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Duke Football: Top takeaways from Blue Devils’ win over Northwestern

By Brandon Croce

EVANSTON, IL- SEPTEMBER 08: Johnathan Lloyd #5 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates his touchdown with his teammates against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half on September 8, 2018 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL- SEPTEMBER 08: Johnathan Lloyd #5 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates his touchdown with his teammates against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half on September 8, 2018 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – AUGUST 31: Deon Jackson #25 of the Duke Blue Devils high-steps into the end zone for a touchdown during their game against the Army Black Knights at Wallace Wade Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 34-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – AUGUST 31: Deon Jackson #25 of the Duke Blue Devils high-steps into the end zone for a touchdown during their game against the Army Black Knights at Wallace Wade Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 34-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Run game struggles to find room to work

After a week against Army, where the Blue Devils averaged over five yards a carry, they didn’t have the same success against Northwestern. The duo of Deon Jackson and Brittain Brown combined for only 86 rushing yards on 31 carries, averaging only 2.77 yards per carry.

It is interesting to note that Jackson actually received more carries (18 to 13) than Brown in this game. Brown did suffer what looked to be a scary knee injury against Army but returned to carry the ball one more time in that game. He also started the game as the primary running back on the first two series but Jackson eventually took over the responsibilities.

While Daniel Jones did have a good day, there is no question this offense is better when Brittain Brown is contributing to this offense. Hopefully the knee injury doesn’t linger too much longer, if that was the reason for his absence most of the game, and he can be ready to go against Baylor.

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