Duke Blue Devils vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Preview
The Duke Blue Devils return to action when they welcome the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to open the ACC conference season. The Blue Devils and the Yellow Jackets are coming off tough losses to ranked Midwestern teams. The Devils fell to Northwestern, while Georgia Tech had an unsuccessful visit taking the option back to the land of Touchdown Jesus.
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Both teams will be seeking this victory and it is a key game for early in the year. Both teams need a leg up in the ACC Coastal to start things off. Duke was one of two teams who defeated the Yellow Jackets last year in the successful Yellow Jacket campaign to get to Charlotte.
Opponent: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-1) #20
Date: September 26
Time: Noon
TV: ESPN2
Venue: Wallace Wade Stadium
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X – Taking the Gloves Off
The best case scenario would be one where the Blue Devils defense is able to shut down the triple option system, but it is far more likely that the Blue Devils will have answer score for score. In order to do that, Thomas Sirk will have to throw down the field occasionally to test the Georgia Tech defense. Maybe a play action call. Conservative play did not bring the Blue Devils back against Northwestern.
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Y – Fight Fire with Fire
Now that Sirk has to be turned loose, we should note that the Blue Devils also need to keep their defense and the option game off the field. Therefore Duke needs to establish a ground game with Shaquille Powell and Shaun Wilson that keeps the offense on schedule. The worst place Duke could be is needing to stop the Georgia Tech offense with an exhausted defense. This is a game when you want the ball last.
Z – Turnovers
Last year’s matchup with Georgia Tech would have been a lot different if the Blue Devils had not gotten some turnovers along the way. They cannot give the ball away and they must score any extra chances they get.
Prediction – 28-27 Duke