College Football Predictions: Duke's Two Keys to Success in 2010

Duke Football is aiming high in 2010.

Gone are the days where most teams could chalk a game with the Blue Devils as a win before either team ever took the field. Now, Duke has its sights set on a bowl game.

David Cutcliffe has done a lot to ensure that the old mentality is put to rest. Since arriving on campus nearly three years ago, Cutcliffe has taken the laughing stock of the ACC—if not the NCAA's entire FBS Division—and turned them into a contender.

He took a team with little to no discipline, no conditioning to speak of, and mediocre talent at best, and turned it into a team that is to be respected, if not, even feared.

While he did this on the backs of talent that was brought in by his predecessors, Cutcliffe has made it his business to upgrade everything about Duke Football, including the talent level.

He has succeeded and when his team takes to the practice field next week, and eventually the playing field, Cutcliffe will be doing so with the talent he has molded and assembled.

So what are the keys to continued growth from the program in 2010?

Run the Ball

While most will rightfully tell you that the key to Duke's offense lies in its quarterback, in 2010 success will depend on a much improved running game.

For the first time in four years, the Blue Devils will be kicking off the season with a new man holding the reigns of the offense.

The man under center clearly appears to be Sean Renfree, but for him, or the Duke offense to enjoy any success this season, it starts at running back.

As of now, the projected starter is Jay Hollingsworth, but expect to see a hefty dose of Desmond Scott.

With a veteran offensive line, Duke will need to average better than the 68 yards per game on the ground they put up in 2009.

A running game will only help Renfree as he takes over for record setting quarterback Thad Lewis. It will help diversify the offense which relied almost exclusively on the passing game.

They will still rely on the passing game, but expect a more deliberate effort to run the ball in 2010. Success in that area will only help Duke's chances for bowl eligibility.

Defensive Front Seven

This will be the area where Duke struggles the most in 2010, which may not bode well for the overall success of the program.

The Blue Devils will have to replace Vince Oghobasse who anchored the defensive line for four years, as well as Vincent Rey who was the stalwart linebacker and leader of last year's defense.

Cutcliffe has admitted that Duke will be thin on the defensive front and will rely on freshmen to fill out the depth chart. They will also rely on multiple sets including a 3-4.

Granted Duke has some experience in defensive ends Patrick Egboh and Kenny Anunike, as well as nose tackle Charlie Hatcher. But beyond that, there are questions marks on the defensive line.

Abraham Kromah looks to be the anchor of the line backing crew this year, but that is a thin unit as well. The secondary should hold its own even with the loss of Leon Wright.

If Duke is to be a bowl-eligible team, it is going to need some of the young guys to step up and be playmakers on defense.

Overall, Duke has a solid team for 2010, but continued growth will depend on whether the running game can take pressure off new starter Renfree, and if the defensive front can hold up with little depth and experience.

If that happens and the team can avoid serious injuries, then 2010 could be a good year for Duke!