On a day when torrential downpours made what was expected to be an ACC shootout look more like a Big Ten defensive struggle, Duke’s defense adapted to the conditions as if it was used to the miserable Midwestern weather instead of the normally temperate Durham sun.
In a game in which the Blue Devils held a solid Maryland offense to 249 total yards—67 of which came on a single blown play—it wasn’t Duke’s stars, but rather some unsung heroes that stepped up to deny the Terrapins.
Yes, star linebacker Vincent Rey’s interception with under five minutes to go all but sealed the 17-13 win for the Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. But it was sophomore Matt Daniels who led the team with nine total tackles and junior Damian Thornton who led the Blue Devils with 2.5 tackles for loss.
Indeed, as yet another sign of the improved attitude of this Duke team under head coach David Cutcliffe, players like Daniels and Thornton made up for quiet days from defensive stars Vince Oghobaase and Leon Wright, who combined for only four tackles.
“[The defense] tackled well, rallied to the ball well, coverage was outstanding,” Cutcliffe said. “[Maryland] never established a run game.”
Thornton’s big play ability set the tone early in the second quarter. After timing the snap count perfectly on second down to stuff Maryland running back Caleb Porzel for a five-yard loss, Thornton chased down a scrambling Chris Turner to force fourth down.
The linebacker wasn’t done yet, though, as he concluded the first half by driving Turner back on an option to preserve Duke’s four-point lead at the break.
Cutcliffe recognized the development of Thornton, who played sparingly in his first two seasons at Duke.
“Damian came up with some big plays. He’s got a lot of fire to him. He’s gaining experience,” Cutcliffe said. “What I love most about Damian is he’s a very physical football player.”
Both Thornton and Daniels were key to the Blue Devils’ “bend but don’t break” defensive strategy, as Duke seemed content throughout the game to give up short passes to the outside in order to prevent big plays. Combined with limiting the Terrapins to only 67 yards rushing, the strategy ensured Maryland would be forced to settle for field goals deep in Duke territory rather than reaching the end zone.
And while the Blue Devil offense failed to convert on many of its own opportunities, thanks to three turnovers—including a Thaddeus Lewis fumble on the 1-yard line—Duke’s strong team effort on defense proved to be the difference in such a sloppy game.
“You like to know that the defense has your back,” Lewis said.
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