2017 ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings week 4

Who’s Cheatin’ Who

This is the real question to the Duke Blue Devil’s season so far. The Blue Devils may feel as though they are the ones being cheated as they failed to be included in the top 25 despite a 4-0 record with three wins against Power Five schools.

Duke as aforementioned is fifth nationally against the run.

They additionally rank 22nd overall in total yards allowed. They also have 15 sacks (fourth nationally) and seven interceptions (fifth nationally) on the season. It is clear their defense has been stout.

Furthermore, they have gotten good seasons so far out of Daniel Jones, who ranks sixth in the ACC in yards and the running back of Brittain Brown and Shaun Wilson who have combined for 685 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, a closer examination of Duke’s record and it may be America who feels cheated. Duke has built that 4-0 record against a pretty easy schedule. Their three FBS wins are against teams that are a combined 3-8 on the season.

Also, their defense is starting to show cracks. In the past two games the Blue Devils have allowed 697 total yards and 37 points.

Compare that to the 349 yards and 24 points they allowed in Weeks 1-2.

If you think this is because their competition has gotten harder as Baylor and UNC are a combined 1-7 on the season.

Regardless of who’s cheating who, the Blue Devils are 4-0 for the first time since 2014. This week they welcome in Miami who has not played a Power Five team this season.