Asack Appears
Duke sophomore quarterback Zack Asack saw his first on-field action with the Blue Devils since Nov. 19, 2005, when he entered the game at the 2:53 mark of the first quarter. Asack, who started six games at quarterback during his freshman season, played during two drives and kept the ball himself on designed running plays for five of his seven snaps. Asack completed a six-yard pass to running back Re'Quan Boyette on his only pass attempt of the game and also came in for a "quick kick" 29-yard punt in the second quarter. Asack finished the game with one net yard on his five carries.
Jabari Marshall plays Devin Hester
One bright spot for the Blue Devils Saturday was the 94-yard kickoff return touchdown by junior cornerback Jabari Marshall. Marshall took the ball straight upfield before cutting towards the left sideline, beating the final defenders as he sliced back towards the middle of the field. Marshall's return was the 11th longest in Duke history and the longest since senior running back Ronnie Drummer took a kick return 100 yards for a score against East Carolina Sept. 3, 2005.
Rey's Day
Sophomore middle linebacker Vincent Rey, starting in place of suspended linebacker Mike Tauiliili, had a career day against the Huskies with 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Rey's previous career high for tackles was three, against Boston College on Nov. 11, 2006.
Lewis closes in on all-time TD list
Sophomore quarterback Thaddeus Lewis's touchdown pass in the first quarter moved him within two touchdown passes of Billy Cox, who ranks tenth on Duke's all-time list. Lewis also completed 14 passes to eight different receivers.
New starters
Several Blue Devils made their debuts against Connecticut, including tight end Brandon King, cornerback Leon Wright, Rey and linebacker Charles Robinson. Robinson recorded his first career interception in the fourth quarter, returning the pick nine yards. He also recorded two tackles for loss, and a career-high seven tackles.
Consecutive starts
Long snapper Casey Hales made his 35th consecutive start, which is the most on the current Duke roster. Center Matt Rumsey is second at 24 straight starts, while defensive end Patrick Bailey has started 21 straight games. Linebacker Michael Tauiliili would have started his 22nd straight game if not for his one-game suspension.
Defense
Nine different Blue Devils recorded five or more tackles against the Huskies. Behind Rey's 17 tackles, Wright and free safety Chris Davis each recorded eight tackles, while Robinson and linebacker Tim Ball recorded seven tackles. Overall, the defense tallied four sacks, eight tackles for loss, one interception, and one blocked extra point.
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