Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Cavaliers Preview

There is good news and bad news for the Duke Blue Devils this week. The good news is that their opponent has nothing to do with the current ACC chase for the Championship game. The bad news is that it is a team looking for something good to happen to finish off its season on a good note. It is also a team that is not easily blown away.

That team would be the Virginia Cavaliers. Virginia is likely playing out the string for Coach Mike London, but they do have some playmakers to be aware of. The pro-style system of Virginia kept them within a couple scores of North Carolina. They can score.

Opponent: Virginia Cavaliers (3-7, 2-4 ACC)
Date: November 21
Time: 3:30 PM
TV: ESPN3
Venue: Scott Stadium (Charlottesville, VA)

The last couple of weeks, Duke has prevented from launching its preferred balanced offensive attack. Much of their rushing gains against North Carolina came on two plays. The Pitt Panthers were even less friendly in that regard.

More from Old North Banter

Virginia too is built to stop the run first, which means that Thomas Sirk will get another chance to play hero for Duke. The question has to be, does Duke want to rely on the passing game? The Blue Devils just kicked two wide receivers off the team this week. It would be a good week for Braxton Deaver to reemerge into the picture.

Of course Duke would prefer to simply break the Virginia run defense. That would point to a large role for Jela Duncan. The place to pierce Virginia is up the middle where some of their speed would be negated.

The Duke defense will have to watch Taquan Mizzell in the Cavs backfield. His rushing totals may not be exciting, but he can be quite effective as a receiver. He will draw attention from Duke safeties like Jeremy Cash.

Prediction: 20-17 Duke (All Hail Ross Martin)

Home/Duke Blue Devils