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Duke Football: Key players to watch against Virginia Tech

By Brandon Croce

DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils attempts a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the football game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils attempts a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the football game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Joe Giles-Harris #44 of the Duke Blue Devils tackles running back Deshawn McClease #33 of the Virginia Tech Hokies from behind in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Joe Giles-Harris #44 of the Duke Blue Devils tackles running back Deshawn McClease #33 of the Virginia Tech Hokies from behind in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Ben Humphreys/Joe Giles-Harris

The Blue Devils have an incredible linebacker duo of Ben Humphreys and Joe Giles-Harris and the pressure will be on them for this game. The Hokies not only have a good running back with Steve Peoples but their quarterback, Ryan Willis, can beat defenses on the ground.

Against Old Dominion, Peoples had 156 rushing yards with two touchdowns and it was the second straight game with two touchdowns. Willis added 30 rushing yards against ODU, including a 23-yard scramble.

The focus for the Blue Devils’ defense will certainly be on stopping this rushing attack and there is no reason to think these two linebackers couldn’t be up to the challenge. These two have combined for 59 total tackles over the first four games and that number should only go up.

Next. Carolina Panthers sign Eric Reid. dark

The Blue Devils will have their toughest test of the 2018 season on Saturday against Virginia Tech. However, if these four players have strong performances this team should remain undefeated heading into their off week.

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