Tag Archive for: #dukefootball

Duke’s Dominant Defense Thrived in Military Bowl Win

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

In their first Bowl game since 2018, the Duke Blue Devils’ stout defense prevailed, tallying a Military Bowl-record six sacks and eight tackles for a loss. The unit also deflected four passes and forced three fumbles.

Duke wasted no time putting points on the board. In the first quarter, Duke’s offense, led by Military Bowl MVP Riley Leonard, executed a nine-play, 87-yard scoring drive to take an early lead. Through four quarters, Leonard scored twice with his legs and threw for 173 yards.

Leonard, once again, was the star of the show. When the Blue Devils needed him to scramble to pick up extra yards, he did it. If his coaches needed him to execute a precision pass in tight coverage, it was done.

Despite quickly responding with a one-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at seven in the first quarter, The Knights failed to compile a consistent rhythm on offense, and they struggled to convert on fourth down in crucial situations.

“It was inconsistent,” said head coach Gus Malzahn. “There is no doubt. We didn’t play good enough offensively to give ourselves a chance to win.”

Duke took advantage of The Knights’ miscues, capitalizing on a fumble and outscoring The Knights 13-0 in the second half. Facing a 16-point deficit at the start of the second half, The Knights had an opportunity to flip the script after a favorable exchange of punts gave them good field position, including the Duke 32. However, the offensive series stalled out after insufficient, minimal gains.

Once Duke orchestrated a comfortable lead, its versatile offensive unit won the possession battle with a run-heavy game plan. Four running backs and Leonard ran 40 times for a combined 177 yards.

“I felt we controlled the game pretty well,” said Leonard. “We executed pretty well on offense, did have a couple of three and outs here and there but throughout the game, we consistently ran the ball, and we were able to find the holes in the defense.”

Leonard Throws Duke Past Wake, 34-31

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Duke’s offense demonstrated resilience to defeat visiting Wake Forest, snapping a three-game losing streak to the Demon Deacons and securing the team’s eighth regular-season win. After a tremendous turnaround season, Duke is looking forward to its first bowl since 2018.

During a crisp Saturday evening, both fanbases exchanged chants and cheers as their team fought to maintain its lead. Considering the lead changed hands multiple times, neither Duke nor the Deacons had complete control. A crucial mistake by one team resulted in a successful series for the other. Therefore, fans anxiously sat on the edge of their seats, and coaches paced back and forth as a game-winning drive was imminent.

The Deacons played catch-up for much of the game. After Duke scored, they moved the ball swiftly to keep the win within reach, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pull ahead. Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman responded well under pressure, completing 26 of 42 pass attempts for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

Duke heavily relied on its offensive playmakers to pick apart Wake Forest’s discombobulated secondary and consistently put points on the board. Riley Leonard threw for a career-best 391 yards and four touchdowns, and wide receivers Jalon Calhoun and Sahmir Hagans caught a combined 19 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. Hagans’ 20-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter secured the win.

“Our quarterback was special,” said head coach Mike Elko. “He’s had a special year.”

Duke’s defense, led by linebacker Shaka Heyward, amassed 72 tackles, three sacks, and deflected six passes. Defensive back Darius Joiner intercepted Hartman in crunch time to regain possession with just 1:22 to play.

Duke Heading to Pitt Looking 4th Straight ACC Win

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Duke Bounces Back in the Second Half to Defeat Virginia Tech 24-7

Duke overcame early offensive woes to defeat Virginia Tech and extend its win streak to three.

Duke’s offense, led by sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard, struggled to find a rhythm for most of the first quarter. Their first drive stalled after three plays resulted in a gain of five yards. The Virginia Tech Hokies, on the other hand, got off to a hot start. Their first play went for two yards. Then Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells connected with wide receiver Da’Wain Lofton for an explosive 53-yard score.

Duke’s second offensive series also achieved minimal success. A penalty negated a 17-yard pass, and neither Leonard nor running back Jaquez Moore could find ample room to run. Then Duke managed to flip the script during its third possession.

A 13-yard catch by Duke’s Sahmir Hagans moved the chains for the second time in the first half. Leonard quickly found his footing and picked apart Virginia Tech’s secondary, piecing together an exciting 72-yard offensive drive to set up a 25-yard chip shot for kicker Todd Pelino. Pelino’s field goal was the turning point of the game.

“We responded to a little bit of a slow start and then took control of the game,” said Duke coach Mike Elko.

From then on out, Duke outpaced the Hokies. Duke extended its lead to 10 at the start of the third quarter after Leonard used his long legs and strong upper body to force his way into the end zone.

Duke’s ground game, led by running back Jordan Waters amassed 165 yards on 41 attempts. Leonard picked up a total of 48 yards with his legs. Duke compiled an additional 262 passing yards through four quarters of football with stellar performances from wide receivers Jalon Calhoun and Jontavis Robertson.

In this game, Elko relied on the performance of his dominant defense to secure the win. The unit deflected two passes, forced a turnover, and sacked Wells twice. They also limited Virginia Tech to 4 of 12 on third-down conversions and halted two attempts to convert on fourth down.

“Defensively, our best effort of the year,” said Elko.

What’s next?

Duke (7-4) will travel to Pennsylvania for a matchup against Pittsburgh (6-4). Pittsburgh, on the heels of Duke in the ACC Coastal Conference, is averaging 30 points per game.

Offense and More Offense

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Duke’s potent offense, once again, got off to a hot start, scoring multiple touchdowns in the first half. An impressive display of offensive efficiency and strong tackling on defense helped Duke end a 13-game Atlantic Coasting Conference losing streak. Duke earned its first win against the visiting Virginia Cavaliers since 2014. The Cavaliers have yet to win a road game this season.

Duke, averaging 35 points per game, now sits at the top of the division and continues to propel itself further ahead of the competition. They are showing no signs of slowing down.

“Excited to get ACC win No. 1,” said head coach Mike Elko. “But I just told (the players) the expectations around here are changing.”

Riley Leonard completed 18 of 24 pass attempts and ran the ball nine times for 59 yards, scoring twice with his legs. Duke’s top rushers, led by junior running back Jaylen Coleman, averaged 5.2 yards per carry and ran for a combined 248 yards. In comparison, Virginia’s ground attack accumulated 93 yards on 48 attempts, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.

Even in inclement weather, Duke’s offense didn’t miss a beat. The group maintained a strong grip on the football to avoid unnecessary turnovers. Duke’s offense also dominated in time of possession, holding onto the ball for just over 36 minutes.

Duke’s dominant defense forced two turnovers, including a fumble and interception. The defense, led by senior linebacker Shaka Heyward, collectively amassed 70 tackles (six for a loss) and one sack. Virginia’s defense, on the other hand, compiled 98 tackles (seven for a loss) and one sack.

What’s next?

Duke (4-1) will travel to Atlanta for a matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-3). The Yellow Jackets are averaging 16.2 points per game. Both teams won on Saturday, October 1, scoring at least 26 points and allowing 21 or fewer points.

Recap: Duke Blue Devils Annihilate Aggies to Extend Win Streak

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Building on two high-scoring wins, the Duke Blue Devils amplified their momentum during Saturday’s exciting victory against North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State’s Aggies.

There was no shortage of fans cheering on the Blue Devils during their second home game of the season. For the first time since 2019, Duke University’s Wallace Wade Stadium hosted over 32,000 fans. The fans’ electrifying energy, echoing across the stadium, overwhelmed the Aggies.

The Devils’ offense, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, started hot, executing a 38-yard passing touchdown in fifteen seconds. Stunned and overpowered by Duke’s potent offense, the Aggies allowed two additional scores in the first quarter. Leonard completed 11 of his 12 pass attempts before the conclusion of the first half and finished the game with an impressive 98.9 QBR rating.

After achieving a comfortable lead, Leonard exited the field to provide an opportunity for other offensive assets to showcase their abilities and allow Duke’s ground game to take charge. Backup quarterback Henry Belin IV finished 5-for-6 for 43 yards, and running backs Jaquez Moore, Jordan Waters, and Eric Weatherly collectively rushed for 122 yards on 16 attempts.

On defense, Duke’s starters were nothing short of exceptional. Right out of the gate, the pressure from the Blue Devils’ front seven was immense. After Duke’s second scoring drive, defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles broke through the Aggies’ offensive line, took down quarterback Jalen Fowler, and knocked the ball loose. Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, who was in the right place at the right time, scooped up the fumble and ran it down the field for a touchdown. That touchdown extended Duke’s lead to 21 in the first nine minutes into the game.

Duke’s defense acquired 75 tackles (11 for a loss), four sacks, and deflected two passes. Linebacker Nick Morris Jr. led the team in tackles, and Jaylen Stinson, Brandon Johnson, Cam Dillon, and Peebles earned a sack.

What’s next?

Duke (3-0) will travel to Kansas for a matchup against the Jayhawks (3-0). Both teams are operating under a new head coach, and their rebuilding efforts are moving in the right direction.

Fresh off of a 48-30 win against Houston, the Jayhawks are eager to test the limits of Duke’s potential. Considering Kansas is averaging 53 ppg, their offense poses a real threat.

New Beginnings Signal Bright Future for Duke University’s Football Program

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

A fresh start for Duke’s football program hints at a brighter future for the coaching staff, players, and fans. For the first time in nearly 33 years, Duke shutout a Football Bowl Subdivision team. Duke’s offense, under the control of Mike Elko, the team’s new head coach, rallied and outscored the Temple Owls 30-0.

“To pitch a shutout in the opener was pretty special,” said Elko.

Elko replaced David Cutcliffe, the former head coach who accumulated 77 wins and a bowl game victory in 14 seasons with the program. While Cutcliffe’s leadership skills and diligence were inspiring at times, inconsistent production on the football field during the final years of his tenure and three consecutive losing seasons escalated the need for change.

With the addition of ambitious goals and an electrifying offense led by sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard, Elko is working towards rejuvenating the energy levels in Wallace Wade Stadium.

“We asked a lot of people to believe in where this program could go,” Elko said. “And it was just awesome to see the students come out like they did tonight.”

Leonard, in his season debut, completed 24 of 30 pass attempts for 328 yards. He also led the team in rushing with 64 yards. Leonard credits much of his success to a brilliant play-calling strategy and near-perfect execution.

“We had the perfect scheme drawn up every single play,” Leonard said.

Offensive production aside, we must also acknowledge the exceptional performance of Duke’s defense unit. Duke’s defense limited Temple’s offensive production to just 179 yards in four quarters of football, 50 of which came in the first half. Temple, frantically searching for answers, could not build momentum against a powerful defensive front.

Despite allowing numerous scores in recent years, Duke’s defense put on a spectacular show on Friday, September 2. The unit collectively racked up one sack, four tackles for a loss, and seven deflected passes. D’Wan Mathis, Temple’s starting quarterback, was frequently under duress and forced to make difficult throws. Once any chance at victory was out of reach, Mathis was pulled to the sideline and replaced by quarterback Quincy Patterson, who also achieved minimal success.

What’s next?

Duke (1-0) will travel to Illinois for a matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats (1-0). The Wildcats’ offense, led by quarterback Ryan Hilinski, has amassed 314 yards through the air, an average of 11.6 yards per reception. Duke’s offense is averaging 13.7 yards per reception.

Duke Football Ends Season With Win Against Miami

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

— story and pictures by Patrick Magoon (patrickmagoon.com) of WIZS — Patrick Magoon is a recent UNC-C communications graduate looking to build his sports portfolio by writing and taking photos for WIZS

In a sloppy, mistake-filled fight between two teams recovering from disappointing loses, Duke overcame its offensive woes in crunch time to defeat the Miami Hurricanes and finish their season with a not-so-great-but-optimistic-for-the-future record of 5-7 (3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference).

Duke Blue Devils quarterback Quentin Harris finished his college career on a high note, leading two fourth-quarter touchdown drives and ending an unpleasant five-game losing streak.

A dominant nine-sack defensive performance led by defensive end Chris Rumph II, who recorded a team-high 3.5 sacks, allowed just two touchdowns through four quarters of football.

Here are game grades from Saturday’s win:

Offensive line: C-

Duke’s offensive line crumbled under pressure multiple times, which allowed Miami’s defense to rack up six sacks and 10 TFL.

Quarterback: C+

Although Quentin Harris put on an impressive show in the fourth quarter, we cannot ignore his poor execution on several passing plays in the first half. Numerous passes sailed over the head of the intended receiver and Duke’s offensive unit often appeared disoriented from pre-snap motions. Harris completed just 10-of-24 passes for 156 yards and rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Wide receivers: B-

The wide receiver group led by Jalon Calhoun combined for 156 yards and averaged 15.6 yards per reception. Despite some clear instances of miscommunication between Harris and his receivers, the group made some big plays in dreary weather.

Running backs: B

A relentless rushing attack in tough conditions resulted in a pair of touchdowns, which helped the Blue Devils seal the win. Duke outran Miami 131-98 with help from Mataeo Durant, who executed an impressive 42-yard run through traffic.

Defensive line/linebackers: B+

Duke’s stout defensive line and talented group of linebackers demonstrated superior situation awareness by constantly changing their stances to better contain Miami’s ground game. With strength and good communication, Duke’s front seven prevented the Hurricanes from reaching triple-digit rushing totals. After giving up an average of 42 points per game each of the last three weeks, a refreshed Blue Devils showed out to give fans hope for better seasons to come.

Cornerbacks: B+

Members of the secondary looked solid in man coverage, batting down six passes and forcing opposing receivers out of position. With their help, the Blue Devils gave up just one passing touchdown.

Pittsburgh Holds On, Cuts Duke’s Fourth Quarter Comeback Short

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

— story and pictures by Patrick Magoon (patrickmagoon.com) of WIZS — Patrick Magoon is a recent UNC-C communications graduate looking to build his sports portfolio by writing and taking photos for WIZS

Despite an uncomfortably slow and disheartening first three quarters for Duke’s offense, the team erased Pittsburgh’s early 23-point lead within the final fifteen minutes and kept the game at an equal level until the Panthers pieced together a game-winning offensive series with just under 50 seconds left on the clock.

Sometimes a slow start can make a big difference in the end.

Duke left the half confused and looking for answers after conceding 19 points and successfully scoring points on just one offensive series. Two early interceptions and a costly fumble recovered by Pittsburgh in the first quarter had Duke down ten and fighting a treacherous uphill battle for the remained of the game.

While Pittsburgh’s ground game also struggled against the Blue Devils’ solid defensive line at times, Duke’s series of offensive woes trumped the failed drives of the visiting Panthers. Once Pittsburgh got on a roll, Duke couldn’t keep up.

The Panthers, at the top of the third quarter, extended their lead to 23 points after capping off a 2-play, 7-yard offensive series with a Nakia Griffin-Stewart 4-yard touchdown catch. Duke’s first touchdown of the night didn’t come until the final three minutes of the third quarter when Quentin Harris rushed into the endzone for a 4-yard score.

But wait, the Blue Devils’ scoring efforts didn’t stop there. Oddly enough, the best was yet to come.

Duke outscored the Panthers 20-7 in the fourth quarter after capitalizing on three careless turnovers. The Blue Devils recovered a fumble, which resulted in a triumphant 9-play, 43-yard touchdown drive. After the successful completion of the two-point attempt, Pittsburgh’s lead shrunk to just one score. With approximately 13 minutes left on the scoreboard, Duke had plenty of time to keep the momentum churning and fight for the lead in crunch time.

Minutes later, Pittsburgh’s offense returned to the field and made another brutal mistake. Pickett’s pass was picked off by Duke’s Edgar Cerenord, who returned it to the 25-yard line. The late turnover set up a 7-play, 25-yard scoring play, which gave Duke its first lead of the game.

With time running out, the Panthers, in 47 seconds, drove the ball 82 yards down the field. Pittsburgh’s V’Lique Carter evaded multiple tackles and took the ball 26 yards to the end zone, which secured the win.

Duke showed superior toughness and determination but never fully recovered from their careless first-half mistakes.

Best offensive performances

 Duke: RB Deon Jackson (60 yards rushing and 47 yards receiving), Aaron Young (32 yards receiving), and Jalon Calhoun (27 yards receiving).

Pittsburgh: Todd Sibley Jr. (60 yards rushing), V’Lique Carter (18 yards rushing), Taysir Mack (85 yards receiving), and Maurice Ffrench (54 yards receiving).

Best defensive performances

Duke: Koby Quansah (11 tackles, one for a loss), Brandon Hill (10 tackles, one for a loss), Victor Dimukeje (two tackles, both sacks) and Marquis Waters (nine tackles, 0.5 for a loss).

Pittsburgh: Paris Ford (12 tackles, one touchdown), Saleem Brightwell (12 tackles), Kylan Johnson (nine tackles, one for a loss, and one PD), and Patrick Jones II (six tackles, two sacks)

Free Duke Football Tickets for Students

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Free Duke Football Tickets for Students

Attention elementary, middle, high school and college students. With many of our students headed home for Thanksgiving, Duke Football would like to invite you to join us and sit in the Duke student section on Saturday, November 24th when we host Wake Forest at 12:30 p.m. We are offering one free ticket and concessions vouchers to all area students who would like to come and cheer on the Blue Devils. To take advantage of this offer please visit GoDuke.com/BeAStudent.

Additional tickets for family members and friends can be purchased at a discounted rate of $15, which also include free concessions vouchers. To purchase additional tickets please CLICK HERE, click on the “Student Offers” tab and enter the Promo Code: DUKEFOOTBALL. Please select the “Will Call” option for pickup so you can pick up the paid and complimentary student tickets at the same time.

If you already have tickets to the game please feel free to share this information with friends and neighbors that may be interested in attending a Duke Football game. Help us fill this otherwise unused ticket inventory with fans.

Information provided by Duke Football Promo. Need more information, please call 919-681-Blue(2583).

Florida State Leads ACC Football Preseason Poll

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (theACC.com) – Florida State is the preseason favorite to claim the Atlantic Coast Conference football championship, according to a poll of 167 media members held in conjunction with last week’s 2017 ACC Football Kickoff.

The Seminoles, who posted a 10-3 overall record last season and defeated Michigan in the Capital One Orange Bowl, are also picked to capture the Atlantic Division, while Miami received the nod as the likely Coastal Division winner.

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson of Louisville was chosen to repeat as ACC Player of the Year after a record-setting 2016 campaign in which he averaged 393.4 yards per game of total offense and accounted for 51 touchdowns, both ACC single-season records. His 1,571 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns were also ACC records for a quarterback.

Jackson, a rising junior from Pompano Beach, Florida, who is the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy, also was named the 2016 National College Football Player of the Year by the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp, the Sporting News and CBS Sports.

Florida State was named the likely 2017 ACC champions on 118 ballots, followed by defending national champion and two-time defending ACC champion Clemson with 35 votes. Louisville received seven votes, followed by Virginia Tech and Miami with three each and Duke with one.

In the Atlantic Division preseason voting, Florida State led the way with 121 first-place votes and 1,108 total points. Clemson followed with 37 first-place votes and 1,007 points, while Louisville received nine first-place votes and checked in with 843 total points.

NC State (658 total points) was tabbed for a fourth-place Atlantic Division finish, followed by Wake Forest (415), Syracuse (362) and Boston College (283).

Miami, beginning its second season under head coach Mark Richt, was selected the likely Coastal Division winner by 103 voters and amassed 1,065 total points. Defending division champion Virginia Tech followed with 40 first-place votes and 932 points. Georgia Tech placed third with nine first-place votes and 708 points.

Pitt (seven first-place votes) totaled 673 points, followed by North Carolina (four first-place votes) at 606, Duke (four first-place votes) at 473 and Virginia at 219.

The Atlantic and Coastal Division winners will meet in the 2017 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game on Saturday, December 2, at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. If this year’s media predictions prove correct, it will be a first-ever title game matchup of teams from the Sunshine State and a rematch of an early regular-season showdown. The Seminoles and Hurricanes meet in Tallahassee on September 16.

Florida State owns 15 ACC championships since joining the league in 1992, just behind leader Clemson’s 16 conference crowns. Head coach Jimbo Fisher will welcome back 20 starters this season, including talented sophomore quarterback Deondre Francois and a deep defensive secondary led by Tavarus McFadden, Nate Andrews and Derwin James, a redshirt sophomore who returns after being sidelined by a knee injury in the second game of last season.

Louisville’s Jackson led the preseason ACC Player of the Year balloting with 113 votes, while Florida State’s Francois was listed on 23 ballots and Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on 11.

Boston College defensive end Harold Landry received eight ACC Preseason Player of the Year votes, followed by NC State all-purpose standout Jaylen Samuels with seven and Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey with two. Miami linebacker Shaquille Quarterman, Miami wide receiver Ahmmon Richards and Duke quarterback Daniel Jones each received one vote.

 

ACC Championship

  1. Florida State – 118
  2. Clemson – 35
  3. Louisville – 7

4-t. Virginia Tech – 3

4-t. Miami – 3

  1. Duke – 1

 

Atlantic Division  

(First place votes in parenthesis)                  

  1. Florida State (121) – 1,108
  2. Clemson (37) – 1,007
  3. Louisville (9) – 843
  4. NC State – 658
  5. Wake Forest – 415
  6. Syracuse  – 362
  7. Boston College – 283

 

Coastal Division

(First place votes in parenthesis)                  

  1. Miami (103) – 1,065
  2. Virginia Tech (40) – 932
  3. Georgia Tech (9) – 708
  4. Pitt (7) – 673
  5. North Carolina (4) – 606
  6. Duke (4) -473
  7. Virginia -219

 

ACC Player of the Year

  1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville – 113
  2. Deondre Francois, QB, Florida State – 23
  3. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson – 11
  4. Harold Landry, DE, Boston College – 8
  5. Jaylen Samuels, AP, NC State – 7
  6. Eric Dungey, QB, Syracuse – 2

7-t. Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami – 1

7-t. Ahmmon Richards, WR, Miami – 1

7-t. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke – 1