August 9, 2003
Duke Blue Devils - 2003 Preview
I got an email today asking, "Is there any hope for Duke?" Well, it all depends on your perspective. I'll assume your a Duke fan and therefore I can safely answer, "Yes, there is hope for Duke."
While the Blue Devils have suffered mightily in ACC play over the past few years (5-40 in the last four seasons), there are certainly reasons to be optimistic. Duke returns 23 starters and 51 lettermen this season. That's more experience than any other team in the conference. This is a team that had some close losses to North Carolina State, Clemson, Virginia and North Carolina last year. With a little luck, Duke can win the close games this year.
That being said, Duke's best chance at improving on their 2-10 record comes from a weak out of conference schedule. Duke has Western Carolina, Rice, and Northwestern at home in consecutive weeks in three win-able games. The rest of the season is going to be a much more daunting task.
The Blue Devil offense could really stand to have one of it's 11 returning starters step up this season. Duke was really good from the forty yard line to the forty yard line, but only managed to score 18 points a game in 2002. QB Adam Smith has size but hasn't shown consistency in getting the ball downfield. He's got some good receivers in returning starters Senterrio Landrum, Khary Sharpe, and Lance Johnson. Getting the ball down the field will be key for Duke to balance out a good running game.
TB Chris Douglas is back after battling through some injuries in 2002. With a strong offensive line, Douglas could have a great season this year. The key to his success will be Smith's ability to spread defenses out and keep them from keying on Douglas and the big FB, Alex Wade.
The Duke defense is a lot like an oreo - the best part is in the middle. The Blue Devils have really good linebackers, but will struggle on the line to fill in for star lineman Shawn Johnson who left the team. The corners and safeties will have to step up their play this year as well or the offense might not stand much of chance at beating a team late in the game. If Duke can find a way to put pressure up front, they may be able to cover for their mediocre secondary.
Special teams play has been anything but special for the Blue Devils. K Brent Garber is great at making extra points but didn't make any field goals from 30-39 yards. This team deserves better support than that so Garber will have to step it up or lose his spot.
2003 could be an exciting year for Duke. They proved last year that they could hang tight with the conferences better teams. The difference for 2003 should be their experience and I look for Duke to pull off at least one upset in ACC play. That being said, Duke's best bet for a conference win is the October 18th game against Wake Forest. Duke's season is successful if they get to four wins, but I'm looking forward to the students tearing down the goal posts if Duke can upset Georgia Tech or even NC State at home.
Fearless Prediction: 4-8
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