X Factor: Duke football vs. N.C. Central

The newly renovated Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium plays host to Duke’s home opener against N.C. Central tonight at 6 p.m. The Blue Devils will look to keep their strong start to the season going and continue to work out the kinks before conference play gets under way. Meanwhile, the Eagles will look to keep pace with Duke in this year’s Bull City Classic after being shutout 45-0 a year ago. 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 T.J. Rahming

After the graduation of receiver Jamison Crowder and quarterback Anthony Boone, one of the biggest concerns for the Blue Devils heading into the season was the lack of experience at the skill positions. After racking up 357 combined yards in a commanding 37-7 victory over Tulane, some of the concerns about quarterback Thomas Sirk's inexperience were quelled. But the question remains how the rest of the offensive skill positions will come along. In his collegiate debut against Tulane, Rahming recorded six catches for 70 yards and showed an apparent chemistry with Sirk that could carry the team on offense going forward. 

With the same build as Crowder—who was drafted in the fourth round by the Redskins this offseason—Rahming is expected to develop into a solid option in the slots as he becomes more adjusted to the college game. But the Powder Springs, Ga. product has begun to carve out a role as a dependable deep threat for the team because of his game-breaking speed. The wide receiver won the Lightning in a Bottle award at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl following his senior season and has shown the ability to create instant offense. Although the fate of the Blue Devils this weekend does not rest solely in Rahming’s hands, a strong showing from the freshman could help put the game away early and provide Coach Cutcliffe’s offensive staff a sense of security as Duke prepares to face tougher competition in the coming weeks. 

North Carolina Central: cornerback Mike Jones

As an All-MEAC first team selection as both a defensive back and returner following his sophomore season, Jones' versatility makes him one of the players to watch Saturday. 

Jones is coming off a record-breaking performance in the Eagles 72-0 victory against St.Augustine's in which he broke N.C Central's 46 year-old return yardage record with 145 total yards. In the past, the Blue Devils have experienced some notable shortcomings on special teams, particularly last year in a defeat to Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. With the flip the field on a single kick, Jones will certainly have the Blue Devils' attention throughout the contest. 

The Baltimore native has also been touted for his performance on defense this season and his ability to slow down the Duke passing attack will be key. Jones will likely be matched up against Johnell Barnes—who was named ACC Receiver of the Week for his performance against Tulane—and his success in covering the veteran receiver will be a key if N.C. Central is to pull off the road upset.