Boosted by a strong second quarter, Duke (2-0) defeated Troy 34-17 in the Blue Devils' first road test of the season. The Trojans grabbed the early lead, but key stops on fourth down gave Duke the momentum and a 24-14 advantage at the half. Troy never challenged for the lead again as the Blue Devil defense prevented the Trojans from getting much momentum after their quick start.
Offense: A-
Pass: Anthony Boone threw for 270 yards, including a spectacular 49-yard touchdown pass to Issac Blakeney. The effort marked Boone’s second performance without an interception this season. Blakeney and All-ACC performer Jamison Crowder frustrated the Troy defense all night, combining for 12 receptions and 160 yards.
Rush: Duke’s offense found success on the ground as well. Twice, Anthony Boone powered the ball into the end zone using his legs rather than his arm. Boone got help from running backs Shaquille Powell and Joseph Ajeibe, who combined for 80 yards. Duke’s run game controlled the second half as the Trojans gave up 4.4 yards per carry.
X’s and O’s: Offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery proved again Saturday in his second game with the team that he is not afraid to mix it up and throw in some wrinkles. Boone’s 49-yard connection to Blakeney came on an aggressive play call and gave the Blue Devils some breathing room and backup quarterback Thomas Sirk’s two-yard Tebow-esque jump pass for a touchdown was creative. The use of Boone as a ball carrier also took pressure off all of Duke’s other weapons and helped the unit's spacing.
Defense: A-
Pass: Duke’s defense struggled at times to contain Troy’s receivers, especially early in the game. The Trojans' starting quarterback, redshirt freshman Brandon Silvers, completed 70.4 percent of his passes and several went for gains of greater than 15 yards. But in the second half the Blue Devils dug in after making halftime adjustments, allowing just one methodical drive that led to a field goal.
One of the defensive highlights of the game came in the third quarter, when redshirt senior defensive end Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo posted back-to-back sacks that pushed Troy back 19 yards.
Rush: Duke’s defense is showing signs that it filling the hole left by redshirt senior linebacker Kelby Brown. The Blue Devils held Troy to an average of only 3.7 yards per carry—an average that is skewed by three long runs in the first 20 minutes of play. After it got comfortable, Duke stifled Troy on multiple key fourth down attempts and young linebackers Chris Holmes and Zavier Carmichael looked more comfortable against the run.
X’s and O’s: There is no doubt that Brown’s absence has opened holes in the Blue Devil defense, but Saturday’s game offered some insight into how those holes are being filled. Players like safety DeVon Edwards—who forced two fumbles— DeWalt-Ondijo, Holmes and Carmichael are stepping up and making key plays. It’s clear that new leaders are emerging on the defensive side of the ball, and that's exactly what defensive coordinator Jim Knowles needs as the tough part of Duke's schedule draws nearer.
Special Teams: A-
Devon Edward’s 61-yard kick off return highlighted Duke’s special teams performance., but kickoff return coverage remains an area of concern for the Blue Devils. Duke allowed an average kickoff return of 20.7 yards, including one return that went for 47 yards. The other aspects of special teams were solid as usual for the Blue Devils, as kicker Ross Martin hammered in two field goals, one from 24 yards and the other from 48.
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