2017 ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings week 9
Guess Things Happen that Way
When Duke was 4-0 was there any doubt that the Blue Devils were going to make a bowl game? I mean Duke still had games against Virginia and Pitt left, that at the time most people probably would’ve favored the Blue Devils to win.
Five straight losses later, Duke is in serious trouble of missing a bowl game for a second-straight season. Now, this is nothing compared to the 17-year stretch they suffered before this, but after three straight bowl seasons, this has to be concerning in Durham.
What also has to be concerning in Durham is that there is no easy fix. Two of their last three games are on the road and their three remaining teams are a combined 15-8 on the season.
An eight-game losing streak to end the season is a real possibility for Duke.
Duke’s defense is allowing at least 24 points in four of those five games, while never allowing more than 20 points in their first four. The offense is also struggling as they are averaging less than 12 points per game these past five compared to averaging more than 40 their first four.
The biggest culprit there is Daniel Jones.
In the first four games, Jones compiled 1,045 total yards with eight touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also was completing 62.6 percent of his passes.
During the five games since, Jones has 989 total yards with just three touchdowns against five interceptions. He has also seen his completion percentage drop to 46.9 percent.
Against Virginia Tech, the sophomore signal caller finished 10-of-24 for 82 passing yards and an interception. He did have 65 rushing yards, but that was it. The 147 combined yards, was his lowest of the season by 13 yards.
Jones’ experience was one of the positives for Duke entering this season after a four-win season last year. If he doesn’t improve, Duke could be looking at a repeat of 2016.
If Duke wants to change the way things happen they will have to find wins. Next up for the Blue Devils is a bye week before a road game at Army.