While Duke has become mired in a five-game losing streak, its opponent Saturday has seen a different reversal of fortune.
Since beginning the season 0-2, the No. 23 Hokies (5-2, 3-0 in the ACC) have won five straight and now find themselves again in the national rankings. Head coach David Cutcliffe is aware of the tough assignment they will present for the Blue Devils (1-5, 0-3).
“We are facing a huge challenge,” Cutcliffe said. “We are going to play an extremely talented Virginia Tech team.”
Despite Duke’s five straight losses, there have been positives coming out of its recent play.
After allowing an average of 44.5 points per game in the first four games of the season, the defense has vastly improved, giving up just 21 points to Maryland two games ago and 28 to a potent Miami offense last week. Those numbers fail to fully credit the defense, however, as one of Maryland’s touchdowns was scored on a punt return and seven turnovers by Duke’s offense against Miami forced the Blue Devils to defend a short field for most of the game.
Saturday, the unit will turn to its leading tacklers, linebacker Abraham Kromah and safety Matt Daniels, as well as freshman linebacker Kelby Brown, to contain the Hokies’ potent offense. Brown entered the starting lineup against Maryland, and has made the most of his opportunity, ranking among Duke’s top four tacklers in its last three contests.
One of the defense’s continued weaknesses, though, is its inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. With just two sacks in their last five games, and four all season long, the Blue Devils have given opposing quarterbacks too much time to find open receivers downfield, a problem that could be exacerbated Saturday by Tyrod Taylor. The defense will attempt to disrupt the pocket and force the experienced Hokie quarterback to make mistakes. Taylor leads ACC quarterbacks in passer rating this season and boasts a four-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has led his team to score 40 points or more in each of its last three contests.
Virginia Tech’s ground attack is no less dangerous, ranking 15th in the FBS in yards per game. The Hokies’ rushing attack will get even stronger this week with reigning ACC Rookie of the Year Ryan Williams poised to return from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since Week 3. He joins Taylor, who is always a threat to run, and running backs Darren Evans and David Wilson in the backfield. Duke has struggled against the run thus far this year, surrendering just over 210 yards per game on the ground, good for 110th in the FBS.
The Blue Devils will also look to get their own offense going this week, which may be difficult against Virginia Tech’s stingy defense that has allowed less than 18 points per game in its last four contests. A five-interception performance last week could lead to fewer passing attempts for quarterback Sean Renfree, so Duke may look to move the ball on the ground more this weekend.
“We need our backs to take a bit of pressure off the quarterback,” Cutcliffe said. “One of the best ways to take pressure off the quarterback is to put your backs in a position to run the ball.”
Renfree’s struggles have been well-documented, but sophomore Desmond Scott and freshman Josh Snead will attempt to help him out this week. Both are averaging over five yards per carry; however, the Blue Devils have been out-rushed in each of their contests since opening day.
Before the season Duke had its eyes set on playing in a bowl game. Unfortunately, after its recent losing streak, a bowl bid seems unlikely. A major upset over the Hokies, though, would go a long way toward restoring the program’s confidence.
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