ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings Preseason
More than a Memory
Game versus North Carolina: Won 28-27
Returning Starters: 14 (7 on Offense, 7 on Defense)
Lowdown: The Blue Devils are coming off their worst season since 2011. In fact, since winning 10 games back in 2013, Duke has won fewer games every year ending with the four wins they pulled off last year.
If things keep going this rate, Blue Devil football will be only a memory, as the fans quickly turn to the excitement of basketball season. Duke opens the season against North Carolina Central at home.
Strength: Quarterback. The Blue Devils are one of two Coastal teams to return a quarterback this year. Furthermore, Daniel Jones 430 pass attempts rank as the most in the ACC Coastal Division. For Duke to achieve their apex this season, Jones is going to be the key for David Cutcliffe’s squad.
Weakness: Scoring. Duke finished second to last in the Coastal in points per game last season. The only team to do worse beat the Blue Devils.
If Duke is looking to win a few more games this year they will need to put more than 14 points in a game, something they failed to do five times last year.
Best Case Scenario: Duke gets off to a strong start behind the experienced Jones. They win five of their first six games and beat North Carolina for the second season in a row. The Blue Devils say strong going 9-3 and returning to a bowl game for the fifth time in six seasons.
Worst Case Scenario: Last year’s scoring woes are just the beginning. The team continues to struggle defensively and Duke never finds their rhythm. The Blue Devils open the season with a win over North Carolina Central before losing 11 straight to finish 1-11.