2009 Duke Blue Devils College Football Predictions

2009 Duke Blue Devils Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 1-7)
Coach: David Cutcliffe (4-8 at Duke, 48-37 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Luke (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Kurt Roper (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 12 (5 offense, 5 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Thad Lewis)

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Offense: Duke made great strides in David Cutcliffe’s first season and would like to take another step. That will be tough with just five starters returning on offense. Fortunately, they have Thad Lewis returning at quarterback.

Lewis threw for 2,171 yards last year and earned second-team All-ACC honors. Big-play receiver Eron Riley has graduated and they’ll need sophomore Johnny Williams (30 catches) and sophomore Donovan Varner (21 catches) to step up.

The offensive line returns just two starters, and that’s the entire key to an offense that couldn’t run the ball with any consistency last year. Senior Re’quan Boyette’s return from a knee injury should give a lift to a mediocre running game. Boyette had to redshirt last season after suffering a knee injury in preseason practice.

Defense: The Blue Devils really improved their defense last season, allowing 23.4ppg. They held three opponents under 10 points for the first time since 1976. This season, they have to replace six starters on defense, including two on the line.

Fortunately, big senior Vince Oghobaase (6-6, 300) is back to clog the middle. He also managed six sacks last season, but the rest of the defensive returners recorded just 8.5. Senior LB Vincent Rey, who recorded 109 tackles last season, leads the linebacking corps. He’ll put up even bigger numbers with LB Michael Tauiliili gone.

The rest of the linebackers and secondary could be an issue. They return two of the four defensive backs.

Outlook: The lack of proven playmakers on both sides of the ball will prevent them from making a bowl game this year. But Duke is on the right track, with Cutcliffe at the helm. Lewis will make them competitive and they have some good players on defense. Just not enough to compete with the rest of the Coastal Division.

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