Extra point: Duke football rebounds with a solid win against NC State

Duke football turned things around after two straight losses, beating N.C. State 29-19 in Raleigh to move to 7-3 on the season. The Blue Zone is here to break down the win with three key takeaways, stats and a look ahead:

Three key takeaways

1. Shutdown defense

From its first possession on the field, it was clear that the Duke defense had set out to wreak havoc in Raleigh. After a perfectly placed punt by Kade Reynoldson to N.C. State’s 4-yard line, the Blue Devils took advantage of the field position, scoring a safety two plays later. On the Wolfpack’s next drive, Duke again forced a N.C. State mistake — this time being a fumble by quarterback CJ Bailey recovered by senior linebacker Cameron Bergeron. Again and again, the Blue Devils stymied a Wolfpack offense that had erupted for a season-high 59 points against Stanford the week before; only Syracuse and No. 7 Tennessee have held N.C. State to fewer points than Duke. Coming into the week, the Blue Devil defense looked to return to form after a second-half meltdown against Miami — and it did, delivering one of its finest performances of the season. 

2. Fast start, strong finish

Just like the defense, the Duke offense stepped onto the Carter-Finley Stadium grass ready to go. Despite a difficult first two possessions that ended in punts, the Maalik Murphy-led group pushed through to orchestrate back-to-back scoring drives: a field goal after a Wolfpack fumble and a three-play, 75-yard drive which ended in a 45-yard Jordan Moore touchdown. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, the rest of the first half was a lot less pretty with three consecutive punts and a turnover by receiver Eli Pancol to end the second quarter. With only a three-point lead at halftime, the Duke offense rallied after the break to score touchdowns on two of its first three second-half possessions. While N.C. State did crawl back to within a score in the final quarter, the Blue Devils marched downfield and effectively ended the game with a Todd Pelino field goal. 

3. Run-game woes continue

Although Duke is back in the win column, the ineffectiveness of the rushing attack should still draw worry. Against a Wolfpack defense that conceded 225 Cardinal rushing yards the prior week, Star Thomas and company mustered up only 31 yards on 27 carries. While pass protection was strong, the Blue Devils offensive line struggled to create holes and space for runners. Luckily, the air attack provided enough offense for a Duke win, but moving forward, head coach Manny Diaz cannot expect the same. Now five games removed from an 185-yard performance against North Carolina, the Blue Devils have since exceeded 100 rushing yards only once. Especially to maintain its momentum in the passing attack, Duke will need to rediscover its ground game. 

After a difficult showing against SMU where he missed two field goals and an extra point, junior kicker Todd Pelino has rebounded with back-to-back perfect performances. In Miami, Pelino went 4-for-4 on extra points, which he followed up against the Wolfpack by making two extra points and drilling field goals from 49 and 50 yards out. If Pelino can be counted on for even slightly lesser production moving forward, Manny Diaz and the Duke offense will have an excellent safety valve. 

3. Zero third-down conversions

Despite the win and their third-best offensive performance in terms of points scored, the Blue Devils still have plenty to work on before the end of the season. Out of its nine third downs, Duke did not convert a single one; the ability to execute in these situations is what separates the good from the great. As they get ready for Virginia Tech on November 23, Diaz’s Blue Devils should look to make strides here. 

Looking ahead

Although its most fearsome opponents are behind it, Duke will have no easy task facing a dangerous Hokies squad. Virginia Tech has suffered two straight losses to Syracuse and No. 19 Clemson, but it has also taken down Georgia Tech and very nearly defeated the Hurricanes, programs to whom the Blue Devils owe two of their three losses. Fans on both sides should look forward to a highly competitive affair.