Duke Football: Defense Key To Turnaround for ACC Play Looming

The inconsistencies, personnel and scheme wise have hurt the Blue Devils defensively, specifically on 3rd down. Across three games, the passing defense has been subpar, a lot of that due to missing preseason All-American Terry Moore who isn't expected to return until later in the season after suffering a lower leg injury during Duke's bowl game last December. Opposing offenses have thrown away from All-American Chandler Rivers, who hasn't allowed more than five receptions through three contest.

(photo courtesy of NIL Store)

Vincent Anthony Jr., star defensive end for the Blue Devils leads the conference in sacks with five, however as a team they are allowing 32 points per game, 2nd in the conference. Versus Tulane, the defense yielded a school record, 4 quarterback rushing touchdowns to Jake Retzlaff, who replaced new Duke quarterback Darian Mensah.

(photo courtesy of Duke Athletics)

Duke's passing defense is allowing 226 passing yards per game, 7th highest allowed in the ACC, and face a Wolfpack passing attack led by Sophomore CJ Bailey, who could cause problems from inside and outside the pocket. The Wolfpack have started the season 3-0 and walk into Wallace Wade Saturday with momentum, and a sense of urgency.

(photo courtesy of NC State Athletics)

As Coach Manny Diaz has reiterated throughout Mondays' presser, its starts and ends with Duke's defense. The inability to get off the field on third down has hurt. Special teams play Saturday versus the Green Wave featured three missed field goal attempts, with two being blocked or botched snapped. Manny Diaz described the rhetoric as uncharacteristic which drives one question. Can the Blue Devils turn their two game skid into winning football with cross town rival NC State looming into Wallace Wade undefeated on the year?