Duke Football: Top takeaways from 31-14 loss to Virginia Tech

3 of 4

DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 18: Victor Alexander #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tackles Brittain Brown #22 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 43-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Blue Devils’ run game shut down

The offense as a whole, even with Daniel Jones returning, wasn’t able to muster much against this Hokies defense. However, the run game in particular could not get anything going.

The Blue Devils finished the game with only 71 rushing yards and averaging only two yards per carry. Brittain Brown was the team’s leading rusher with 35 yards and Deon Jackson had 34 but did have a rushing touchdown in the fourth.

This rushing attack only had one carry that went for double digits, which was by Daniel Jones.

While the return of Jones was a big boost for this offense, he still needs at least a run game that can keep defenses honest. If Jackson and Brown is able to pick up junks on the ground, defenses will not have the luxury of dropping as many players back into coverage.

Home/North Carolina Sports