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

DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: The Duke Blue Devils take the field for their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia Tech won 31-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: The Duke Blue Devils take the field for their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia Tech won 31-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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DURHAM, NC – SEPTEMBER 29: Ryan Willis #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies drops back to pass against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia Tech won 31-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – SEPTEMBER 29: Ryan Willis #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies drops back to pass against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia Tech won 31-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Secondary gets picked apart

The Blue Devils defense did a great job of shutting down the Hokies’ rushing attack as Steven Peoples, coming off a 156-yard effort against Old Dominion, finished with only 47 rushing yards and averaged 2.9 yards per carry.

However, it was the passing attack led by back up quarterback Ryan Willis that was the deciding factor in the outcome. Willis finished the game completing 17 of 27 pass attempts for 332 passing yards with three touchdowns.

The secondary has become a point of concern, especially with the loss of cornerback Mark Gilbert. The good news for this defense is they have a few weeks to try to get this group in position for the second half of the season.

They have a bye this coming week and then face a Georgia Tech team that primarily runs the option and has only attempted 66 passes through four games.