Coaching prowess, explosive offense final pieces of bowl puzzle

For the first time in 16 years, the Blue Devils will make it to a bowl game. Remember where you heard it first.

True, Duke has failed to have a winning season since its last bowl game back in 1994—in a bowl that has since been renamed—yet the promise brought on by head coach David Cutcliffe ushers in a confidence that this team will be different. Winning nine games in two years with players whom he never even recruited, Cutcliffe has proven his ingenuity and leadership. With his skill and experience, the Blue Devils have the first piece of the proverbial puzzle: quality coaching.

Offensively, Duke remains one of the most talented passing teams in the ACC. Returning their top three wideouts from last season, among them 2010 first-team preseason All-ACC Donovan Varner, the Blue Devils will be able to find openings in the field. And with Cutcliffe recruit Sean Renfree now at the helm, passing should see an even greater improvement. Last season, Renfree demonstrated his unbridled potential with an average passer rating of 141.8. With another year under the belt for star receivers Conner Vernon and Austin Kelly, the aerial assault will be even stronger than last season.

Then there is the running game, which looks significantly more promising. The offensive line returns four of five starters and their veteran experience will play a part in opening up more holes for sophomore Desmond Scott. Scott is strong and versatile, and with a year under his belt, his impact will surely be larger this season.

While struggling defensively last year, Duke again show signs of improvement this season. Returning two productive starters in senior Patrick Egboh and junior Charlie Hatcher, the defensive line will be respectable. A talented secondary, made up of Chris Rwabukamba, Matt Daniels, Ross Cockrell and Lee Butler, boasts speedy Blue Devils who look to fill holes voided by departures last season.

Finally, and this is most key, the schedule this season gives Duke the opportunity to make a bowl game. Sure the Blue Devils have they have one of the country’s toughest schedules, but at least this season all 12 games count towards bowl eligibility (thanks, NC Central!). Plus, with the schedule given—call me an optimist—Duke has a reasonable chance to win six games. Elon, Wake, Army, Maryland, Virginia and Boston College are all possible victories.

Though not an easy feat to say the least, Duke will go bowling this season. Offensively the Blue Devils are on the verge of becoming an ACC threat. With a quality coach, a rising team, and a friendly schedule all ahead this season, Duke will once again put up a banner in Wallace Wade Stadium—and it won’t be for a high graduation rate.