[bradyfan]

I'm not predicting it, I don't even think Duke will beat VT this weekend. However, Duke is 5-1 (2-0 in ACC) and coming off a 42-17 W over UVA. Not to mention, Duke had to resort to their backup QB and were missing 6 defensive starters. Miami, GT and UNC look very winnable for Duke. Tough one this weekend but VT has looked awful this year. What do you think? Is Duke a legitimate contender for the Coastal division?

[flameshaw]

About as probable as ToC making a post that makes any sense. IOW, no chance.

[jbock13]

I don't see them beating UNC. Miami probably not. GA Tech, likely not.

It's a nice story, I certainly hope they pick up that extra win to get in a bowl.

[ATrain]

They may beat GT, but I don't see them beating VT, GT, UNC or Miami.

[lynchburgwildcats]

DUke fans better relish this season, I doubt David Cutcliffe will be around for long. Teams looking for a coach are going to be calling as soon as they can.

[bluedevilflame]

Cutcliffe isn't going anywhere, he turned down his dream job, Tennessee, a few years ago. He is continually stating his commitment to Duke and seeing this program through, not to mention Duke will pay him as much or more than anyone else in the country. I think the Coastal Division is wide open, I think we can beat VT, we only lost by 4 pts last year, UNC, GT, and the U are also very winnable for this Duke team. FSU and Clemson will be the next loses but who ever knows in college football. Flame me if you will, I've followed Duke football for a long time and this type of team hasn't been around since the Spurrier days in Durham. This could be a 2006 WF type season for the Devils.


Here's a video of stadium expansion at Duke in the next few years, this team is going to be a different kind of beast in the future
http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/playe ... id=1059109

[bradyfan]

Cutcliffe isn't going anywhere, he turned down his dream job, Tennessee, a few years ago. He is continually stating his commitment to Duke and seeing this program through, not to mention Duke will pay him as much or more than anyone else in the country. I think the Coastal Division is wide open, I think we can beat VT, we only lost by 4 pts last year, UNC, GT, and the U are also very winnable for this Duke team. FSU and Clemson will be the next loses but who ever knows in college football. Flame me if you will, I've followed Duke football for a long time and this type of team hasn't been around since the Spurrier days in Durham. This could be a 2006 WF type season for the Devils.


Here's a video of stadium expansion at Duke in the next few years, this team is going to be a different kind of beast in the future
http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/playe ... id=1059109

I have to agree. The most impressive thing about this Duke team versus last years teams is the depth. Duke has been playing with about 4-6 defensive starters out every game this season. Cutcliffe moved Desmond Scott to receiver and their rolling ACC teams that were predicted to make a bowl. The second most impressive thing is the defense. They force turnovers, hit hard and they've played well against tough offenses. There really isn't anything that impressive about Miami or UNC. Miami has been terrible on the road. Close wins against BC and GT, and two very ugly losses @KST and @ND. UNC lost to Wake, so Duke can absolutely beat them. Additionally, VT is a very winnable game. They've only beaten Duke bad once under Cutcliffe, every other game, Duke has had a legitimate chance to win. And GT is very winnable for Duke. I would not be surprised to see Duke win 8-9 games this year.

[bluedevilflame]

good article on Duke football's rise under Coach Cut

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nc ... e/1627431/

[jmdickens]

I am taking bets on the UNC game....You really think Duke's Defense is going to stop UNC? Bring up the Wake Forest game. It was the perfect storm. Everything happened for Wake to get the win. I am sure it will be close, but Wallace Wade is essentially a home game for UNC.

Anyone else taking bets?

[bluedevilflame]

I'd be happy to, Duke will win this one hands down. We have 3 impressive wins on the season against FIU (8-5 last season, 1-5 this season), UVA (8-5 last season, 2-4 this season) and WF (6-7. bowl loss last season, 3-3 this season). Three 2011 bowl teams regardless of this years record so far, two of which Duke destroyed this year. UNC beat VT (11-3 last season, bowl loss and ACC champ. loss), which isn't saying much this year(3-3 so far), and beat ECU (5-7 last season), Elon (5-6 last season), and Idaho (2-10 last season), a combined 9-15 so far this season. We've played better competition on paper than they have this year. Not impressed with the Tar Heels, they haven't proven anything yet. I really think Duke will walk away with the Victory Bell this year. Also Wallace Wade, yeah it gets filled with UNC fans, but Duke attendance is the best its been in years so far, the tide is turning and people need to get used to it.

2010 Average attendance - 28,750
2011 Average attendance -26,314
2012 Average attendance so far thru 4 games - 26,115 (on its way to average more than 2010 if pace keeps steady)

These are season, student, and employee ticket numbers.

take a look at seasons prior, doesn't even come close.

[NotAJerry]

It's not impressive to beat a team that is 1-5, or 2-4, just because they were 8-5 last year. All three of those "impressive" wins are teams playing below the level they played at last season with FIU and UVA playing much worse right now. That would be like crediting LU with "impressive" wins if we had beaten Montana and Norfolk St. this year. Both are much worse than last year and no longer impressive wins for anyone.

Duke has a shot at beating most of the ACC, but that's due largely to the ACC being on the B1G level of mediocrity. VT is beatable but I doubt they win at VT on homecoming. UNC lost to both Wake and Louisville but seem to be past that point. Duke might be able to win that at home. Florida St should roll Duke in Tallahassee. Clemson will be tough but having it at home gives them a chance. Both GT and Miami are ridiculously inconsistent and definitely beatable. Duke should be able to come out of that with 7-8 wins if they snag one of the tougher home games.

[NotAJerry]

Duke 10
VT 0

Only midway through the 1st quarter, but a very good start by Duke and their D looks even better than their O.

Make that Duke 20-0 with 3:12 left in the 1st quarter.

[jbock13]

20-0 now.

[Purple Haize]

20-0 now.

I feel bad for Logan Thomas. He has NO ONE who can catch the ball. My wife just asked if there was a slaughter rule.

[NotAJerry]

31-20 VT with 6:55 in the 3rd.

[NotAJerry]

41 unanswered for VT. Duke just can't keep a QB on the field.

[Purple Haize]

41 unanswered for VT. Duke just can't keep a QB on the field.

That's the truth.
Impressed VT could put up 41 let alone unanswered

[jmdickens]

Duke just couldn't hang in there....Next weekend will be good.

[bluedevilflame]

The tale of two halves, Duke had it their grasp and couldn't handle the pressure. Disappointing to say the least, but it'll make it better to get to win #6 against the Heels this weekend