For the ACC slate, our football beat writers predict whether the Blue Devils will pick up a win in their weekly matchup. Following its bye week, Duke football will look to defeat a tough Virginia Tech squad at home:
Ranjan Jindal: Duke 28-27
Duke is coming together at the right time, and the Blue Devils played a complete game in all three phases last time out against N.C. State. Virginia Tech is no doubt an explosive team, but their offensive line has been inconsistent and has made life difficult for Kyron Drones behind center. I think Duke’s defensive line can take advantage of that matchup to force a couple turnovers and get a big win on senior night.
Dom Fenoglio: Duke 27-20
Both sides are benefitting from a week of rest, and it will be key to monitor the health of Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones and Bhayshul Tuten — the two make up the punch of the Hokies’ backfield. They are both currently listed as questionable, and even if they do play it likely won’t be at 100%. That fact, combined with some senior night momentum for the Blue Devils, spell out a Duke victory in my eyes. Head coach Manny Diaz said that running Jaquez Moore will likely play in one of the two final regular-season games, so I will be keeping an eye on whether or not he can spark the Blue Devils’ rushing attack.
Caleb Dudley: Duke 21-17
The Hokies simply have not looked like the team everyone expected them to be coming into the season. No matter what the reason is for this disappointment, I don’t think Saturday will serve as a get-right game for Brent Pry’s game. Duke’s offense is beginning to hit its stride through the air, and I think it can complement it on the ground and expose a weak Virginia Tech run defense en route to a senior night win.
Martin Heintzelman: Duke, 28-17
Virginia Tech is a good team, especially defensively. Antwuan Powell-Ryland Jr. is one of the best defensive linemen in the nation, currently ranked second amongst FBS players in sacks. That said, I think Duke is equipped better now than at any other point in the season to handle the Hokies. Maalik Murphy has looked comfortable and confident in the pocket, and he’s also had plenty of time as of late. If the offensive line can continue to give him room to breathe and the defense plays as well as it has all season long, I’m not particularly concerned about the Blue Devils being able to handle business in Durham.
Abby DiSalvo: Duke 27-21
Duke has the benefit of momentum and home spirit, both of which should help deliver a win against the Hokies. Virginia Tech has consistently struggled to close games this season — especially recently against Syracuse and Clemson — while the Blue Devils looked like their characteristically strong fourth-quarter selves against N.C. State. With Murphy’s performance trending upward and both Jaquez and Jordan Moore potentially playing injury-free, Duke might just notch an eighth win with its best production of the season.
Rodrigo Amare: Duke 23-21
Duke has only lost three games at Wallace Wade Stadium over the past three years, and I don’t think that changes Saturday. While the Hokies have had a sneakily underrated season and boast the talent to compete with the Blue Devils, Duke’s home field-advantage and momentum coming off a big win against N.C. State may be enough to push coach Manny Diaz’s squad over the line. Blue Devil quarterback Maalik Murphy’s form has been excellent as of late, and another strong performance in key moments against Virginia Tech could continue to cement his status as the centerpiece of Duke’s program.
Tyler Walley: Duke 24-21
I had this game circled as a loss for the Blue Devils since August, and the Hokies have certainly played well while Miami the distance in a close loss. However, I can’t deny that these two teams appear to be on opposite trajectories. Duke just secured its first ACC road victory since November 2022, while Virginia Tech has dropped two-straight. Stopping dual-threat quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten will be crucial for the Blue Devil defense, although the two will be limited at the very least thanks to injury. With Duke’s defense being one of the very best in the ACC, I think Murphy will get just enough time to operate to sneak out with a crucial victory.
Season records
Jindal: 7-0
Fenoglio: 5-2
Dudley: 6-1
Heintzelman: 5-2
Amare: 5-2
DiSalvo: 5-2
Walley: 5-2
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Dom Fenoglio is a Trinity junior and a sports managing editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.
Ranjan Jindal is a Trinity junior and sports editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.
Rodrigo Amare is a Trinity sophomore and assistant Blue Zone editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.
Martin Heintzelman is a Trinity junior and Blue Zone editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.
Abby DiSalvo is a Trinity sophomore and assistant Blue Zone editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.