The 2-1 Blue Devils host Pittsburgh today and will take on the Panthers at 12:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Every week throughout the football season, we’ll break down a player on each team who could be the difference-maker in the upcoming contest.
Duke: wide receiver Jamison Crowder
After tearing through the Memphis defense for 11 receptions and 140 yards, Crowder was uncharacteristically quiet last week, reeling in just six catches for 38 yards. Although Crowder should not be expected to reel in double-digit reception totals every game, his 6.3 yards per catch were what told the story. Duke needs Crowder to make plays if it is going to pick up its first ACC victory Saturday against Pittsburgh, and that means quarterback Brandon Connette needs to stretch the field and utilize his greatest weapon. The Blue Devils will only go as far as their dynamite receiver will this weekend—they won't come away with a victory unless Crowder makes plays down the field and keeps his team from playing catch up for the rest of the contest.
Pittsburgh: wide receiver Tyler Boyd
The Panthers bring one of the best receiving duos in the ACC to Durham this weekend, and although 6-foot-4 wideout Devin Street will be marked by all-ACC cornerback Ross Cockrell, true freshman Tyler Boyd could make the difference in Saturday's game. The speedy rookie broke out for 134 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout victory against New Mexico last week, and with Cockrell marking Street, Boyd could have a lot of 1-on-1 opportunities on the outside against Garett Patterson. The redshirt senior will have his hands full with the speedy Boyd this week, and whether or not Duke's less-experienced corner gets beat on deep passes could decide the outcome of Saturday's game.
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