FB: Duke 26, Northwestern 20 (2OT)

Stray Gator said:
Okay, so Duke is trailing by 3 late in the fourth quarter, facing a third-and-one from the three-yard-line against a clearly worn-down Northwestern defense that just got gashed for some decent rushing yards. Instead of a running play that would most likely maximize ball security and would at worst leave the team with an easy field goal attempt to tie the game, Duke's offensive wizards call for a play-action pass in which the QB fades back and tosses a risky short pass to a well-covered receiver behind the line of scrimmage. Anyway, Duke gets the field goal on fourth down to tie the game. Whew.

Fast forward to the second overtime, where Northwestern is trailing by 6, facing a third-and-one from the 2.5-yard-line against a clearly worn-down Duke defense that just got gashed for several successive rushes by the Wildcats' big back. [Stop me if you've heard this one before.] Instead of a running play to that guy, which would most likely maximize ball security and would at worst leave the team with a short fourth down distance to gain, Northwestern's offensive wizards call for what appears to be a QB rollout with the option to run or pass, which results in an 8-yard loss. Northwestern fails on a desperation fourth-down pass and loses the game -- but wins the "Hold My Beer" award for the week. :rolleyes:

Getting the win was well worth staying up to watch, and justified celebrating. But that was hardly a showcase game. And frankly, I thought Duke's offensive game plan and situational play-calling -- at least until midway through the fourth quarter and in overtime -- was unimpressive, even considering the field conditions and injuries. Here's hoping our players and coaches will learn from what worked and didn't work last night, and we'll see the benefits in upcoming games. It appears to me that this team already has a fairly stout defense, and has much greater potential on the offensive side. If properly developed and sensibly deployed, Duke has the weapons to produce some unexpectedly enjoyable wins this season.
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what saved us was their play calling and execution was even more dubious...game of horrendous errors that managed to end well, which is a bit disorienting for some of us codger Duke football fans.
 
Despite the low score the game was somehow sort of exciting as in which team was going to make the next blunder. Then as others have pointed out we seemed to come together late in the game. Was that the Feeley effect? One thing for sure, no more running by Murphy. The line seems to pass block better than run block, so throw the darn ball. Maybe misremembering, but reminds me of Spurrier teams of late 1980’s, pass first. The defense appears every bit as good as fat Elmo’s with more potential for explosive defense plays. Wonder what Manny could have done with last year’s defense?
 
SkyBrickey said:
In 4Q and OT we started passing on first down and it totally changed the game. I think this offense has potential. Open it up!
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I think I saw a really conservative Offense. Reminded me of the worst of the Cutcliffe era -- simple handoffs into the middle, very little deception. Part of the problem is the immobility of Murphy. I just don't get how a top D1 athlete, a QB, can't learn to run better. Maalik, running is fun! You can do it!

I haven't mentioned, of course, all the missed passes -- off target, drops. Not easy to watch. I know that our O line was depleted. Murphy often didn't have much time.

I haven't watched/studied this O as much as others here. So, I would appreciate insights to correct what I thought my eyeballs saw.

Our D was stout!

Go Duke!
 
Bob Green said:
As a diehard advocate of running the football it pains me to say this team needs to pass to setup the run vice running to setup the pass. The injury to Jaquez Moore exacerbates the situation.
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Yeah, our offensive line seems better at pass blocking than run blocking. Of course, we'll have to run some in order to keep defenses off balance, but I can see short passes to running backs for sure. The MM handoffs where he acts like he might keep the ball and run, must go. They are silly. No one on defense sees MM as a running risk at all, unfortunately probably for good reason. I think we can have a good "pass first" offense, but I bet the offensive coaches will need to adjust their game plans and even their play sheets. They almost certainly assumed we'd be a better running team than we are. All that said, while our defense isn't dominant, it has been impressive, at least so far. That is no small thing! This team can go bowling.
 
uh_no said:
same. i turned it off after the fumble....i thought it was 100% clear, and certainly not going to be overturned the other way. but here we are, 2-0. I imagine NW fans are PISSED
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I just can't believe someone would give up on our team after witnessing the "fumble." Oh my, the guilts are hitting me. Out, damned spot! I confess that a close friend also turned it off after the fumble...just sayin. Still learning life lessons here...and lessons following Duke football. Not for the faint of heart.

My haste was also encouraged by the overall level of play on the O side. I confess that I was pretty down on the O by then. I need to channel the patience of Sagegrouse!
 
Early in the 3rd Quarter, with Duke trailing 10-7, Henry Belin IV subbed for Murphy for four plays... three QB runs and one completed pass, total 19 yards. Murphy came back in to complete the drive and the rest of the game. At the time I was relieved to see some variety from the Duke offense and in fact Duke converted a field goal on that drive to tie the game at 10.

I did not pick up any comments from the announcers about why Belin was inserted for those plays. I noted a distinct increase in the energy level of Duke's offense for those 4 plays. Murphy obviously runs only as a last resort when flushed out of the pocket. That near fumble on the last drive in regulation has me convinced that Murphy should not be running the ball at all.
 
DoubleBlue said:
Early in the 3rd Quarter, with Duke trailing 10-7, Henry Belin IV subbed for Murphy for four plays... three QB runs and one completed pass, total 19 yards. Murphy came back in to complete the drive and the rest of the game. At the time I was relieved to see some variety from the Duke offense and in fact Duke converted a field goal on that drive to tie the game at 10.
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I had been calling for Grayson to come in even before that point, but I think we now know how the depth chart works out. (Regardless of who it was, I was happy for the change.)
 
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