FB: Virginia 28, Duke 14

[Reilly]

Ten-day forecast saying 66 degrees, showers, and 91% humidity in Durham for Saturday, October 20.

[OldPhiKap]

Virginia looked pretty good last night. We won but we made a lot of errors (th fully, we played a team which made more).

Getting win number six will be tough this week, I imagine the line will give us the home field advantage and maybe another tick or two, but that’s it.

[hallcity]

I’m glad U.Va beat Miami. Helps Duke in the Coastal but, more important, it’s awfully hard to have that kind of performance two games in a row. The next week after fans rushing the field to celebrate your victory is a week you have trouble concentrating on your next opponent. To compare it to BB, remember Duke beating UNLV in 1991? Coach K was immediately trying to bring the team down to earth, even before they left the court, reminding them they had a game on Monday. It worked then but it’s hard to do.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

I’m glad U.Va beat Miami. Helps Duke in the Coastal but, more important, it’s awfully hard to have that kind of performance two games in a row. The next week after fans rushing the field to celebrate your victory is a week you have trouble concentrating on your next opponent. To compare it to BB, remember Duke beating UNLV in 1991? Coach K was immediately trying to bring the team down to earth, even before they left the court, reminding them they had a game on Monday. It worked then but it’s hard to do.

THIS ^^^^, exactly what I thought when that game was over. I think the result of catching Virginia after a big win will be better than catching VT after an embarrassing loss.

[Bob Green]

I’m glad U.Va beat Miami. Helps Duke in the Coastal but, more important, it’s awfully hard to have that kind of performance two games in a row. The next week after fans rushing the field to celebrate your victory is a week you have trouble concentrating on your next opponent.

On October 5, 1974 Duke beat Purdue 16-14 in Wallace Wade Stadium. It was an exciting afternoon of football for those of us in attendance. The previous week, Purdue knocked off #1 Notre Dame 31-20 in South Bend.

[jimsumner]

I think the result of catching Virginia after a big win will be better than catching VT after an embarrassing loss.

Let's hope. :)

[chrishoke]

On October 5, 1974 Duke beat Purdue 16-14 in Wallace Wade Stadium. It was an exciting afternoon of football for those of us in attendance. The previous week, Purdue knocked off #1 Notre Dame 31-20 in South Bend.

A lot of really good football players on that 74 team.

[brlftz]

What’s the deal with Brittain Brown? Is he hurt? I’ve somehow missed out on whatever the explanation is for his absence.

[Bob Green]

What’s the deal with Brittain Brown? Is he hurt? I’ve somehow missed out on whatever the explanation is for his absence.

Yes, Brittain Brown is hurt. He has never fully recovered from his hyper-extended knee in the Army game.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

On October 5, 1974 Duke beat Purdue 16-14 in Wallace Wade Stadium. It was an exciting afternoon of football for those of us in attendance. The previous week, Purdue knocked off #1 Notre Dame 31-20 in South Bend.

I was at that game....moreover, I was the "guest" picker that week for something The Raleigh Times called "The Fearless Forecast." Each Thursday in football season, 5 Times/Observer sports writers and one guest would pick 20 games. At the time, I was a Times sports correspondent as a young lad, so young my parents had to drive me to the high school games I was writing about. I was also a Raleigh Times paperboy.

Caulton Tudor (RIP) ran the FF, and he chose me, but to hack off his buddy Tim Stevens of the Times, he recognized me as "Ace Paperboy" and did not mention I was a correspondent. Anyway, I picked Duke to upset Purdue that week, and I picked the Cheats to NOT upset the heavily favored Pitt Panthers (I think it was Pitt, someone heavily favored). Dang Cheats won also though. Cost me the weeks picking title.

Now this means nothing to anyone who isn't local and "of a certain age" - but I think some on here must remember the Fearless Forecast.

[cato]

What’s the deal with Brittain Brown? Is he hurt? I’ve somehow missed out on whatever the explanation is for his absence.

I had the same question. I googled it and per the N&O, Brown was unavailable after having been “limited in practice this week with a lower body injury.”

[Bob Green]

Duke opens as an eight (8) point favorite in Vegas:

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/

That is more points than I expected.

[Reilly]

I was at that game...moreover, I was the "guest" picker that week for something The Raleigh Times called "The Fearless Forecast." Each Thursday in football season, 5 Times/Observer sports writers and one guest would pick 20 games. At the time, I was a Times sports correspondent as a young lad, so young my parents had to drive me to the high school games I was writing about. I was also a Raleigh Times paperboy.

Caulton Tudor (RIP) ran the FF, and he chose me, but to hack off his buddy Tim Stevens of the Times, he recognized me as "Ace Paperboy" and did not mention I was a correspondent. Anyway, I picked Duke to upset Purdue that week, and I picked the Cheats to NOT upset the heavily favored Pitt Panthers (I think it was Pitt, someone heavily favored). Dang Cheats won also though. Cost me the weeks picking title.

Now this means nothing to anyone who isn't local and "of a certain age" - but I think some on here must remember the Fearless Forecast.

Good memory: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1974-schedule.html

10 5 Oct 4, 1974 Fri (11) Auburn 3 @ (16) Miami (FL) 0
211 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (3) Alabama 35 @ Mississippi 21
212 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (12) Arizona 42 Texas-El Paso 13
213 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (18) Arizona State 16 @ Wyoming 10
214 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (20) Arkansas 49 @ Texas Christian 0
215 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Arkansas State 14 Eastern Michigan 7
216 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Baylor 21 @ Florida State 17
217 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Boston College 37 @ Navy 0
218 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Brigham Young 33 Colorado State 33
219 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat California 31 @ (14) Illinois 14
220 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Chattanooga 24 @ Middle Tennessee State 7
221 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Clemson 28 Georgia 24
222 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Colorado 28 @ Air Force 27
223 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Cornell 24 Bucknell 0
224 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Duke 16 Purdue 14
225 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (13) Florida 24 Louisiana State 14
226 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Fresno State 9 @ New Mexico State 7
227 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Furman 24 @ Richmond 14
228 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Georgia Tech 28 Virginia 24
229 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Hawaii 23 @ Pacific 14
230 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Holy Cross 14 Dartmouth 3
231 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Houston 24 @ South Carolina 14
232 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Idaho 28 @ Idaho State 9
233 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Iowa State 27 New Mexico 3
234 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Kansas 28 (5) Texas A&M 10
235 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Kent State 28 Western Michigan 6
236 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Lamar 38 @ Louisiana 13
237 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Louisville 14 @ Wichita State 7
238 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Maryland 31 @ Syracuse 0
239 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Miami (OH) 14 @ Kentucky 10
240 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (4) Michigan 27 @ Stanford 16
241 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Mississippi State 21 Kansas State 16
242 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (6) Nebraska 54 Minnesota 0
243 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat North Carolina 45 (17) Pittsburgh 29
244 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (8) North Carolina State 24 East Carolina 20
245 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat North Texas 24 Drake 24
246 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Northwestern 14 Oregon 10
247 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (7) Notre Dame 19 @ Michigan State 14
248 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Ohio 31 Northern Illinois 14
249 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (1) Ohio State 42 @ Washington State 7
250 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (2) Oklahoma 63 Wake Forest 0
251 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (15) Penn State 21 @ Army 14
252 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Pennsylvania 14 @ Brown 9
253 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Princeton 40 Columbia 13
254 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Rutgers 24 @ Harvard 21
255 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat San Jose State 27 Long Beach State 17
256 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (9) Southern California 41 Iowa 3
257 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Southern Illinois 38 @ Dayton 16
258 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Southern Methodist 37 Oregon State 30
259 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Tampa 16 @ Akron 7
260 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Temple 31 Marshall 10
261 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Tennessee 17 Tulsa 10
262 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Tennessee Tech 24 Appalachian State 14
263 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (19) Texas 35 Washington 21
264 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat (10) Texas Tech 14 Oklahoma State 13
265 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Toledo 24 Bowling Green State 19
266 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat UCLA 27 @ Utah 14
267 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Virginia Military Institute 22 Virginia Tech 17
268 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat West Texas A&M 31 Southern Mississippi 0
269 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat West Virginia 24 @ Indiana 0
270 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat William & Mary 16 Citadel 12
271 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Wisconsin 59 Missouri 20
272 5 Oct 5, 1974 Sat Yale 30 Colgate 7

[jimsumner]

1974 was one of those agonizing what-if-seasons that Duke football during the long period when they were decent, before the bottom fell out in the mid-1990s.

Some real talent. Linebacker Keith Stoneback, defensive back Bob Grupp, running back Art Gore, defensive lineman Denis Turner, wide receiver Troy Slade, defensive back Jeff Christopher, center Billy Bryan. A decent quarterback in Hal Spears.

Mike McGee the head coach.

Perhaps his best Duke team.

That team went 6-5, with wins over Purdue, South Carolina and Georgia Tech, among others.

Nowadays, 6-5 gets you a decent bowl.

In 1974, it got you regrets over a 17-13 loss at Clemson, in a game where Duke had twice as much total offense and a last-second 14-13 loss at Chapel Hill.

Basically, a couple of plays from 8-3.

Horse shoes, hand grenades and all that.

But it was close.

[OldPhiKap]

Duke opens as an eight (8) point favorite in Vegas:

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/

That is more points than I expected.

Same here. Guess they like us.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

In 1974, it got you regrets over a 17-13 loss at Clemson, in a game where Duke had twice as much total offense and a last-second 14-13 loss at Chapel Hill.
.

OMG Jim....horrid memories...we lost in Chapel Hill by ONE POINT three consecutive trips...74 as you said above....in 76 we lost 39-38 and in 78 a Mike Dunn team lost 16-15...and I happened to be at the 78 game. Still too soon, but until your post, I'd no idea it was 3 straight one point losses at the Hill.

[duke2x]

Duke opens as an eight (8) point favorite in Vegas: http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/
That is more points than I expected.

Sagarin is roughly Duke by 9. That's a fair opening line if you're trying to get 50% of the money on both sides.

[CameronBlue]

1974 was one of those agonizing what-if-seasons that Duke football during the long period when they were decent, before the bottom fell out in the mid-1990s.

Some real talent. Linebacker Keith Stoneback, defensive back Bob Grupp, running back Art Gore, defensive lineman Denis Turner, wide receiver Troy Slade, defensive back Jeff Christopher, center Billy Bryan. A decent quarterback in Hal Spears.

.

Grupp punted for Duke as well and led the NFL one season IIRC. For you old timers who still work off a 12K dial-up modem, here's Grupp's wiki page:

Robert William Grupp[1] (born May 8, 1955) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a former American football punter with a 3-year career in the National Football League. He was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1979 season as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. In 1984, he played with the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League.[2] Prior to his career in professional football, Grupp was a star quarterback at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA. He also punted and was an all-ACC cornerback at Duke University (class of 1977) where he also lettered as an outfielder on the baseball team during his junior and senior years (MVP of the 1977 Duke baseball team).

[rtnorthrup]

Ok, so this one here is going to be a big test. I am frankly much more concerned about this matchup than I was GaTech. GaTech just is not set up to test our weaknesses. UVa, on the other hand, is built perfectly to give us fits. UVa will test our CBs, especially Blackwell. I was frankly surprised that GaTech didn't throw at us more. Even Army had more success against us throwing the ball out of the option formations.

On the flip side, UVa has an excellent secondary that will put our inconsistent WRs to the test.

Much like the VaTech game, UVa's strengths fit well against our weaknesses. This is going to be a tough game with very fine margins. We can't have a sloppy half like the first half against NCCU or GaTech. Im hoping that Brittain Brown is able to give us something this weekend. We could really use a strong running game.

[OldPhiKap]

The sloppy mental stuff has been concerning the last two games. We can’t make that many mistakes and expect to win.

[rtnorthrup]

Sagarin is roughly Duke by 9. That's a fair opening line if you're trying to get 50% of the money on both sides.

This may be a bit misleading. Our pass Def. statistically (for computer modelling purposes) probably looks much stronger than we actually are because we have faced to run dominant option teams.

Im nervous about this weekend.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

This may be a bit misleading. Our pass Def. statistically (for computer modelling purposes) probably looks much stronger than we actually are because we have faced to run dominant option teams.

Im nervous about this weekend.

But remember, Army passed a lot of a good amount of yardage....but yes, I'm nervous about this game. Then again, my inner demons try and get nervous about NCCU.....

[duke2x]

This may be a bit misleading. Our pass Def. statistically (for computer modelling purposes) probably looks much stronger than we actually are because we have faced to run dominant option teams. Im nervous about this weekend.

I'll echo the nervous sentiment as well (for all games but Clemson), but the only team that really had skewed passing numbers is GT. Army had 197 passing, which is probably comparable to other P5-G5 games in the models.

I've only heard part of their NCSU game on the radio--35-21 State.

[Bob Green]

The primary thing I desire to see each and every week is a Duke victory.

The list of secondary items is usually a lot longer and a lot less important. In the Virginia game, I really desire to see someone other than T.J. Rahming return punts for Duke.

The past couple of games, Rahming seems to have returned to his 2017 indecisive self. In addition to his baffling decision to pick up that punt on the one yard line while running full speed into the end zone, he failed to catch a couple more allowing them to hit the ground and bounce/roll.

I'd really like to hear the fans in the stands start chanting, "Jake" ... "Bobo" back and forth across the stadium, in a thunderous roar, except there will not be enough fans seated and actually paying attention to make it happen.

[CDu]

Let’s go get bowl eligible!

[HereBeforeCoachK]

1974 was one of those agonizing what-if-seasons that Duke football during the long period when they were decent, before the bottom fell out in the mid-1990s.

Some real talent. Linebacker Keith Stoneback, defensive back Bob Grupp, running back Art Gore, defensive lineman Denis Turner, wide receiver Troy Slade, defensive back Jeff Christopher, center Billy Bryan. A decent quarterback in Hal Spears.
.

Troy Slade, if I remember, returned punts and kick offs, and did them both very well. One of the most agonizing Duke FB memory of mine (quite a list) was a game against NC State at Wade. I'm not sure if it was 74, but Slade was our returner, and late in the game with Duke up 21-13, he returned a punt something like 85 yards for a clinching touchdown. But a flag was thrown on the other side of the field from the return...touchdown taken off the board, and State scored a late TD and two point conversion to force the tie at 21. McGee was totally livid at the call on the Slade return.

State was favored, but State fans left happy with the tie and Duke fans were miserable. Walking out, some obnoxious and probably drunk state fan was saying "ya'll are lucky we didn't beat you worse than we did..." I was fit to be tied.

[loran16]

This may be a bit misleading. Our pass Def. statistically (for computer modelling purposes) probably looks much stronger than we actually are because we have faced to run dominant option teams.

Im nervous about this weekend.

S&P+ has Duke by 5.4 and 62% to win. So yeah, definitely a toss-up.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ2e9xV7-ClihFVJ3kla0ZDxzFCQ7-WXvQRur-nK6gOzo333PqSetw52kEGgbXKb6viGZSbYuJugvRR/pubhtml#

[Reilly]

#17 Duke's margins, in order, against teams (SRS rank noted)

+42 NCCU
+20 #22 Army
+14 @ #47 NU
+14 @ #67 GT
+13 @ #53 Baylor
------------------------
-17 #63 VT



# 48 Virginia's margins, in order, against teams (SRS rank noted)

+29 Richmond
+24 #109 L'ville
+14 (N) #94 Ohio
+03 #36 Miami
---------------------------
-04 @ #61 Indiana
-14 @ #24 NCSU

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018-ratings.html

[Reilly]

UVa's senior RB Jordan Ellis from Suwanee GA averaging 5.5 yards per carry: https://virginiasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=568

Duke has three players listed as from Suwanee. None of the four went to the same h.s.

[OldPhiKap]

#17 Duke's margins, in order, against teams (SRS rank noted)

+42 NCCU
+20 #22 Army
+14 @ #47 NU
+14 @ #67 GT
+13 @ #53 Baylor
------------------------
-17 #63 VT



# 48 Virginia's margins, in order, against teams (SRS rank noted)

+29 Richmond
+24 #109 L'ville
+14 (N) #94 Ohio
+03 #36 Miami
---------------------------
-04 @ #61 Indiana
-14 @ #24 NCSU

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018-ratings.html

Reilly, is this just measuring raw score or something else? I'm not sure what I'm looking at here (which is no doubt a problem on my end, not yours).

[Reilly]

Margin of victory or defeat. We beat Central by 42. VT beat us by 17.

Here's the margin of victory or defeat for Cut's Duke teams against Virginia.

Cut's Duke teams against Virginia, by margin, with final SRS rank. Virginia coached by Al Groh (2008-2009), Mike London (2010-2015), Brono Mendenhall (2016-2018).

+28 #67 Duke v. #60 Virginia (2008) (Jabari flip into the endzone game)
+25 #68 Duke v. #82 Virginia (2012) (Anthony Boone fill-in game)
+13 #31 Duke @ #90 Virginia (2013( (Down 22-0, then 35-0 run game)
+11 #75 Duke @ #77 Virginia (2009) (Conner Vernon Halloween game)
+07 #84 Duke v. #75 Virginia (2010)
+07 #40 Duke v. #45 Virginia (2014)
-------------------------------------------------------
-07 #37 Duke @ #71 Virginia (2017)
-08 #57 Duke @ #76 Virginia (2015)
-10 #98 Duke @ #65 Virginia (2011) (Minnifield/Cut dust-up game)
-14 #66 Duke v. #103 Virginia (2016)

Duke has lost three in a row (2015, 2016, 2017) -- all three years when we had the better overall team. Cut has not beaten Mendenhall.

[budwom]

Mendenhall has defended Duke quite well...didn't they have five interceptions two years ago? If not it seemed like that...and they batted down a bunch more passes.
Offense will have to be placed in the crisper this week...

[Bob Green]

Daniel Jones has had a couple of ineffective performances against Virginia so far in his career:

2016: 33/54, 324 yards, 1 TD, 5 Interceptions.

Additionally, Jones was sacked in the end zone, fumbled and Virginia recovered the ball for a TD.

2017: 14/42, 124 yards, 1 TD, 2 Interceptions.

I suspect Jones is motivated by these past low-lights and will be ready to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Daniel Jones has had a couple of ineffective performances against Virginia so far in his career:
2017: 14/42, 124 yards, 1 TD, 2 Interceptions.


This was at the peak of Jones' injury from what I can tell. I really think we should've seen QH in that game. People were dissing Q for going 12 for 30 with 3 TDs and no interceptions and 174 yards....and 83 yards rushing which would've been over 100 without the collision with Nelm.

[devildeac]

Daniel Jones has had a couple of ineffective performances against Virginia so far in his career:

2016: 33/54, 324 yards, 1 TD, 5 Interceptions.

Additionally, Jones was sacked in the end zone, fumbled and Virginia recovered the ball for a TD.

2017: 14/42, 124 yards, 1 TD, 2 Interceptions.

I suspect Jones is motivated by these past low-lights and will be ready to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

Ineffective is being kind :rolleyes:. I had tried to forget both those showings.

[Reilly]

... I suspect Jones is motivated by these past low-lights and will be ready to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

That's what I'm thinking. And Cut losing 3x in a row when we had the stronger team will have him amped. And the D being challenged to shut down a 5.5 ypc senior RB will get their attention.

Our D has been terrific. And that's with a stud from all three levels -- Cerenord; Quansah; Gilbert -- being lost. It's still jarring to me to see such a stellar Duke D.

I think the team will be amped and focused. I wish I could say the same for the crowd, but with hoops stuff and an early start this weekend I'm not confident on that score. Here's an "old ACC" rival from a neighboring state that's improving and just pulled off a big win; the students really only have two home games left to go to (this one and Carolina; WFU being T'giving); and this could be Duke's best team of Cut's 11 editions. We're 5-1 for goodness sakes. We can become bowl eligible. It could be one of those Fall football celebration Saturdays Cut talks about -- even if a little rainy.

[cato]

Daniel Jones has had a couple of ineffective performances against Virginia so far in his career:

2016: 33/54, 324 yards, 1 TD, 5 Interceptions.

Additionally, Jones was sacked in the end zone, fumbled and Virginia recovered the ball for a TD.

2017: 14/42, 124 yards, 1 TD, 2 Interceptions.

I suspect Jones is motivated by these past low-lights and will be ready to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

Way back when San Diego had a football team, they had defended Manning quite well. So when the Colts visited San Diego for a playoff game, I was optimistic the D would perform admirably.

And they did.

The Chargers tied the game late and won on the first possession of overtime. The Q from the tying score through the winning touchdown was the only time I have been somewhere with all of the insanity of Cameron, but with 10x more people.

I sure hope Duke can figure out how to attack Virginia with the passing game, but have to admit I am a bit worried about it.

[Bob Green]

Coach Cutcliffe press conference:

http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&id=6293362

Coach talks turnovers and ball security among other topics. He says Virginia plays tight coverage m2m and zone. Our receivers are playing at a higher level, separating better, making contested catches better...now I want to go from better to best [paraphrasing].

Virginia quarterback is an X factor...fast, big, strong.

Duke had a very physical practice this morning in preparation for what will be a very physical game.

[brevity]

Daniel Jones has had a couple of ineffective performances against Virginia so far in his career:

2016: 33/54, 324 yards, 1 TD, 5 Interceptions.

Additionally, Jones was sacked in the end zone, fumbled and Virginia recovered the ball for a TD.

2017: 14/42, 124 yards, 1 TD, 2 Interceptions.

I suspect Jones is motivated by these past low-lights and will be ready to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

Interesting choice of words to describe someone who recently recovered from a clavicle injury.

[awhom111]

We finally have the channels that will be carrying the game:
http://theacc.com/sports/2018/10/16/FB_RSN-UVA-DU-1020.aspx

The blackout map should be out in the next couple of days, but expect that the only option within the ACC footprint will be to watch on one of these channels or their online services.

[Bob Green]

Jim Sumner article on the Virginia game is posted on the main page:

https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2018/10/17/17987906/duke-football-looking-ahead-to-virginia-blue-devils-football


Cutcliffe calls mobile Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins an “x-factor. He might be the fastest player on their team. He’s big, he’s strong. The thing that probably concerns me the most about him is that when he does scramble, he’s been very good about finding open people down field and making plays.”

[OldPhiKap]

Jim Sumner article on the Virginia game is posted on the main page:

https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2018/10/17/17987906/duke-football-looking-ahead-to-virginia-blue-devils-football

Excellent as always, Jim.

Cuts whole PC is at GoDuke.com, well worth the listen.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Seems to me this isn't the first time we've hosted Virginia with that first October rain on game day......

[DarkstarWahoo]

Hey y'all! It's been a minute. Hope everyone is doing well. Despite relative football success from both teams, I feel comfortable this is a place where I can say this and it will be appreciated: Three weeks to basketball season!

UVA can win this - Daniel Jones, in particular, seems to have his worst games against us - but it will be a tall order. Talent-wise, UVA is still at roughly an AAC/high-end MAC level, particularly when it comes to depth. We're just very well coached, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Duke has a significant talent advantage, as every UVA opponent does the rest of the way except Liberty. Yes, that includes Chapel Hill, although they need a whole team of therapists to help them figure out what's wrong with them.

Miami game was huge for the Wahoos. It put us in decent position to bowl. If we hadn't stolen that one, we would have had to hit on a lot of aces the rest of the way.

[OldPhiKap]

Hey y'all! It's been a minute. Hope everyone is doing well. Despite relative football success from both teams, I feel comfortable this is a place where I can say this and it will be appreciated: Three weeks to basketball season!

UVA can win this - Daniel Jones, in particular, seems to have his worst games against us - but it will be a tall order. Talent-wise, UVA is still at roughly an AAC/high-end MAC level, particularly when it comes to depth. We're just very well coached, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Duke has a significant talent advantage, as every UVA opponent does the rest of the way except Liberty. Yes, that includes Chapel Hill, although they need a whole team of therapists to help them figure out what's wrong with them.

Miami game was huge for the Wahoos. It put us in decent position to bowl. If we hadn't stolen that one, we would have had to hit on a lot of aces the rest of the way.

Bronco is a huge upgrade from London, he is the real deal IMO. Virginia matches up very well against us, and your win against the Canes was very impressive. Should be a fun game!

Good luck, and here's to no injuries on either side.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

UVA can win this - Daniel Jones, in particular, seems to have his worst games against us - but it will be a tall order. Talent-wise, UVA is still at roughly an AAC/high-end MAC level, particularly when it comes to depth..

Yeah, probably his two worst games ever are against the Hoos. Your comment on talent level intrigued me. Watching Virginia, I just don't see a talent advantage to Duke here. Is it just depth talent you are referring to? Would really appreciate some expansion of your thoughts on that.

And I hope your'e right...I just don't see it.

[DarkstarWahoo]

Yeah, probably his two worst games ever are against the Hoos. Your comment on talent level intrigued me. Watching Virginia, I just don't see a talent advantage to Duke here. Is it just depth talent you are referring to? Would really appreciate some expansion of your thoughts on that.

And I hope your'e right...I just don't see it.

It's mostly depth, and most of the issues are on the lines, which London criminally under-recruited. The 10 guys on the two-deep on the O-line include one true freshman, three redshirt freshmen and three sophomores (one true, two redshirt). That's five guys with less than 16 months in the program (I think - some of the second-year guys may have enrolled early, but I'm not aware of any). Some of them can play - particularly Dillon Reinkensmeyer, who should make an all-ACC team at some point in his career - but they're almost certainly not where they need to be, strength-wise.

The D-line is in even worse shape, with a couple of medical retirements and two probable starters getting kicked off the team before the season started. There were six returning players entering the fall, and that included two freshmen who redshirted last year and two position-switchers, both of whom have since been lost for the year. Bronco brought in two immediate-eligibility transfers, one of whom retired due to injuries before the season and the other of whom hasn't seen the field yet. Two of the three true freshmen have played admirably, but they've been on a college weight program for, what, three months? Even with a three-man front, that's perilously thin. There are five names on the two-deep, and one of them is Tommy Christ, whom I can't recall actually seeing on the field yet.

Overall, there are 28 freshmen and sophomores on the depth chart this week. That does not include the new kicker, who is a sophomore and made UVA's first 40+ yard field goal in three (!) years against Miami. And those weren't highly-rated classes, although I think Bronco has recruited well for his system. They're playing because they have to, not necessarily because they're ready.

[devildeac]

It's mostly depth, and most of the issues are on the lines, which London criminally under-recruited. The 10 guys on the two-deep on the O-line include one true freshman, three redshirt freshmen and three sophomores (one true, two redshirt). That's five guys with less than 16 months in the program (I think - some of the second-year guys may have enrolled early, but I'm not aware of any). Some of them can play - particularly Dillon Reinkensmeyer, who should make an all-ACC team at some point in his career - but they're almost certainly not where they need to be, strength-wise.

The D-line is in even worse shape, with a couple of medical retirements and two probable starters getting kicked off the team before the season started. There were six returning players entering the fall, and that included two freshmen who redshirted last year and two position-switchers, both of whom have since been lost for the year. Bronco brought in two immediate-eligibility transfers, one of whom retired due to injuries before the season and the other of whom hasn't seen the field yet. Two of the three true freshmen have played admirably, but they've been on a college weight program for, what, three months? Even with a three-man front, that's perilously thin. There are five names on the two-deep, and one of them is Tommy Christ, whom I can't recall actually seeing on the field yet.

Overall, there are 28 freshmen and sophomores on the depth chart this week. That does not include the new kicker, who is a sophomore and made UVA's first 40+ yard field goal in three (!) years against Miami. And those weren't highly-rated classes, although I think Bronco has recruited well for his system. They're playing because they have to, not necessarily because they're ready.

Good summary. Thanks.

[DarkstarWahoo]

They are sucking me back in, y'all. I've been fooled by UVA coaches before, but I think Bronco is building something. That Miami game was a lot of fun to be there for.

[BandAlum83]

Here's hoping that the Wahoos left it ALL on the field against Miami last week!

(and that the team managers weren't able to pick it back up, sort it, and get it packed up on the team bus for the trip to Durham)

[johnb]

The primary thing I desire to see each and every week is a Duke victory.

The list of secondary items is usually a lot longer and a lot less important. In the Virginia game, I really desire to see someone other than T.J. Rahming return punts for Duke.


It’s too bad George McAfee isn’t around for his 4th year of eligibility. It’s been almost 80 years since he graduated (and he’s in the college and the NFL H of F’s), but he still holds the NFL record for average punt return.

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=3685095

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_McAfee

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/punt_ret_yds_per_ret_career.htm

[Bob Green]

Steve Wiseman answers questions for the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

https://www.richmond.com/sports/college/schools/university-virginia/ask-an-opposing-beat-writer-virginia-at-duke/article_b2125d0f-ea34-5e7e-b06f-e25454c893c5.html

On the linebackers:


A big reason for their success is the play of the improved defensive line. The guys up front are tying up blockers, winning individual battles, to allow Giles-Harris and Humphreys to run free and make plays.

Good job, Steve.

[OldPhiKap]

Steve Wiseman answers questions for the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

https://www.richmond.com/sports/college/schools/university-virginia/ask-an-opposing-beat-writer-virginia-at-duke/article_b2125d0f-ea34-5e7e-b06f-e25454c893c5.html

On the linebackers:



Good job, Steve.

Steve’s answers for opposing papers is always a good read. Always nice to get a somewhat objective view (description meant as a compliment, hope it came across that way).

Oh, and a key point:


These are the local journalists who cover these teams on a daily basis. We hope it reminds you the value of reading local newspapers and their websites.

[brevity]

This week's vintage program (https://repository.duke.edu/dc/dfp?_=1539869938562&f%5Bcategory_facet_sim%5D%5B%5D=University+of+Virg inia) comes from 1943.

8721

Whoa! When did actor William Devane (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Devane) play for Duke? He was only 4 years old at the time, so maybe it was an early growth spurt.

Anyway, Virginia came to Durham to play 7th-ranked Duke on November 13, 1943. The Blue Devils won 49-0. The pollsters seemed to be overly impressed with offense back then, too. Duke won other games that season by scores of 40-0, 61-0, 42-0, and 75-0. They also played UNC twice and beat them twice. Their only loss was by one point to 4th-ranked Navy in a semi-away game played in Baltimore.

[Reilly]

This week's vintage program (https://repository.duke.edu/dc/dfp?_=1539869938562&f%5Bcategory_facet_sim%5D%5B%5D=University+of+Virg inia) comes from 1943.

8721

...

When did helmets get facemasks?

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

When did helmets get facemasks?
They were available as early as the 20s. Here's an interesting summary of the history of the football helmet. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_football_helmet

[CameronBornAndBred]

When did helmets get facemasks?

When was the first penalty called?

[Bob Green]

Uniform combination:

White helmet with Duke in script, Black jersey, White pants.

[Acymetric]

Uniform combination:

White helmet with Duke in script, Black jersey, White pants.

Ick, I don't hate the black jerseys as much as some here, but they pretty much require a blue or black helmet. Saw a picture on another site and it looks...off.

[mattman91]

Ick, I don't hate the black jerseys as much as some here, but they pretty much require a blue or black helmet. Saw a picture on another site and it looks...off.

Yes, the all blacks look cool. This one, not so much.

When we wear the "all blacks" we should do the haka pre game. Just sayin.

[rtnorthrup]

Ick, I don't hate the black jerseys as much as some here, but they pretty much require a blue or black helmet. Saw a picture on another site and it looks...off.

I guess that's fashion. I only like the black jersey's with a white helmet. I actually don't hate this combo. In fact I quite like it more than the combo we wore at Ga. Tech.

[CameronBornAndBred]

At least they waited for a day that it isn't 90 degrees on the field.

[Reilly]

1. Any rhyme or reason to all the script Duke helmet usage this season?

2. Who makes the decision on the uniforms? Players/captains/seniors get any sort of vote or say?

[Bob Green]

1. Any rhyme or reason to all the script Duke helmet usage this season?

I've no idea on rhyme or reason but the script Duke helmet is catchy. Although, I like the Iron D equally.


2. Who makes the decision on the uniforms? Players/captains/seniors get any sort of vote or say?

No idea but it is an interesting question so I'd like to know the answer.

[OldPhiKap]

Whoever chose last week’s uniforms at GTech — we need to talk.

[Bay Area Duke Fan]

When did helmets get face masks?


According to Sports Illustrated, Paul Brown introduced the first dedicated facemask to the NFL in 1953. https://www.si.com/2014/06/25/nfl-history-in-95-objects-single-bar-face-mask

[HereBeforeCoachK]

I've no idea on rhyme or reason but the script Duke helmet is catchy. Although, I like the Iron D equally.
.

Exactly how I see it too....the script is very catchy and very readable, and the Iron D is classic....these look good in blue with white and white with blue. I'd love to see a blue iron D on a gloss silver type....

[Jim3k]

In the SF By area, there is no RSN network channel for this game and KOFY-TV, TheACC's channel, is showing knitting, how to make an orange and toilet blue sweater in three hours or less. (Both UVa and U of Ill. have the good sense to combine orange with navy blue.) Dunno what TheACC is thinking.

OTOH, I asked my Comcast/Xfinity cablebox to find Virginia at Duke and it answered that it was on ESPN3 and offered me a record/live command. I said yes. I've never seen that before, so I am unsure of any success.

[BandAlum83]

In the SF By area, there is no RSN network channel for this game and KOFY-TV, TheACC's channel, is showing knitting, how to make an orange and toilet blue sweater in three hours or less. (Both UVa and U of Ill. have the good sense to combine orange with navy blue.) Dunno what TheACC is thinking.

OTOH, I asked my Comcast/Xfinity cablebox to find Virginia at Duke and it answered that it was on ESPN3 and offered me a record/live command. I said yes. I've never seen that before, so I am unsure of any success.

The xfinity1 platform just started allowing me to connect to sporting events on espn3. It connects me through the internet since I have internet with them. I don't think there is any way to record it, however.

[duke2x]

It's close enough to Saturday to make a prediction. I can only look at stats since I have only heard UVA play on the radio. I can't really find anything big that jumps out at me except neither team passes the ball really well. With questionable weather forecast for Saturday, I'll take the under and opponent cover. This game could come down to ball security and/or place kicking, and we haven't had to ask Wareham to make a pressure PAT or FG yet.

UVA---13
Duke--17

Of interesting note-- we have played 4 teams that are either in the top 10 in rushing or passing. We've done a lot to shut down all 4. Only Baylor, a game where we were gassed in the 100 degree Texas heat, managed to score much after being down 23-0 at the half.

[devildeac]

Duke 28
UVa 24

(WAG)

[devildeac]

When did helmets get facemasks?

Right after these knuckleheads started performing:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP5lWQH7uFQ

Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.

:o

[awhom111]

Still no blackout map, which is very annoying.


In the SF By area, there is no RSN network channel for this game and KOFY-TV, TheACC's channel, is showing knitting, how to make an orange and toilet blue sweater in three hours or less. (Both UVa and U of Ill. have the good sense to combine orange with navy blue.) Dunno what TheACC is thinking.

OTOH, I asked my Comcast/Xfinity cablebox to find Virginia at Duke and it answered that it was on ESPN3 and offered me a record/live command. I said yes. I've never seen that before, so I am unsure of any success.

I see that you have finally ditched the old provider that didn't give you WatchESPN access. Unfortunately we live in an area where the local RSNs have never bothered picking up the ACC package, but at least you get them online unlike before. Of course this is soon to be a moot point.

[BigWayne]

In the SF By area, there is no RSN network channel for this game and KOFY-TV, TheACC's channel, is showing knitting, how to make an orange and toilet blue sweater in three hours or less. (Both UVa and U of Ill. have the good sense to combine orange with navy blue.) Dunno what TheACC is thinking.

OTOH, I asked my Comcast/Xfinity cablebox to find Virginia at Duke and it answered that it was on ESPN3 and offered me a record/live command. I said yes. I've never seen that before, so I am unsure of any success.

I wondered about that channel. I'm just over the line in Santa Cruz County, so I am forced to take the Salinas stations instead of SF.
On DirecTV, I get all the RSNs from across the country. I never know if the game will actually come through on one of them. Sometimes, some of them are blocked and some come through. Sometimes, the DVR can't find any of them that are unblocked.

[Indoor66]

The xfinity1 platform just started allowing me to connect to sporting events on espn3. It connects me through the internet since I have internet with them. I don't think there is any way to record it, however.

Is this through your phone or TV? I have had access to espn3 for a long time - via my phone, as a Comcast customer. I would love to watch those Broadcasts on the larger screen.

[ehdg]

I found the game for me will be on the YES network tomorrow.

[Bob Green]

Here is a solid article from Steve Wiseman on what Duke has to do to beat Virginia:

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article220247535.html

1. Turnovers
2. Running game
3. 3rd Down defense

[devildeac]

Here is a solid article from Steve Wiseman on what Duke has to do to beat Virginia:

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article220247535.html

1. Turnovers
2. Running game
3. 3rd Down defense

Reads like Steve has been sitting next to you during games, Bob. ;)

Seriously, that's a really thorough analysis. Thanks for finding/sharing.

[Bob Green]

Reads like Steve has been sitting next to you during games, Bob. ;)

More accurately stated: I sound during games like I've been reading Steve's articles. :cool:

[OldPhiKap]

More accurately stated: I sound during games like I've been reading Steve's articles. :cool:

Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen Bob and Steve together ....

[budwom]

If Jones heaves any of those long horizontal passes (which go all of a few yards downfield) I fear they'll end up going the wrong way.
Seven of his 22 interceptions (career) came against the Jeffersonians.

[DU82]

If Jones heaves any of those long horizontal passes (which go all of a few yards downfield) I fear they'll end up going the wrong way.
Seven of his 22 interceptions (career) came against the Jeffersonians.

Hopefully, he’ll put those passes where George can’t get to them, only our receivers can.

[AGDukesky]

Hopefully, he’ll put those passes where George can’t get to them, only our receivers can.

Agreed, I could not handle watching George’s touchdown celebration dances...

[BandAlum83]

Is this through your phone or TV? I have had access to espn3 for a long time - via my phone, as a Comcast customer. I would love to watch those Broadcasts on the larger screen.

It is now available on the big screen when I press the C button to get sport scores etc. I can press watch and it connects me through the internet, the same way it would allow me to connect to YouTube or Netflix.

This is only if you have the X1 platform. Espn3 is a new addition. It wasn't there last year. In the past I would stream through my laptop and connect to my big screen through HDMI. That's how I plan to watch CTC

[Bob Green]

Here is my weekly prediction:

Duke 24, Virginia 20

We will not cover the 7 point spread but we will win the turnover margin and the game.

[du_bb1]

sounds good to me !

[UVa1981]

FWIW, here is a Hoo’s take on our upcoming game this weekend. Apologizing in advance for the length of this post, this is a big game: whoever wins will be in a prime position to claim a spot in the ACC championship game.

Offense:

QB: A special word about Daniel Jones, since below I discuss UVa’s team almost exclusively: I don’t buy the narrative that points to Jones’ two previous “bad” games against UVa as indicating UVa has some sort of Jones kryptonite; I take those games simply to be statistical outliers. No special sauce from UVa other than that Mendenhall is a pretty good defensive coach and that, if you don’t try to neutralize Jones, you’re not doing your job.

On to UVa’s QB, Bryce Perkins: Perkins requires discipline from the defense (discipline is rarely a problem from Cutcliffe teams) and must be contained at all costs. He has ripped off long runs from scrimmage again and again this year and is a threat to take it the distance on every snap. Was the fastest player on the team until Tavares Kelly (and his 10.4 100 meter time) arrived this fall. Better than advertised arm, though he’s playing through a dislocated pinkie on his throwing hand. Seasoned player who started out at Arizona State, until he broke a bone in his neck and transferred out to JUCO to rehab his career. Took Arizona Western to the national championship game. Does not get rattled, at least so far.

WRs: Duke has to stop Zacchaeus, who has a 200+ yard receiving game, and multiple 100+ yard receiving games this year. Miami held him to 15 yards on 3 receptions by double-teaming him. Four other receivers can inflict damage. Hasise Duboise is the second leading receiver on the team, but is a possession receiver. Ditto our tight end Evan Butts. Tavares Kelly and Joe Reed can rip off chunk plays, but they rarely go for more than one a game. (A lagniappe: Kelly turned in a 10.4 100 meters last year as a high school freshman, so he can fly.) Miami clearly took away Zacchaeus and challenged the other four receivers to beat them. Joe Reed got one chunk play, but that was about it. Good game plan. I imagine Cutcliffe has looked at the tape.

RBs: Jordan Ellis gets 90% of UVa’s carries at RB (thus excluding Perkins from the discussion momentarily). He can get chunk plays from you, but his shtick is mostly punishing you for 5-8 yards a play if you take away Zacchaeus and Perkins. That’s exactly what Miami did. Ellis averaged 5.5 yards a carry, but it’s tough to get to the end zone on 5.5 yards a carry without chunk plays. UVa scored 16 points in the game. If I were Duke and had Jones at QB, I would replicate the Miami approach. College teams, particularly young college teams like UVa, have trouble piecing together 14-15 play drives (what it generally takes to get to the end zone at 5.5 yards per play).

OL: a trouble spot for UVa, mostly because it’s young and patchwork. The left side of the line working in from tackle to the center goes R-Fr, So, So. On the right side, from guard to tackle, it goes Sr to Grad transfer. I write “Grad transfer” to emphasize the patchwork nature of things. That said, UVa got R.J. Proctor back last week, and run blocking (with a little help from Miami dropping 7 back into pass coverage a lot) perked up a bit. Pass protection has been a problem all season, but Perkins’ elusiveness has kept that from being a completely fatal flaw (but see the NCSt game).

The bottom line: don’t let Perkins’ legs and Zacchaeus pass receiving yield chunk plays; make Ellis work the team down the field (if you can stop him cold with four DL so much the better; you’ll win going away).

Defense:

DL: like the OL, patchwork and young (teams are usually in big trouble when both lines are trouble spots). Most of the year, UVa has played Alonso (So) and Hanback (Jr) at DE and Redmond (T-Fr) at NT. Hanback is seasoned and doesn’t make many mistakes. Last week, UVa moved Hanback from DE back to NT (where he played last year despite being a DE by body type) and played Faumui (T-Fr) a lot more at DE. I surmise that was done as a situational thingie for Miami, and Duke will see mostly Alonso, Redmond, and Hanback across the defensive front.

At times, the DL (particularly last week with 2 stops on 4th down) has been pretty good this year. That said, when the DL struggles with its gaps, the run fits tend to break down in a particularly ugly way, allowing other teams’ offense to gash UVa badly. That’s what I would probe early on, if I were Cutcliffe. Very rarely has the DL been able to bring consistent sack pressure against the other team’s QB. If Jones is patient, I’m guessing he’ll have plenty of time to make his reads and progressions.

LBs: this unit was to have been one of the team’s two gems. Charles Snowden (So), Jordan Mack (Jr), Malcolm Cook (Sr), and Chris Peace (Sr) were all proven quantities. Peace led ACC LBs in sacks last year. Mack posted 115 tackles last year and was the first true freshman to start the first game of his first true freshman season since Ahmad Brooks. Snowden showed lots of promise last year which has been ratified this year with linebacker of the week honors. Unfortunately, both inside LBs (Mack and Cook) were injured earlier in the year (this is where troublesome run fits come into play), but Cook has returned to duty, though he’s playing behind Robert Snider for the time being.

With that said about UVa’s DL and LBs, if Duke’s running game can get UVa into bad run fits and throw in a little play action, Duke should have a pretty easy time moving the football. That was NCSt’s recipe for success.

DBs: clearly this is UVa’s best defensive unit. Juan Thornhill was the national defensive player of the week last week and has started at corner and safety. Thornhill is quite a gamer, having won two state championships in football (QB and safety) and three in basketball.

Knowing how much Duke fans like their basketball, here are three highlight plays from Thornhill’s final basketball championship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9iojwtuJbQ.

Starting with Thornhill (Sr) are Bryce Hall (Jr), Joey Blount (So), and Tim Harris (6th year Sr). Nominally playing behind Thornhill is Brenton Nelson, last year’s freshman defensive player of the year. I say “nominally” because, though UVa is conventionally described as a 3-4 defense, they spend a lot of time in a 2-4-5 look, with Nelson as the nickel back and Peace and Snowden looking a lot like stand-up DEs. (From time to time, they even play a 1-5-5).

To sum everything up, when UVa is on offense I expect Cutcliffe will try to make Ellis earn UVa’s way downfield, one small chunk of yardage at a time and limit big chunk damage from Perkins’ legs and Zacchaeus’ receiving. When Duke is on offense, I expect Cutcliffe to probe UVa’s run fits up front while using some play action and routes (particularly crossing routes) across the middle of the field that make UVa’s young ILBs think too much.

If it were in Charlottesville, I’d favor UVa by 3, but it’s not, so I’m expecting a pretty good game, probably low scoring, say, Duke 20 UVa 13.

[devildeac]

FWIW, here is a Hoo’s take on our upcoming game this weekend. Apologizing in advance for the length of this post, this is a big game: whoever wins will be in a prime position to claim a spot in the ACC championship game.

Offense:

QB: A special word about Daniel Jones, since below I discuss UVa’s team almost exclusively: I don’t buy the narrative that points to Jones’ two previous “bad” games against UVa as indicating UVa has some sort of Jones kryptonite; I take those games simply to be statistical outliers. No special sauce from UVa other than that Mendenhall is a pretty good defensive coach and that, if you don’t try to neutralize Jones, you’re not doing your job.

On to UVa’s QB, Bryce Perkins: Perkins requires discipline from the defense (discipline is rarely a problem from Cutcliffe teams) and must be contained at all costs. He has ripped off long runs from scrimmage again and again this year and is a threat to take it the distance on every snap. Was the fastest player on the team until Tavares Kelly (and his 10.4 100 meter time) arrived this fall. Better than advertised arm, though he’s playing through a dislocated pinkie on his throwing hand. Seasoned player who started out at Arizona State, until he broke a bone in his neck and transferred out to JUCO to rehab his career. Took Arizona Western to the national championship game. Does not get rattled, at least so far.

WRs: Duke has to stop Zacchaeus, who has a 200+ yard receiving game, and multiple 100+ yard receiving games this year. Miami held him to 15 yards on 3 receptions by double-teaming him. Four other receivers can inflict damage. Hasise Duboise is the second leading receiver on the team, but is a possession receiver. Ditto our tight end Evan Butts. Tavares Kelly and Joe Reed can rip off chunk plays, but they rarely go for more than one a game. (A lagniappe: Kelly turned in a 10.4 100 meters last year as a high school freshman, so he can fly.) Miami clearly took away Zacchaeus and challenged the other four receivers to beat them. Joe Reed got one chunk play, but that was about it. Good game plan. I imagine Cutcliffe has looked at the tape.

RBs: Jordan Ellis gets 90% of UVa’s carries at RB (thus excluding Perkins from the discussion momentarily). He can get chunk plays from you, but his shtick is mostly punishing you for 5-8 yards a play if you take away Zacchaeus and Perkins. That’s exactly what Miami did. Ellis averaged 5.5 yards a carry, but it’s tough to get to the end zone on 5.5 yards a carry without chunk plays. UVa scored 16 points in the game. If I were Duke and had Jones at QB, I would replicate the Miami approach. College teams, particularly young college teams like UVa, have trouble piecing together 14-15 play drives (what it generally takes to get to the end zone at 5.5 yards per play).

OL: a trouble spot for UVa, mostly because it’s young and patchwork. The left side of the line working in from tackle to the center goes R-Fr, So, So. On the right side, from guard to tackle, it goes Sr to Grad transfer. I write “Grad transfer” to emphasize the patchwork nature of things. That said, UVa got R.J. Proctor back last week, and run blocking (with a little help from Miami dropping 7 back into pass coverage a lot) perked up a bit. Pass protection has been a problem all season, but Perkins’ elusiveness has kept that from being a completely fatal flaw (but see the NCSt game).

The bottom line: don’t let Perkins’ legs and Zacchaeus pass receiving yield chunk plays; make Ellis work the team down the field (if you can stop him cold with four DL so much the better; you’ll win going away).

Defense:

DL: like the OL, patchwork and young (teams are usually in big trouble when both lines are trouble spots). Most of the year, UVa has played Alonso (So) and Hanback (Jr) at DE and Redmond (T-Fr) at NT. Hanback is seasoned and doesn’t make many mistakes. Last week, UVa moved Hanback from DE back to NT (where he played last year despite being a DE by body type) and played Faumui (T-Fr) a lot more at DE. I surmise that was done as a situational thingie for Miami, and Duke will see mostly Alonso, Redmond, and Hanback across the defensive front.

At times, the DL (particularly last week with 2 stops on 4th down) has been pretty good this year. That said, when the DL struggles with its gaps, the run fits tend to break down in a particularly ugly way, allowing other teams’ offense to gash UVa badly. That’s what I would probe early on, if I were Cutcliffe. Very rarely has the DL been able to bring consistent sack pressure against the other team’s QB. If Jones is patient, I’m guessing he’ll have plenty of time to make his reads and progressions.

LBs: this unit was to have been one of the team’s two gems. Charles Snowden (So), Jordan Mack (Jr), Malcolm Cook (Sr), and Chris Peace (Sr) were all proven quantities. Peace led ACC LBs in sacks last year. Mack posted 115 tackles last year and was the first true freshman to start the first game of his first true freshman season since Ahmad Brooks. Snowden showed lots of promise last year which has been ratified this year with linebacker of the week honors. Unfortunately, both inside LBs (Mack and Cook) were injured earlier in the year (this is where troublesome run fits come into play), but Cook has returned to duty, though he’s playing behind Robert Snider for the time being.

With that said about UVa’s DL and LBs, if Duke’s running game can get UVa into bad run fits and throw in a little play action, Duke should have a pretty easy time moving the football. That was NCSt’s recipe for success.

DBs: clearly this is UVa’s best defensive unit. Juan Thornhill was the national defensive player of the week last week and has started at corner and safety. Thornhill is quite a gamer, having won two state championships in football (QB and safety) and three in basketball.

Knowing how much Duke fans like their basketball, here are three highlight plays from Thornhill’s final basketball championship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9iojwtuJbQ.

Starting with Thornhill (Sr) are Bryce Hall (Jr), Joey Blount (So), and Tim Harris (6th year Sr). Nominally playing behind Thornhill is Brenton Nelson, last year’s freshman defensive player of the year. I say “nominally” because, though UVa is conventionally described as a 3-4 defense, they spend a lot of time in a 2-4-5 look, with Nelson as the nickel back and Peace and Snowden looking a lot like stand-up DEs. (From time to time, they even play a 1-5-5).

To sum everything up, when UVa is on offense I expect Cutcliffe will try to make Ellis earn UVa’s way downfield, one small chunk of yardage at a time and limit big chunk damage from Perkins’ legs and Zacchaeus’ receiving. When Duke is on offense, I expect Cutcliffe to probe UVa’s run fits up front while using some play action and routes (particularly crossing routes) across the middle of the field that make UVa’s young ILBs think too much.

If it were in Charlottesville, I’d favor UVa by 3, but it’s not, so I’m expecting a pretty good game, probably low scoring, say, Duke 20 UVa 13.

Great preview. Thanks for taking the time to post!

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Just read Steve Wiseman's excellent N and O article....and in it, he mentions that Duke's D is LAST in the ACC on third down quarterback pressures. What is up with that? Are we always laying back in a zone rushing 3 on 3rd?

[awhom111]

Blackout Map:
http://a.espncdn.com/espn3/images/2010/blackout/3450646.jpg

Channels carrying game:
http://theacc.com/sports/2018/10/16/FB_RSN-UVA-DU-1020.aspx

Options based on location:

Black:
-On TV on one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)
-Online through service provided by one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)

Green:
-On TV on one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)
-On TV via ESPN College Extra (may only be available to DirecTV and Verizon FIOS customers with a certain subscription level)
-Online through service provided by one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)
-Online through ACC Network Extra feature of WatchESPN

[OldPhiKap]

Great post, UVa1982. Must spread comments before sporking again unfortunately.

[hallcity]

Blackout Map:
http://a.espncdn.com/espn3/images/2010/blackout/3450646.jpg

Channels carrying game:
http://theacc.com/sports/2018/10/16/FB_RSN-UVA-DU-1020.aspx

Options based on location:

Black:
-On TV on one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)
-Online through service provided by one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)

Green:
-On TV on one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)
-On TV via ESPN College Extra (may only be available to DirecTV and Verizon FIOS customers with a certain subscription level)
-Online through service provided by one of the stations from the list above (may need to be in-market subscriber)
-Online through ACC Network Extra feature of WatchESPN

Or if you don’t live so far away, you could, like, just come to the game.

[Reilly]

I think we're gonna beat the hell out of UVa and cover whatever spread Vegas settles on.

IF Cerenord, Q, and Gilbert were playing, I think we would've shut them out or come close to it.

I see this as a "program" game and while UVa's program is in better shape than it's been in a long while, ours is currently better.

I've been wrong before.

[awhom111]

I wondered about that channel. I'm just over the line in Santa Cruz County, so I am forced to take the Salinas stations instead of SF.
On DirecTV, I get all the RSNs from across the country. I never know if the game will actually come through on one of them. Sometimes, some of them are blocked and some come through. Sometimes, the DVR can't find any of them that are unblocked.

DirecTV 789, which should mean Verizon FIOS 822 for those with ESPN College Extra.

[devildeac]

Great post, UVa1982. Must spread comments before sporking again unfortunately.

I agree. I covered your line last PM. ;)

[UVa1981]

Great preview. Thanks for taking the time to post!

Fun colloquy with you guys, as always. Looking forward to today's game. I think you've got a great chessmaster in Cutcliffe and we've got one in Mendenhall. It's just that you've got a few more pieces to play with.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Fun colloquy with you guys, as always. Looking forward to today's game. I think you've got a great chessmaster in Cutcliffe and we've got one in Mendenhall. It's just that you've got a few more pieces to play with.

That may be true...about a few more pieces....but we don't have any pieces athletically like Zaccheus and your QB.

[Banana]

My updated unofficial Depth Chart is attached. 8729

The good news is that Aaron Young, Zach Harmon and Michael Carter all came back last week. The bad news is that Edgar Cerenord was hurt against Georgia Tech and lost for the rest of the season. The official Depth Chart is complicating my unofficial Depth Chart (where I am trying to cram too much into a limited space), because Brandon Feamster and Jeremy McDuffie are shown as playing on the second or third team at both cornerback and safety. That's good in that Feamster and McDuffie are playing well enough that the coaches want to keep them on the field, but it also means that the coaches don't have much confidence in Antone Williams or Mason Williams at cornerback. I had been hopeful that as a former first team all-Ivy League cornerback, Mason Williams would have skills that would translate well into ACC play, but that apparently is not the case.

Now that cornerback Tony Davis (with an impressive 317 national rating at 247 Sports) has recommitted to Duke, I have reinstated him on the Depth Chart. I have also reinstated cornerback Jalen Alexander, who I had deleted earlier just to save space (he has never wavered in his commitment as far as I know). This shows how much talent we are adding at cornerback next year. We are also adding lots of talent at defensive end and wide receiver. I am hoping that linebacker Nick Jackson will also commit soon. 247 Sports thinks our primary competition for Jackson is Northwestern and Virginia. Since we have already beaten Northwestern, one benefit of a win today over Virginia might be that it would spur Jackson to commit to Duke. Stay tuned ...

Note that Chris Rumph has 16 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss (which leads the team), and a fumble recovery on just 218 snaps. He is quickly turning into a monster!

[House G]

Can someone in Durham update us on the weather and the forecast? It appears from the radar that it may rain the whole game. If this is the case, does this favor one team or the other?

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Can someone in Durham update us on the weather and the forecast? It appears from the radar that it may rain the whole game. If this is the case, does this favor one team or the other?

Yeah, rain pretty much for those four hours. More great luck for Wade to show empty seats on TV......

[-jk]

DBR Chat (http://forums.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/misc.php?do=cchatbox) is open!

If it gets a bit slow, refresh the page. If you're on a mobile device, you'll need to select "Blue" at the bottom.

As always - please follow the DBR Posting Guidelines.

Let's Go Duke!

-jk

[OldPhiKap]

Per Steve W. Aaron Young out, Brittain Brown dressed but unlikely.

[Acymetric]

Not pretty so far...

[Acymetric]

Not a fan of the super-prevent defense on that third and extra long. Great coverage on 4th though.

[ChrisP]

Not a fan of the super-prevent defense on that third and extra long. Great coverage on 4th though.

Agreed regarding 3rd down D. Lucky we didn't get a flag on that play in the end zone

[ChrisP]

Special teams HIGHLY unimpressive thus far. We look like a middle school team on kick coverage!

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Not a fan of the super-prevent defense on that third and extra long. Great coverage on 4th though.

Definitely gun shy compared to Knowles, who would dial it up on 3rd down. Wiseman had an article pointing out that Duke's QB pressures on third down were the worst in the ACC. With our personnel, that's inexcusable.

[fuse]

Gut check time.

[Kimist]

I am in Raleigh area and cannot find the game either over-the-air or via AT&T U-verse.
(channel number, please)
Thanks!

k

[arnie]

Definitely gun shy compared to Knowles, who would dial it up on 3rd down. Wiseman had an article pointing out that Duke's QB pressures on third down were the worst in the ACC. With our personnel, that's inexcusable.

Really really ugly. Receivers killing us.

[ChrisP]

I am in Raleigh area and cannot find the game either over-the-air or via AT&T U-verse.
(channel number, please)
Thanks!

k

I am watching online on Fox Sports. Hope that helps

[ChrisP]

I know it's raining but...you gotta catch these passes that hit you in the HANDS. And now yet ANOTHER big special teams kick coverage mistake. Grrrr

[dukelifer]

I am watching online on Fox Sports. Hope that helps

Worse game Duke has played in a very long time- almost hard to watch.

[Wander]

Daniel Jones should just leave for the NFL at halftime. His talent is completely irrelevant with our WRs.

[Dukehky]

Really really ugly. Receivers killing us.

The only unit that has been even okay today is the linebackers.

[BlueandWhite]

Definitely gun shy compared to Knowles, who would dial it up on 3rd down. Wiseman had an article pointing out that Duke's QB pressures on third down were the worst in the ACC. With our personnel, that's inexcusable.

What a poor showing by Duke. Bad tackling, no blocking by the offensive line, special teams... can’t see them getting back into this game, they’re being totally outplayed on both sides of the ball.

[Kimist]

I am watching online on Fox Sports. Hope that helps

My two Fox Sports channels (AT&T U-Verse) are currently showing Illinois vs Wisconsin and a German soccer match.
Who knows. . .
Thanks anyway. Others' comments are not too reassuring.

k

[ChrisP]

Dodged a bullet on the missed kick butt UVA should never have gotten that far anyway as that pass interference call was BS. Now, Duke needs to put together a drive and get some points here. Preferably 7!

[AvlDukie]

We have exactly 18 yards thus far well into 2nd quarter.
Lucky to not be down 21-0.
Special teams play absolutely killing us.

[luvdahops]

Missed FG after the bogus PI call could be the break we needed to get back into this. But we’ve gotta pick it up a few notches in all phases to do so.

Poor ball recognition by our DBs remains an annoyingly recurring theme. I would’ve expected that to be a big point of emphasis in practice after the VT game.

[ChrisP]

Seriously, CATCH THE BALL!

[luvdahops]

Missed FG after the bogus PI call could be the break we needed to get back into this. But we’ve gotta pick it up a few notches in all phases to do so.

Poor ball recognition by our DBs remains an annoyingly recurring theme. I would’ve expected that to be a big point of emphasis in practice after the VT game.

Dropped passes killing us too...

[ChrisP]

Credit to UVA but...we are awful today. Finally had some momentum going aaaaand DJ throws it up for grabs. Ugh

[ChrisP]

We will be lucky if it's only 14-0 at half. Here's to hoping we can get something going in 2nd half.

[peteandpete]

Virginia's playing well; however, this is a horrible half of football by our guys. True team effort. Special teams failure, poor offensive line play, dropped passes, penalties.....disappointing to say the least. And I expect more than the least will be said at the break.

[cbarry]

Probably one of the worst half of football by a Duke team in the last few years... just horrible on both sides of the ball (and special teams coverage). Yet we are only down 2 TD. Need some motivation at the half to play football!

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Duke fans in Wally Wade at 2H kickoff:
I'm going with 54

[UVa1981]

Anybody know what happened to your #66? Saw his ankle get rolled up in one of those classic, wrong place, wrong time plays.

You guys have really been snakebit when it comes to injuries this year.

[arnie]

Duke fans in Wally Wade at 2H kickoff:
I'm going with 54

I’ll go with 82 - matches our yardage in 1st half

[richardjackson199]

Anybody know what happened to your #66? Saw his ankle get rolled up in one of those classic, wrong place, wrong time plays.

You guys have really been snakebit when it comes to injuries this year.

No, but hope Humphries is ok. He is one of our best defensive players.

Mike London to Bronco def one of best coaching upgrades ever. Duke's upgrade from Ted Roof to Cutcliffe just as epic for us. But sadly Bronco has just owned Cutcliffe so far

[Sixthman]

Probably one of the worst half of football by a Duke team in the last few years... just horrible on both sides of the ball (and special teams coverage). Yet we are only down 2 TD. Need some motivation at the half to play football!

Not really any worse than Va Tech owning us last home game. It’s another thing altogether to fail to show up and compete. Cut sugar coated the lack of effort and preparation for that game. I assumed that was a strategy. Maybe he just didn’t see it. It’s becoming chronic for important winnable home games.

[ChrisP]

B-E-A-UTIFIL! Let's goooooo DUUUUUUUUKE!

[arnie]

Team at least seems alert this half. Cut may have roasted em in locker room.

[ChrisP]

Team at least seems alert this half. Cut may have roasted em in locker room.

If he didn't, he's not the coach I believe him to be!

[UVa1981]

No, but hope Humphries is ok. He is one of our best defensive players.

Mike London to Bronco def one of best coaching upgrades ever. Duke's upgrade from Ted Roof to Cutcliffe just as epic for us. But sadly Bronco has just owned Cutcliffe so far

Looks like Humphries is coming back. Best thoughts for your #66. Hate seeing kids get hurt playing a game.

[cbarry]

We still just look way slower and less energetic than UVA. Huge difference in the sideline attitudes shows on TV.

[peteandpete]

Weak call!

[peteandpete]

Hold on the blitz. They've missed a few of these.

[Sixthman]

Soft defenders for Duke who look wholly indifferent to being on the field. They don’t even look like they feel bad when they fail. Not a playmaker on the field today other than 44.

[RaiderDevil]

I’ll go with 82 - matches our yardage in 1st half

I'm responsible for four of those that left. Too wet and miserable to watch the lack of effort.

[peteandpete]

Hold on the blitz. They've missed a few of these.

QH time. Bad decision. Just wasn't there.

[cbarry]

38% of Jones’s career interceptions against 1 team (UVA)! Just baffling.

Ugh. Just not our day.

[DU82]

Looks like Humphries is coming back. Best thoughts for your #66. Hate seeing kids get hurt playing a game.

From WW, 66 got clipped by one of our guys at the end of the play. Looked like a knee blown.

[Dukehky]

I'm not too upset with DJ. That as a bad throw, but if he doesn't force it, there's no one making plays on either side of the ball. Gotta try something. Shouldn't have tried that though.

[Dukehky]

Caveat to no one making plays, if someone isn't already paying Chris Rumph, get on it.

[jafarr1]

It's just baffling that 3-4 times per year we don't bother to show up at all for games that should be winnable.

UVA might still have beaten us had we shown up, but I just can't understand why we look so utterly flat and make such boneheaded mistakes in multiple games every year. How does that happen?

[ChillinDuke]

LOL

I'm not watching the game but I'm following on my phone.

Reading these posts first I would have never guessed that were getting the ball back with a chance to take the lead late. LOL

- Chillin

[richardjackson199]

LOL

I'm not watching the game but I'm following on my phone.

Reading these posts first I would have never guessed that were getting the ball back with a chance to take the lead late. LOL

- Chillin

If you had seen the game you would understand. UVA has absolultely dominated this game in all 3 phases. And especially in effort and desire. The score doesn't tell the story at all.

[arnie]

LOL

I'm not watching the game but I'm following on my phone.

Reading these posts first I would have never guessed that were getting the ball back with a chance to take the lead late. LOL

- Chillin

Special teams just killed us again. VA in FG territory after another long punt return.

[duke09hms]

It's just baffling that 3-4 times per year we don't bother to show up at all for games that should be winnable.

UVA might still have beaten us had we shown up, but I just can't understand why we look so utterly flat and make such boneheaded mistakes in multiple games every year. How does that happen?

Cutcliffe. The guy is dead on the sideline every game. Never gets fired up during big games. Maybe he's trying to play it cool, but it trickles down to the team.

[Wander]

LOL

I'm not watching the game but I'm following on my phone.

Reading these posts first I would have never guessed that were getting the ball back with a chance to take the lead late. LOL

- Chillin

Well, maybe that’s why it’s silly for people to try to evaluate games from just reading play-by-plays and box scores. UVA has completely dominated us.

[luvdahops]

Fail to get the stop on 3rd down, then missed tackle/sack opportunity into broken coverage and TD pass

Pretty much sums up the day - they wanted it more and executed much better all game

[Acymetric]

If Jones ever starts in the NFL he will be the most sacked QB in the history of the league. 0 pocket awareness, regardless of poor line play. He does a lot of things very well but pocket awareness and decision making on throws (when to throw it away) are glaring weaknesses.

[AustinDevil]

Someone predicted this would be a “program statement” win, and it definitely is. For UVA.

[cbarry]

Good ol fashioned tail kicking today. We got owned by a team that we should have been able to compete with. Really disappointed with today’s game. Our ceiling looks like 6 wins.

[75Crazie]

If you had seen the game you would understand. UVA has absolultely dominated this game in all 3 phases. And especially in effort and desire. The score doesn't tell the story at all.
Actually, UVA did their best to keep us in the game. Their play calling, I thought, was horrendous (particularly the decision to kick a field goal on their third first-half possession), and they made two or three bonehead plays of their own. But none of that was enough to overcome the huge difference in line play and, to be honest, enthusiasm that was evident pretty much all game. Duke was just never in this one, even given that we had the ball in the fourth quarter down 6 points. It just looked like men against boys out there, and brought back real bad memories of pre-Cutcliffe days.

[Sixthman]

Cutcliffe. The guy is dead on the sideline every game. Never gets fired up during big games. Maybe he's trying to play it cool, but it trickles down to the team.

You’ve got to hold coach accountable when team plays without inspiration. I don’t know how they expect to fill up the stadium with back to back flat home performances like these. You feel better about a loss when you know you gave your best. N/A

[Troublemaker]

Some programs just match up well with others for some reason. We match up well with Georgia Tech, and UVA matches up well with us. I don't follow football closely enough to know why.

[richardjackson199]

In happier news Syracuse just tied the cheats with a bomb TD. Catch the end

[richardjackson199]

Similar to last week, cheats had a guy wide open to catch a little pass that would have probably iced away the game. but he dropped it. Now it's tied

[dukelifer]

Cutcliffe. The guy is dead on the sideline every game. Never gets fired up during big games. Maybe he's trying to play it cool, but it trickles down to the team.

This makes no sense. Duke had a bad game- and blew several key plays. The special teams was a big problem today. But I don't see how Cut is dead on the sidelines. I watch Belichick on the sidelines and seems to keep his emotions under check. Not sure how one affects the other.

[duke09hms]

This makes no sense. Duke had a bad game- and blew several key plays. The special teams was a big problem today. But I don't see how Cut is dead on the sidelines. I watch Belichick on the sidelines and seems to keep his emotions under check. Not sure how one affects the other.

Interesting comparison against the GOAT coach in football ... but our team comes out flat and plays uninspired football in home games against decent teams. The Patriots don't and win.

UVA and VT were fired up and focused in their games against us. We weren't and just took it. College football is an emotional game. Something we lack in our "big" games at home, to go along with our complacency tolerating (read: "loyalty") mediocre coaches.

[DarkstarWahoo]

I know y’all probably don’t want to hear a ton from Hoos right now, but I do want to say that this was the first time I got a look at the new Wallace Wade, and man, you guys hit a home run with that renovation. Just beautiful.

[richardjackson199]

Interesting comparison against the GOAT coach in football ... but our team comes out flat and plays uninspired football in home games against decent teams. The Patriots don't and win.

UVA and VT were fired up and focused in their games against us. We weren't and just took it. College football is an emotional game. Something we lack in our "big" games at home, to go along with our complacency tolerating (read: "loyalty") mediocre coaches.

What? Duke is 5-2. Did you see how we played under the tenures of Carl Franks, Ted Roof, and most of Fred Goldsmith?

The turnaround Cutcliffe has brought to Duke football has been incredible. Today wasn't our day, but Cut has brought a totally different era to Duke football. Duke football used to be a joke. Not any more.

[YmoBeThere]

My other alma mater's coach is extremely animated. They are 21-35 during his time there. I like the guy but Coach Cut get much better results. James Franklin would seem to me to be the ideal coach for some here. Problem is that those coaches leave for bigger jobs.

[fuse]

Disappointed with the perceived lack of effort / poor showing all around.

Have to wonder how much of the Jekyll and Hyde performances are related to injuries.

[duke09hms]

What? Duke is 5-2. Did you see how we played under the tenures of Carl Franks, Ted Roof, and most of Fred Goldsmith?

The turnaround Cutcliffe has brought to Duke football has been incredible. Today wasn't our day, but Cut has brought a totally different era to Duke football. Duke football used to be a joke. Not any more.

Mediocre: of moderate quality, ordinary, average, middling, middle-of-the-road, uninspired, undistinguished, indifferent, unexceptional, unexciting, unremarkable, run-of-the-mill, pedestrian, prosaic, lackluster, forgettable

Yes I did see how we played under previous coaches: terrible, way below mediocre.

Given the sheer financial resources Duke started pouring into football when we got Cutcliffe, we should expect not to be a joke. And props to him, we are no longer a joke. The 2013 ten-win season was a miracle overachievement. How Roper and Bridge still have jobs here is beyond me, and we habitually come out lacking focus and energy in big home games.

Since the other programs in the ACC Coastal upgraded from terrible/outdated coaches (Pitt, UVA, VT) to very good coaches, they've been largely owning us. I think we've peaked under Cut, and if we're fine maxing out 7 wins/yr, then ok, keep him, Roper, Bridges, and all the underqualified assistants he keeps promoting. Hopefully Ben Albert doesn't lose hope at the mediocre colleagues surrounding him and leave.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

What? Duke is 5-2. Did you see how we played under the tenures of Carl Franks, Ted Roof, and most of Fred Goldsmith?.

If that's the standard, then we're never ever leaving mediocre.

[richardjackson199]

If that's the standard, then we're never ever leaving mediocre.

UNCheat and Fedora would like to be mediocre about now. They're 1-5 after losing to Cuse in double OT. Fedora is about one loss from getting fired.

And Orange teams looking good near Halloween in the ACC

[HereBeforeCoachK]

UNCheat and Fedora would like to be mediocre about now. They're 1-5 after losing to Cuse in double OT. Fedora is about one loss from getting fired.

And Orange teams looking good near Halloween in the ACC

Once again, your standards are very low. I don't give a rat's arse about Fedora and the cheats. That said, they'd have whooped us today.

[richardjackson199]

The rain definitely seemed to help UVA today if one side benefitted. It slowed our fast defense against their speedy, crafty QB Perkins. Maybe it contributed to more dropped passes by our receivers. And one healthy RB wasn't ideal when the passing game suffered.

Hopefully getting dominated will refocus the team to a great effort at Pitt

[DarkstarWahoo]

The rain definitely seemed to help UVA today if one side benefitted. It slowed our fast defense against their speedy, crafty QB Perkins. Maybe it contributed to more dropped passes by our receivers. And one healthy RB wasn't ideal when the passing game suffered.

Hopefully getting dominated will refocus the team to a great effort at Pitt

Which is odd, because he’s played his entire career in Arizona, and when they asked him about the forecast, he basically said “I’ve never really played in rain before.”

[duke09hms]

UNCheat and Fedora would like to be mediocre about now. They're 1-5 after losing to Cuse in double OT. Fedora is about one loss from getting fired.

And Orange teams looking good near Halloween in the ACC

Why the comparison to the worst coaching staff in the Coastal? The great thing about Fedora's buyout package is that he's not getting fired because if they get someone decent like UVA, VT, Pitt, good chance they return to whooping us regularly instead of only half the time.

We'll see how we do against them at home.

[richardjackson199]

Which is odd, because he’s played his entire career in Arizona, and when they asked him about the forecast, he basically said “I’ve never really played in rain before.”

Congrats on a big win. Well deserved.

Lots of football left for Duke. Hopefully we'll play better

[uh_no]

I think Bob might need some sauce after that one. That was painful.

82 yards in the first half.

[richardjackson199]

Why the comparison to the worst coaching staff in the Coastal? The great thing about Fedora's buyout package is that he's not getting fired because if they get someone decent like UVA, VT, Pitt, good chance they return to whooping us regularly instead of only half the time.

We'll see how we do against them at home.

Because I just wanted to point out that UNCheat is now 1-5. It warms my heart like good, hot cider on a rainy fall day.

Fedora just lost to a QB named Tommy DeVito, the same name as Joe Pesci's character in Goodfellas. He was funny how? Did he amuse? Yep. Funny like he was a clown.

[DarkstarWahoo]

Congrats on a big win. Well deserved.

Lots of football left for Duke. Hopefully we'll play better

Thank you. You guys are better than we saw today.

I’ll spork this when I’m on a computer, but it always bears saying where everyone can see it: You guys are all class. Thanks for having me around.

[devildeac]

What? Duke is 5-2. Did you see how we played under the tenures of Carl Franks, Ted Roof, and most of Fred Goldsmith?

The turnaround Cutcliffe has brought to Duke football has been incredible. Today wasn't our day, but Cut has brought a totally different era to Duke football. Duke football used to be a joke. Not any more.

Today brought back memories of the bolded above. Bad memories.

[devildeac]

UNCheat and Fedora would like to be mediocre about now. They're 1-5 after losing to Cuse in double OT. Fedora is about one loss from getting fired.

And Orange teams looking good near Halloween in the ACC

I'm sending them a check to give him a lifetime contract. Who's with me?

[devildeac]

I think Bob might need some sauce after that one. That was painful.

82 yards in the first half.

I thought I saw 84. But, you're correct. WTH?

:mad:

[devildeac]

Thank you. You guys are better than we saw today.

I’ll spork this when I’m on a computer, but it always bears saying where everyone can see it: You guys are all class. Thanks for having me around.

You are a welcomed/appreciated poster here.

[devildeac]

Here is a solid article from Steve Wiseman on what Duke has to do to beat Virginia:

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article220247535.html

1. Turnovers
2. Running game
3. 3rd Down defense

0/3. Pretty pathetic.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Most disappointing performance all around. Offense and all special teams were anything but special. The defense gave up 28 points, and yes they missed lots of tackles on third and fourth down plays, but they kept us in a game that could have been a blowout. As a friend pointed out, our defense is showing the results of losing Gilbert, Cerenord and Quansah (third linebacker, first sub in). The guys behind them were good depth, but not yet good starters or second stringers (the guys behind the guys who moved up in the pecking order). So I'll cut the defense some slack today, and they played almost the entire first half.

One last thought: FIRE ROPER!

Next play. LGD! GTHc! (and thank you Syracuse for salvaging our day!)

[Acymetric]

Most disappointing performance all around. Offense and all special teams were anything but special. The defense gave up 28 points, and yes they missed lots of tackles on third and fourth down plays, but they kept us in a game that could have been a blowout. As a friend pointed out, our defense is showing the results of losing Gilbert, Cerenord and Quansah (third linebacker, first sub in). The guys behind them were good depth, but not yet good starters or second stringers (the guys behind the guys who moved up in the pecking order). So I'll cut the defense some slack today, and they played almost the entire first half.

One last thought: FIRE ROPER!

Next play. LGD! GTHc! (and thank you Syracuse for salvaging our day!)


One last word in defense of the defense, UVA had the ball for almost 37 minutes. That is an awful big ask for a defense plagued by injuries both before and during the game (and the fatigue level may have played into some of those injuries).

[HereBeforeCoachK]

One last word in defense of the defense, UVA had the ball for almost 37 minutes. That is an awful big ask for a defense plagued by injuries both before and during the game (and the fatigue level may have played into some of those injuries).

I"ll second this ^^ - and I'll add that not only is it the 37 minutes and injuries, it must also be dispiriting for the D to know our O is so mediocre...and I'll say this.....I do not like our conservative rush 3 drop 8 on almost all third down situations.

[arnie]

One last word in defense of the defense, UVA had the ball for almost 37 minutes. That is an awful big ask for a defense plagued by injuries both before and during the game (and the fatigue level may have played into some of those injuries).

Yeah, I don’t blame the D. Disappointed that we have the best front 7 in decades and we’re squandering the moment with Roof-like special teams and Franks-like offensive line/receivers.

We will need to beat either Pitt, Cheats or WF to go bowling. Should be able to win at least on of tbese, but don’t see 8 wins anymore.

[Wander]

Yeah, I don’t blame the D. Disappointed that we have the best front 7 in decades and we’re squandering the moment with Roof-like special teams and Franks-like offensive line/receivers.


Yeah, I don't fault the D. I'll add that I don't really fault the QB either. He made a few bad throws and took a few unnecessary sacks, but I think those mistakes are sourced from a feeling that he has to take some risks given how bad the receivers are. And our WRs are awful. That is by far the biggest weakness of the team IMO. And it's wasting a good QB.

But, our QB and D is good enough such that we could still get to 8 wins. It's far from a disaster of a season.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

But, our QB and D is good enough such that we could still get to 8 wins. It's far from a disaster of a season. I think we're looking at 7-5 best case and of course 5-7 worst case....

Let's be realistic, in the last 180 minutes of football, Duke has played well about 5 minutes....the first drive of the game and the final 2 minutes of the third period against Ga Tech. Outside of those 5 minutes, we're down 73-28.

[Wander]

I think we're looking at 7-5 best case and of course 5-7 worst case...


That's extreme recency bias. We're better than 3 of the teams remaining on our schedule, so 8 wins is certainly possible, and I would describe 9 wins as the "best case" scenario. Probably 7-5 is the most likely scenario right now.

[Bob Green]

When we got the ball back in the 4th quarter down 20-14, I thought we would win. Unfortunately, after completing a pass for a 1st down Jones was sacked three straight plays and we were forced to punt. UVa gets a great return to set-up the TD that put the game away.

As bad as we played/looked, we were in position to win in the 4th quarter.

[TruBlu]

I"ll second this ^^ - and I'll add that not only is it the 37 minutes and injuries, it must also be dispiriting for the D to know our O is so mediocre...and I'll say this...I do not like our conservative rush 3 drop 8 on almost all third down situations.

I’ll third Acy’s post, second yours, and also add that it must also be dispiriting for the defense to have to start defending in terrible defensive field position due to poor punt and kickoff coverage.

I know that I was dispirited (and wet) as a spectator.

In Cut’s postgame radio interview, Cut laid total blame on himself for the loss - a noble gesture (and possibly some coach speak). I think there was enough blame to be placed in other places as well: Some players, some assistant coaches, and some very unimaginative playcalling (with a few exceptions).

[Pghdukie]

Game over. We lost. Let's move on. Who's next.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

That's extreme recency bias. We're better than 3 of the teams remaining on our schedule, so 8 wins is certainly possible, and I would describe 9 wins as the "best case" scenario. Probably 7-5 is the most likely scenario right now.

I would say realistic recency bias....as in that's who Duke is now. This is not the team that beat NW, Baylor and Army. Too many injuries, too many dropped passes, too many minutes on the field by our D.

[duke2x]

I think we're looking at 7-5 best case and of course 5-7 worst case...

Let's be realistic, in the last 180 minutes of football, Duke has played well about 5 minutes...the first drive of the game and the final 2 minutes of the third period against Ga Tech. Outside of those 5 minutes, we're down 73-28.

You are correct in part about our offense. GT has a video game team this year, and we probably should have won 14-7. Today was a ST coverage clinic more than anything else.

5-7 is really a bit too pessimistic from our current 5-2. We still have 3 suspect defenses (> 30 PPG) left on our schedule without the video game offense: Pitt, UNC, and Wake. The first two are improving, but Wake has really fallen apart as the season has progressed. We also don't know what we'll get with Miami now that Tier 2 bowls are likely for them. Clemson should be ugly.

[W&LHoo]

When we got the ball back in the 4th quarter down 20-14, I thought we would win. Unfortunately, after completing a pass for a 1st down Jones was sacked three straight plays and we were forced to punt. UVa gets a great return to set-up the TD that put the game away.

As bad as we played/looked, we were in position to win in the 4th quarter.

This. I was terrified at that moment in the game.

You guys are a good team that has come out flat in your two losses, and even then weren't dominated. I suppose every board gets down on their team after a disappointing loss, but I don't really think you guys have much to worry about.

The one thing you did seem to be missing today, and that Mendenhall seems to have (finally) found for UVA, is intensity. It's weird that your lines - on paper better than ours - got pushed around so much.

[Bob Green]

Jim Sumner recap is well worth the read:

https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2018/10/20/18003942/duke-falls-to-virginia-28-14-duke-football

Money quote:


Duke’s offense simply had no answers, at least not in the opening half. Duke ran nine first-down plays in the first half and picked up all of six yards. Absent injured playmakers Brittain Brown and Aaron Young and constantly playing behind the chains, Duke had little margin for error.

The dropped deep pass by Jarett Garner on 1st down of our second possession was a heartbreaker.

[Devilwin]

Combination of things led to this.
A. Offensive line play..Very bad. No holes for the backs to run through, and Jones looked like a squirrel dodging traffic on an interstate every time he went back to pass.

B. Special teams play was bad. Really, really bad, and there were several untimely penalties.

C. Jones' receivers did him no favors, dropping several balls that should have been caught.

D. Very predictable offense. No imagination whatsoever, except for the trick play pass to Helms..

E. Injury bug bites. The loss of several key players has us reeling right now. This team cannot afford injuries like an Alabama or a Clemson, who can go three deep and not miss a beat..

To sum it all up, this team can still be a very good team, 8 wins is not impossible, 7 is more likely though. But it's gonna take a much bigger effort than we saw yesterday afternoon..

[Bob Green]

Steve Wiseman recap is also worth the read:

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article220096530.html

Money quote:


Duke starting linebacker Ben Humphreys injured his left leg late in the first half. Initially thought unable to return he was on the field for a couple of third-quarter plays before he and the medical staff determined he was done for the day.

His status for Saturday’s game at Pittsburgh is unknown.

The injuries continue to mount. OT Jaylen Miller is out-for-the-season. Status of RB Brittain Brown remains unknown. WR Aaron Young did not play.

[Devilwin]

Steve Wiseman recap is also worth the read:

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article220096530.html

Money quote:



The injuries continue to mount. OT Jaylen Miller is out-for-the-season. Status of RB Brittain Brown remains unknown. WR Aaron Young did not play.

We cannot afford any more injuries to key players, period. This is getting out of hand..

[TruBlu]

Optomistic morning-after thought: We don’t have to play any more teams from Virginia at Wallace Wade.

(Please tell me Richmond hasn’t been added to our schedule.)

[Bob Green]

It was worth sitting in the rain to see this play:


https://twitter.com/i/status/1053727110551011331

[DarkstarWahoo]

Optomistic morning-after thought: We don’t have to play any more teams from Virginia at Wallace Wade.

(Please tell me Richmond hasn’t been added to our schedule.)

I’m sure Liberty would still be open for business if you guys wanted to add a game.

Did you know that they have a home-and-home with New Mexico State with both games taking place this season? The life of an FBS independent in 2018...