Duke Proves Its Worth in Win

For about one quarter in Saturday's game it appeared Duke was still hung over from its loss last week.

That all changed thanks to the Blue Devil's defense stepping up and answering the challenge against Army's triple option.

At first the Black Knight's option was having no problems moving the ball, but by the end of the first half Duke's defense began to show up.

It started with the defensive line's ability to get some much needed pressure into the backfield, something they didn't have last week.

Vince Oghobaase and Ayanga Okpokowuruk led's the Blue Devils push up front garnering several tackles for losses.

Leon Wright also joined in on the defense's success by recording two interceptions, both which he returned for touchdowns. That is rare enough by itself but coming against an option team was even more remarkable.

Even though it was late in the game it should serve as a boost in confidence for the at times beleaguered Duke secondary.

Despite starting quarterback Thad Lewis' woes, the offense put up just enough points to keep some of the pressure off of the Duke defense.

The bottom line this was as a huge win for Duke in more ways than one.

A loss and Duke fans would have began counting the days to basketball season in earnest.

Perhaps it wasn't a coincidence that Duke Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski was on hand after his induction into the West Point Hall of Fame.

This game proved several things but mainly that Duke can win and do so by coming from behind.

Duke still has a ways to go especially offensively as Lewis was not sharp. Save an impressive performance from red-shirt freshman Sean Renfree, the Blue Devils are still not clicking offensively in the air or on the ground.

While the running game improved from a pathetic 19 yards a week ago to 70  on Saturday, Duke runners are still going  have to produce better numbers especially if they want to have any chance of keeping next week's game against Kansas even remotely close.

For now Duke fans, players, and coaches can bask in their first win of the season and a much need shot of momentum. It also takes a bit of the pressure off the team following last week's defeat at the hands of an FCS school.

At least for today though the Blue Devils proved they are worthy of at least some of the preason hype that this is a better team.

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