Duke Football: Blue Devils' Defense Replacing Running Game As Weakest Link

The French Maginot Line put up a stronger defense against the Nazi Blitz than the Duke defense did against Wake Forest Saturday.

For those of you not up to date on your history, the Maginot Line was the very expensive and technically advanced defense line the French were sure would stop an impending German invasion. Obviously that didn't work.

Duke coaches have spent a lot of time and effort preparing the Blue Devils' new defensive scheme following the departure of former defensive coordinator Mike McIntyre. Unfortunately for the coaches and their players, the effort has been as successful as those of the French during World War II.

The troubles were evident last week in the Blue Devils' 41-27 victory over Elon. Duke won but gave up an alarming 406 yards to the FCS school.

Things just got worse for the Blue Devils defense against the Demon Deacons as they gave up 500 yards of offense and 54 points.

While last year's squad could not run the ball, which was probably Duke's greatest weakness, this year the defense as a whole has become the weakest link.

Whether it was through the air, beating at times clueless and out of position defensive backs, or having physically dominating Duke up front, Wake Forest did whatever it wanted.

At halftime, Duke's offense had at least been able to match the Deacons on the scoreboard, but another flat offensive performance coming out of the locker room, combined with Wake's continued ability to score at will, did the Blue Devils in.

The loss marked the 11th straight loss to Wake Forest, and quite possibly puts an early end to bowl hopes for Duke. To make matters worse the Blue Devils will play host to the nation's top team in Alabama.

You can only imagine the nightmares Duke's dual defensive coordinators Jim Knowles and Marion Hobby are having after the performance against Wake, just think about how the film sessions prepping for the Alabama game is going to go over?

Not all is lost as Duke was able to generate offense and the rushing game is as strong as it has been since Cutcliffe arrived in Durham.

David Cutcliffe will be unhappy with the four turnovers which led to 21 points. And surely he will be unhappy with the performance of the defense as a whole, but he will be pleased with the effort.

The Blue Devils didn't quit, they just found themselves out guned when their inexperienced, and over-matched defense couldn't hold the line.

It is back to the drawing board for the defense which has been experimenting with different schemes and personnel. Duke did manage two interceptions, but was unable to do much with either.

The Blue Devils must regroup try to get through next week as healthy as they can and move on to prepare for the rest of the schedule.

If Duke can't sure up the defense to some extent it could be a long season going forward. But knowing Cutcliffe's determination, the Blue Devils will focus on getting better. They have no choice.