Aiming to close out the regular season on a high note, the Blue Devils will look to bounce back after two consecutive losses against Wake Forest Saturday night at 7:00 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 Issac Blakeney
For the Blue Devils to get back on track against Wake Forest to finish the season on a high note, redshirt senior wide receiver Issac Blakeney will have something to do with it. Blakeney has been out wide for Duke this season, especially in the red zone.
He has six touchdowns on the season, including two in a big ACC matchup against Syracuse earlier in the season. With 36 catches for 414 yards to this point, Blakeney and senior wideout Jamison Crowder will try to lead the Blue Devils to victory in their last game at Wallace Wade.
If Duke wants to strike early and often against a good Wake Forest secondary, quarterback Anthony Boone will want to look Blakeney’s way. Three out of the Demon Deacons' top four cornerbacks are 6-foot or taller. The 6-foot-6 Blakeney should be able to exploit the matchups on the edge better than the 5-foot-9 Crowder or 6-foot-1 Johnell Barnes and has the speed to make the big plays the Blue Devils have been lacking the last few weeks.
Wake Forest: cornerback Kevin Johnson
If the Demon Deacons are going to contain Crowder, Blakeney and the rest of Duke’s offense, redshirt senior Kevin Johnson will have to show why he was an All-ACC defensive back a year ago. The 6-foot-1 Johnson leads a Demon Deacon secondary that ranks 10th in the FBS in pass defense and second in the ACC, with only 176.9 yards per game allowed through the air.
There is a reason Johnson was just chosen to compete in the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Although he only has one interception on the season, it is because opponents have learned not to throw his way. Johnson had 18 passes defended the last two seasons alone. Quarterbacks have learned to be wary of Johnson and his ball-hawking ways.
If Wake Forest wants a chance to stop the Blue Devils and their successful passing attack, Johnson will have to go out on a high note Saturday. The Demon Deacons held Virginia Tech to no points in regulation in their first ACC win and will need another strong effort from Johnson and company to pull off the upset.
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