt, it was a major acting job by VPI player....but still

[DownEastDevil]

No, the clock was running when he snapped it.

I went back and looked at it and the ref said the clock will start on his signal. When he gave the signal the play clock started and ran off 4 seconds and the game clock didn't start until the ball was snapped. Not real sure what was suppose to happen there.

[arnie]

I went back and looked at it and the ref said the clock will start on his signal. When he gave the signal the play clock started and ran off 4 seconds and the game clock didn't start until the ball was snapped. Not real sure what was suppose to happen there.

I heard the official make that statement - not sure about the rule either. Anyway, I though only a Franks/Roof team could turn that last 40 seconds and no VAT timeouts into a -7.

[chrishoke]

Nice stop by the D. Can the O do anything.

[Sixthman]

Nice stop by the D. Can the O do anything.

No and no.

[chrishoke]

They are dominating special teams and field position.

[chrishoke]

Pouring rain now. The only way we score is if we recover a fumble in their end zone.

[chrishoke]

Anybody still think we can run against VPI?

[arnie]

Pouring rain now. The only way we score is if we recover a fumble in their end zone.

Don’t see a scenario where VPI lines up anywhere near their end zone. With our O inefficiency, can’t see another win out there.

[grossbus]

Our O line is worse than FSU’s. Pathetic.

[YmoBeThere]

We are back to 2008 level of play...

[75Crazie]

In case anyone is still questioning, I went back on the DVR: Wilson went down at about the 0:48 mark of the 2nd quarter ... the clock continued running until the flag was thrown, at the 0:42 mark ... the game clock stayed on 0:42 until the punt snap. I do not know all the details about clock management, but assuming that I am right that a 25-second timer is started once the ball is placed, Duke would have been able to run the clock down until 0:15 at most before having to snap the ball. That 27+ second difference was huge.

Admittedly, Wilson was retaliating. However, he retaliated with a much more visible action, and that is almost guaranteed to draw a penalty. As I originally said ... a bonehead play. I guess it is just as well that it really will not affect the outcome.

[CameronBlue]

I'd like to see a replay on the last Jones run. That was very close to targeting.

[cato]

Katy, bar the door.

[ChillinDuke]

For someone that generally tries to follow the football team and traveled to Notre Dame last year to show support (plus multiple bowl games), this year is pretty upsetting to me.

I wouldn't mind if we were 4-5 and competitive. But it seems we're 4-5 and totally outmatched in conference. Serious questions about Jones, serious questions about play calling.

I'm pretty displeased. And I'd like to think I'm in the top 20% of fandom re: football.

- Chillin

[richardjackson199]

Move Roper back to special teams.

Cut should call Peyton Manning and offer him offensive coordinator. Duke can pay better than Nationwide commercials.

[richardjackson199]

Once again - taking the under was easy money

[devildeac]

I'd like to see a replay on the last Jones run. That was very close to targeting.

Not with acc refs. Pretty clear helmet to helmet.

Not that it mattered in the final outcome, but that's twice in the last two or three weeks that it was totally ignored. What will it take to get that call against someone we play? A concussion? Quadriplegia? Pathetic.

[CameronBlue]

Katy, bar the door.

Actually, Katy where's the bar?

[Devilwin]

For someone that generally tries to follow the football team and traveled to Notre Dame last year to show support (plus multiple bowl games), this year is pretty upsetting to me.

I wouldn't mind if we were 4-5 and competitive. But it seems we're 4-5 and totally outmatched in conference. Serious questions about Jones, serious questions about play calling.

I'm pretty displeased. And I'd like to think I'm in the top 20% of fandom re: football.

- Chillin

You hit the nail on the head. The defense fights and fights, and the offense doesn't do jack. Roper should be flipping burgers somewhere..

[CameronBlue]

Not with acc refs. Pretty clear helmet to helmet.

Yeah I don't remember the ACC refs being THIS bad in the years before play review, but could be that things are so scrutinized the errors are more glaring. In any event I've suffered through many disappointing seasons, really why should this one be any different?

At least Duke beat the Cheats. I guess it's something.

[Bob Green]

At least we attempted to run the ball. VT defense is very good. Perhaps we can get a bye week reset and finish the season strong.

[ChillinDuke]

At least we attempted to run the ball. VT defense is very good. Perhaps we can get a bye week reset and finish the season strong.

Perhaps.

- Chillin

[CameronBlue]

At least we attempted to run the ball. VT defense is very good. Perhaps we can get a bye week reset and finish the season strong.

Yeah. I was reasonably pleased with the strong defensive effort. That 2nd TD just before the half I blame on the coaches and on Wilson. With 2 possessions within the last 2:52 you would expect Duke could get to the half down just 10-3.

Duke's problems on offense are the big surprise for me this season. Never thought the offense would be this anemic. Some I blame on play selection but let's face it, the receiving corps is probably below average and O-line just isn't stout enough to push many teams around. Yeah watching DJ this season has aggravated my episodic IBS but the kid has taken some shots. Here's hoping this season's contusions lead to success down the road. Go Duke, go go go awww jeez go Duke. <sigh>.

[Dukehky]

Jacob Eason, Come to Duke. Jacob Eason, Come to Duke.

[Devil549]

More fight this week really should have been 10-3 @ half but why did we not have a safety deep as a "centerfield" ready for the play they ran is beyond me.

WRs cannot get open...still don't know why we don't utilize TEs more but we did move pocket some and even ran a boot leg or two. We may have worst group of WRs in ACC. I thought DJ played better this week.

We looked a little better IMO BUT o-line playing more people than I have ever seen Coach Cut play. Still have a chance at 6 wins but it will not be easy.

VT a bunch of trash talking thugs in my book who should win Coastal.

[Devilwin]

More fight this week really should have been 10-3 @ half but why did we not have a safety deep as a "centerfield" ready for the play they ran is beyond me.

WRs cannot get open...still don't know why we don't utilize TEs more but we did move pocket some and even ran a boot leg or two. We may have worst group of WRs in ACC. I thought DJ played better this week.

We looked a little better IMO BUT o-line playing more people than I have ever seen Coach Cut play. Still have a chance at 6 wins but it will not be easy.

VT a bunch of trash talking thugs in my book who should win Coastal.

They always have been trash talking thugs..

[Devilwin]

I just cannot for the life of me understand why the offense is so bad. The defense, for the most part, does its part week after week, only to be let down by the offense, which fails in both play calling, and execution. Jones, in my opinion, is much better than we are giving him credit for. Our line fails to protect him, he's getting hit time after time, heck even Aaron Rodgers couldn't operate like that. He has no time to look for other receivers, and even when he does have time, the receivers can't get separation. Fact is, our line can't block, and that's a huge problem. Under such duress, no wonder Jones makes errant throws. We've got to find some kind of blocking scheme to protect him. And, we cannot fault him for guys dropping passes, which has happened time and again the last few weeks.
Against a powerful team like VT, we should have not have even been in the game, if you listened to the talking heads before the game.
But the defense did their best to keep us in it til late, only to see their efforts squandered by the pathetic offense.
Cut has done a great job at Duke. But we seem to be going backwards now. We cannot rest on our laurels of beating our powder blue rivals down the road.:confused:

[Bob Green]

I just cannot for the life of me understand why the offense is so bad.

You do a good job of explaining why in the rest of your post. Our receivers are below average and the offensive line can't block. Virginia Tech dominated the line of scrimmage and everything went downhill from there. I do not believe Daniel Jones is the problem, while he is far from perfect and needs to continue to develop his skills, it is the pieces around him that are the issue.

There will need to be wholesale changes in the off season if the situation is going to improve. Averaging 14 points per game in ACC play will not cut it.

[OldPhiKap]

At least we attempted to run the ball. VT defense is very good. Perhaps we can get a bye week reset and finish the season strong.

Hope springs eternal.

It for now — {sigh}

[devildeac]

I just cannot for the life of me understand why the offense is so bad. The defense, for the most part, does its part week after week, only to be let down by the offense, which fails in both play calling, and execution. Jones, in my opinion, is much better than we are giving him credit for. Our line fails to protect him, he's getting hit time after time, heck even Aaron Rodgers couldn't operate like that. He has no time to look for other receivers, and even when he does have time, the receivers can't get separation. Fact is, our line can't block, and that's a huge problem. Under such duress, no wonder Jones makes errant throws. We've got to find some kind of blocking scheme to protect him. And, we cannot fault him for guys dropping passes, which has happened time and again the last few weeks.
Against a powerful team like VT, we should have not have even been in the game, if you listened to the talking heads before the game.
But the defense did their best to keep us in it til late, only to see their efforts squandered by the pathetic offense.
Cut has done a great job at Duke. But we seem to be going backwards now. We cannot rest on our laurels of beating our powder blue rivals down the road.:confused:


You do a good job of explaining why in the rest of your post. Our receivers are below average and the offensive line can't block. Virginia Tech dominated the line of scrimmage and everything went downhill from there. I do not believe Daniel Jones is the problem, while he is far from perfect and needs to continue to develop his skills, it is the pieces around him that are the issue.

There will need to be wholesale changes in the off season if the situation is going to improve. Averaging 14 points per game in ACC play will not cut it.

How much do we miss John Latina?

[CameronBornAndBred]

There will need to be wholesale changes in the off season if the situation is going to improve. Averaging 14 points per game in ACC play will not cut it.

I would have been happier with 14 points last night.

[szstark]

I just watched a replay of the game and I am totally confused as to what the coaches were thinking on offense. We often set up in a spread offense with an empty backfield. Not only did that give Tech an advantage on the line of scrimmage because they outnumbered us, they also had an advantage in the defensive backfield because their athletes were better than ours. Not once did we use two running backs to either block for Jones or for each other or at least keep the defense honest because they couldn’t be sure what we were going to do with the ball. Throwing the ball in those weather conditions was an adventure at best. We didn’t use the empty backfield as much in the second half and that at least produced some yardage with Jones running the option. It looks to me that we need to use both our tight ends and backs to help our offensive line in blocking to establish more of a running game and that should help open up some passing opportunities. Someone with more football knowledge correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the coaching staff played right into Tech’s strengths and didn’t give our guys much of a chance of succeeding.

[mgtr]

A timeworn line, but still true -- when you keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results, that is the definition of insanity. Something needs to change.

[AtlDuke72]

A timeworn line, but still true -- when you keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results, that is the definition of insanity. Something needs to change.

Bring back Ted Roof!

[uh_no]

Bring back Ted Roof!

Maybe we should give Bruce Arena a shot....hear he's recently unemployed....

[PDDuke85]

Maybe we should give Bruce Arena a shot...hear he's recently unemployed...

We already have soccer like offensive output

[Highlander]

By my count, Jones did not complete a single pass in the second half. Granted it was a monsoon, but VT's QB (who is a Freshman BTW) managed to complete 3 passes.

Our offense is just boring to watch. We aren't explosive or terribly creative, and we can't string together more than a couple of positive plays at a time.

I see a lot of parallels between Duke and the Carolina Panthers this year. Both teams have a great defense, a subpar offense with receivers who can't get open, a suspect offensive line, and a QB who makes poor decisions more than they should.

[Devilwin]

By my count, Jones did not complete a single pass in the second half. Granted it was a monsoon, but VT's QB (who is a Freshman BTW) managed to complete 3 passes.

Our offense is just boring to watch. We aren't explosive or terribly creative, and we can't string together more than a couple of positive plays at a time.

I see a lot of parallels between Duke and the Carolina Panthers this year. Both teams have a great defense, a subpar offense with receivers who can't get open, a suspect offensive line, and a QB who makes poor decisions more than they should.

I thought the same thing about the Devills and the Panthers.

[CameronBornAndBred]

By my count, Jones did not complete a single pass in the second half. Granted it was a monsoon, but VT's QB (who is a Freshman BTW) managed to complete 3 passes.

Our offense is just boring to watch. We aren't explosive or terribly creative, and we can't string together more than a couple of positive plays at a time.

I see a lot of parallels between Duke and the Carolina Panthers this year. Both teams have a great defense, a subpar offense with receivers who can't get open, a suspect offensive line, and a QB who makes poor decisions more than they should.


I thought the same thing about the Devills and the Panthers.

TNTdevil and I were talking about this during the Sunday game, and gotta disagree. The Panthers are at least able to string together long drives, and especially on Sunday did a nice job of succeeding on third down.
Duke doesn't.

[Highlander]

TNTdevil and I were talking about this during the Sunday game, and gotta disagree. The Panthers are at least able to string together long drives, and especially on Sunday did a nice job of succeeding on third down.
Duke doesn't.

Kinda depends on the game, IMO. Duke was able to sustain drives against BC and UVA, not so much against FSU and VT. Panthers have certainly done so much more consistently, but they have had their stinkers too (Buffalo, Chicago).

[chrishoke]

Kinda depends on the game, IMO. Duke was able to sustain drives against BC and UVA, not so much against FSU and VT. Panthers have certainly done so much more consistently, but they have had their stinkers too (Buffalo, Chicago).

BC? We haven't played BC.

[CameronBornAndBred]

BC? We haven't played BC.

Probably a good thing. :rolleyes:

[Bob Green]

Kinda depends on the game, IMO. Duke was able to sustain drives against BC and UVA, not so much against FSU and VT.

I am assuming you meant Baylor (BU) seeing as we have not played BC. The offense scored five times (three TDs and two FGs) against Baylor:

1. 3 plays, 65 yards, 52 seconds, 58 yard TD run by Shaun Wilson
2. 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:33, 34 yard TD run by Brittain Brown
3. 1 play, 65 yards, 10 seconds, 65 yard TD run by Shaun Wilson
4. 11 plays, 59 yards, 4:17, 45 yard FG by Austin Parker
5. 6 plays, 18 yards, 3:18, 26 yard FG by Austin Parker

The offense scored twice against Virginia:

1. 15 plays, 88 yards, 6:56, 7 yard TD reception by Davis Kopenhaver
2. 3 plays, 12 yards, 54 seconds, 4 yard TD run by Quentin Harris

I see two sustained drives over two games with one resulting in a FG. I'm arbitrarily defining "sustained drive" as at least 10 plays. Additionally, for a drive to be "sustained" it has to result in points scored. Again, an arbitrary point everyone may not agree with.

The games I see where we were able to sustain drives are Northwestern and Carolina (I am ignoring the NCCU game as including it adds no value to the discussion). The offense scored seven times (5 TDs, 2 FGs) against NW with four scoring drives at least 10 plays (13, 15, 13, 10). The offense scored four times against Carolina (2 TDs/2 FGs) with two scoring drives at least 10 plays (12, 19) both ending in FGs.

In the loss to Miami, both FGs scored were on 10 play drives.

In the loss to FSU, the FG scored was on a 15 play drive.

In the loss to Pitt, the FG scored was on a 13 play drive.

In the loss to VT, the FG scored was on a 12 play drive.

This post could be organized much better but I'm too lazy to go back and edit it. The bottom line for me is most of our sustained drives end in FGs because our Red Zone offense leaves much to be desired. I count 13 sustained drives in 8 games, with 9 of the sustained drives ending with a FG instead of a TD.