Duke Blue Devils: Hokies Present a Stern Challenge
The Duke Blue Devils are trying to salvage a bowl berth when they face the Virginia Tech Hokies.
The Duke Blue Devils want to win a game. They not want to help the North Carolina Tar Heels, but that also seems to be a possibility. Later today the Blue Devils will play the Virginia Tech Hokies at home in Durham. Defeating the Hokies will be a tough challenge as Virginia Tech represents a tough matchup for the Blue Devils.
The reason for that tough matchup has to do with Bud Foster’s defense. The Hokies are famous for using eight and sometimes nine in the box to contain opponent’s running games. Duke is a team that likes to set up its options by running the football. The Hokies will looking to cut off running lanes wide and bring numbers to clog the middle.
While this spells bad news for Shaun Wilson, it could mean more time for Jela Duncan. Duke’s leading rushing is an inside gainer and that could help nullify some the Hokie speed advantage on the field. Duke’s real answer will have to come from elsewhere however.
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Hokie defense is to trust defensive backs in man coverage and this is where Duke will have to find some angles. Quarterback Daniel Jones will have to beat guys with his arm. T.J. Rahming and his wide receiver compatriots will have to do what they can to get open. Behind them all will be the tactical mind of David Cutcliffe and hopefully he has some routes to move the ball down the field.
The Duke defense has some good strength on the back end, so there will be more concern with the legs of Jerod Evans. Evans could keep the Hokies on the field longer than they might deserve by getting third down conversions on his own. Duke will also need to contain the Hokie running game or they will eventually get gassed by Isaiah Ford on the playaction.
Duke is not given much of a chance in this matchup, but these are the considerations that the Blue Devils will need for victory. At 3-5, they can only afford to drop one game if they hope to be bowl eligible. North Carolina, Pitt, and Miami won’t be any easier.