Last season, the Blue Devils made the trip up I-85 to take on a then-No. 16 Virginia Tech team, and few gave them a chance to win. A lot has changed in one year.
As the story played out, Duke upset the Hokies 13-10 and went on to win its next four games and the ACC Coastal Division. Heading into Saturday’s contest, the national perception of both teams has made a complete flip, as the No. 19 Blue Devils play host to a struggling Virginia Tech squad at Wallace Wade Stadium at noon with hopes of winning their second-straight game against the Hokies for the first time in head coach David Cutcliffe's tenure.
“It was huge for us a year ago," Cutcliffe said. "Our guys were elated. I mean, that's a team that we have admired and respected.... To be able to get a win at their place at such a critical time for us to kind of keep our season moving forward was a great momentum boost for us.”
Heading into the season, many expected Duke to be solid in its defensive backfield, but few could have predicted the dominance it has displayed thus far. The Blue Devils are currently tied for first in the nation for passing touchdowns allowed with five and 10th in opponents' completion percentage at 52.0 percent.
Through the first half of the season, redshirt junior Jeremy Cash stood out as Duke's premiere secondary defender. But he has been far from the only offering the group—which refers to themselves as "The Cheetahs"—has to offer.
In last week's 27-10 victory at Syracuse, sophomore cornerback Breon Borders snagged two interceptions—his first multiple pick performance since last season's ACC Championship Game.
“We have two two-year corners that are really starters from last year. They played so much. And Breon has a knack. I’m surprised he hasn’t had more [interceptions] to this point," Cutcliffe said. "He has great, great ball skills. He can catch anything. I think he is just touching the tip of what he can ultimately end up being for his sake.”
The Blue Devils will have another opportunity to take advantage of a mistake-prone quarterback this weekend in Virginia Tech's Michael Brewer. The redshirt junior has tossed 11 interceptions—tied for 10th most in the nation.
But Duke is making sure not to take the Texas Tech-transfer lightly.
“He's got quick hands, spreads the ball around, has got great weapons," Cutcliffe said. "As he gained experience in the Virginia Tech system, he's become more and more comfortable. He's had some huge games. He's elusive, mobile.”
At the rate Duke's contests have been going lately, the game may not even be decided when a quarterback is even on the field.
The Hokies have been renowned for their special teams efficiency throughout the years, but this season, Duke has made a concerted effort to close the gap between other elite return and coverage teams.
Redshirt sophomore DeVon Edwards returns kickoffs for the Blue Devils and has lived up to his nickname of Mr. November once again this season. He ranks fifth in the nation with 29.1 yards per return and has returned one kickoff for a touchdown. He had a second last week against Syracuse, but the play was called back for holding.
Senior Jamison Crowder has handled punt return duties for the team, and although he has not put up huge numbers due to punters angling their kicks away from him, he still managed to break out for his first return touchdown of the season last week against the Orange.
On the kicking end, junior Ross Martin is one of only two kickers in the nation that still holds a perfect field goal percentage, as he is 13-of-13 on the season. Redshirt junior Will Monday ranks 19th in the nation in punting average, booting the ball 44.6 yards per punt.
With the combination of an efficient kicking game and lethal return group, the Blue Devils rank seventh in the nation in special teams efficiency, as opposed to the Hokies who rank just 53rd.
“We worked hard on [special teams] in camp. I thought coming out of camp we were going to be special. The punt return, again, a lot of that is people are being very cautious with Jamison," Cutcliffe said. "Hopefully that’s something that will continue to really help us try to be successful in November. It’s been a big part of the last two games. It’s a shame that DeVon didn’t get his second return. I think he’s without a doubt a first team All-American as a kickoff returner.”
Add in an efficient running game and a passing attack that is starting to increase its productivity with the reemergence of redshirt senior receiver Issac Blakeney, and the Blue Devils seem poised to extend their eight-game home winning streak Saturday.
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