Extra point: Momentum shifts, lack of pressure hurt Duke against Miami

The Blue Devils came up short against the Hurricanes after a difficult second half.
The Blue Devils came up short against the Hurricanes after a difficult second half.

Despite a promising lead at halftime, Duke fell to undefeated Miami on the road and moved to 6-3 on the season. The Blue Zone is here to break down the loss with three key takeaways, stats and a look ahead: 

Three key takeaways 

1. Defending defense

Although Duke ultimately came up short in stopping No. 5 Miami, its defense put up an impressive fight. Notably, Chandler Rivers earned credit in the secondary. The junior cornerback broke up three passes, picked off another and tallied his third interception on the season. 5-foot-10 Rivers routinely matched up against bigger receivers, but ultimately was successful in his ability to stop vital Miami attempts. Graduate linebacker Ozzie Nicholas also showed off, completing 10 tackles with junior Terry Moore following close behind at nine.  Despite a strong start by the Blue Devils, Duke's defense overall ultimately allowed Miami to exploit mismatches. Miami averaged 4.1 yards per carry and found success on key third downs, converting 50% of its attempts compared to Duke’s 38.5%. To be successful in future matchups, focusing on improving run defense and third-down stops is essential. 

2. Momentum shifts

The first half of the game showcased Duke's offensive success. The Blue Devils were able to move the ball effectively, utilizing a balanced attack that mixed the run and pass, allowing playmakers to find space and create scoring opportunities. Their offensive line held strong, giving the quarterback time to make critical throws and the running backs room to navigate through the formidable Miami defense. Maalik Murphy completed three passing touchdowns, building the Blue Devils up to an 11-point lead at the beginning of the third quarter. The second half of the game showed a different story. After halftime alone, Miami was able to score 36 points and gained 305 yards. Turnovers and missed opportunities plagued Duke as it failed to capitalize on crucial drives, resulting in a stark decline in scoring and offensive mobility. In future matchups, the Blue Devils must adjust to momentum shifts in order to preserve offensive consistency. 

3. Lack of pressure on Cam Ward

Duke did not get into the backfield at its typical rate on Saturday against the Hurricanes. The defensive line, which has wreaked havoc on opponents all season, was not its usual self, only registering two sacks. The lack of pressure on Cam Ward afforded the Heisman candidate too much time to throw, resulting in him going for 400 passing yards and five passing touchdowns on the day. Ward’s ability to keep plays alive and navigate the pocket made the Miami offense virtually unstoppable, especially as it gained momentum in the second half. Duke’s defense must do a better job putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks as it looks to get back to winning ways in conference play.

Three key stats 

1. 325 yards 

Ultimately, Duke’s 31 points tallied the most the Blue Devils earned against a Power Four opponent this season. This performance was notable, showcasing Duke’s ability to compete against more competitive opponents. Murphy had a standout game, throwing for 325 total yards. His ability to make big plays downfield helped keep the offense dynamic and put pressure on the Miami defense. Despite the second-half struggles, Murphy’s performance indicates that Duke has the ability to make big offensive plays. 

2. 139 receiving yards

Sahmir Hagans put on a beautiful show against the Miami Hurricanes’ defense, catching nine of his team-high 12 targets for 139 yards. Hagans’ offensive mobility made him a focal point in the passing game. His ability to create separation and run successful routes allowed him to exploit gaps in Miami's secondary, providing Murphy with a reliable and consistent target throughout the game. 

3. Three interceptions, four turnovers

Although Murphy had a standout passing game, throwing for 325 total yards, he also accumulated three interceptions. This not only gave the opposing team a chance to regain possession of the ball, but limited scoring ability by the Duke offense. A fourth turnover further compounded Blue Devil difficulties, as Duke’s inability to protect the ball allowed Miami to capitalize on its careless mistakes. 

Looking ahead

As Duke prepares for its on-the-road matchup against neighboring N.C. State University, the Blue Devils must regroup and stay confident in their ability to play on both sides of the ball. The Wolfpack poses a unique challenge, boasting a formidable defensive front and a savvy secondary that will put Murphy and the Blue Devils' passing game to the test.

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