Coming off a dominant performance against Kansas, highlighted by true freshman running back Shaun Wilson’s record setting day, the Blue Devils will take on Tulane in their last nonconference game of the year. Kickoff is at 12:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Here are the keys to this afternoon’s game:
Don’t rely too much on the big play
Against Kansas last week, Duke scored touchdowns of 36 yards in the air and 69 yards, 68 yards and 45 yards on the ground. Although it obviously had great success on a number of individual plays, the Blue Devil offense struggled to move the chains at times. With five punts on the day, Will Monday saw more action that he had in the first two weeks of the season despite the team’s wide margin of victory.
This week against Tulane, it is essential that Duke does not rely on home runs as the primary source of offensive production, especially considering the Green Wave boasts a strong pass defense. Defensive end Royce LaFrance, who recorded 6.5 sacks a season ago, will look to apply pressure from the edge and Preseason All-AAC First Team cornerback Lorenzo Doss and Second Team safeties Darion Monroe and Sam Scofield could make it difficult for Anthony Boone to find open receivers.
Come back to Crowder
No one would deny that Jamison Crowder is Duke’s most talented offensive player. However, since week one, his production has been on the decline. Although he didn’t need to have a big day in order for Duke to beat any of its first three opponents and some of his production has been replaced by the success of the run game and fellow wideouts Issac Blakeney and Max McCaffrey, offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery should call the Monroe, N.C., native's number often to make sure he heats up in time for ACC play. In order for Duke to maximize its talent level, Crowder must record more than two receptions and fourteen yards like he did against Kansas.
Continued growth from young linebackers
When Kelby Brown tore his ACL this summer, the linebacker position became a great concern for the Duke coaching staff. Although returning starter David Helton has been excellent, two freshmen have burst onto the scene and far exceeded their expectations. Already this season, redshirt freshman Chris Holmes and true freshman Zavier Carmichael have combined for 25 tackles splitting time next to Helton.
Behind right tackle Sean Donnelly and a strong offensive line, Tulane has averaged 157.3 rushing yards per game so far this season. The Green Wave’s running backs will likely get through to the Duke linebackers more often than in previous contests, so the pair of young linebackers will be facing their toughest test yet.
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