ACC Football - 2021 Duke Blue Devils Preview
Our Duke Blue Devils preview 2021 observes that from 2012-2018 this football team went to six bowl games and also made it to an ACC Championship Game. The drive to success started when coach David Cutcliffe arrived at Duke thirteen years ago. However, in 2019, Duke went 5-7 and last season they were 2-9 with a conference mark of 1-9, finishing 14th. Cutcliffe is still on the job and focused once again on building the Blue Devils into a winner.
Duke Offense
Last season, Clemson transfer Chase Brice threw 15 picks and lost six fumbles, accounting for 21 of Duke’s nation-leading 39 turnovers. In January, Brice transferred to Appalachian State, making way for junior quarterback Gunnar Holmberg. Holmberg, who missed all of 2019 with an injury, has played in seven games in his first three seasons. He’s a major question mark. The Blue Devils do welcome back three experienced wideouts from last season. In 2020, Jalon Calhoun had 39 receptions and two TDs, while Jake Bobo grabbed 32 passes with one going for a score. Eli Pancol made 24 catches and crossed the goal line once.
Three starters from 2020 return to the O-line. Senior center Jack Wohlabaugh also returns after missing last season with an injury. If he can play as he has in the past, this will be a much better line than the one Duke whittled together last season. RB Mataeo Durant led the team last season with eight rushing touchdowns, 6.8 YPA, and 817 total yards. He is back. That’s certainly good news.
Duke Blue Devils Preview 2021 - Defense
Duke has lost defensive ends Chris Rumph II and Victor Dimukeje to the NFL. Last season, they combined for 15.5 sacks. In an attempt to make up for that loss, senior Ben Frye moves from DT to the end. Sophomore DeWayne Carter, who was impressive this spring, moves to the middle with the hope that he can make good on the promise he’s shown. Starting linebackers from last season, Shaka Heyward and Rocky Shelton II, return. They are the anchors on D. In 2020, Heyward led Duke with 80 tackles.
The secondary has experience in the corners with Jeremiah Lewis and Leonard Johnson returning. If senior Josh Blackwell can return healthy, there will be depth at CB. In the safety spots, Jalen Alexander and Nate Thompson, both juniors, will be asked to assume larger roles. Rover Lummie Young IV, a senior, who was also injured last season, could be a big factor if he’s able to play full out.
Specialists
Our Duke Blue Devils preview 2021 observes that both the kicking and punting games look solid. Last season, as a freshman, placekicker Charlie Ham was 13-of-15. Punter Peter Wilson, who was also a freshman, averaged 42.9 YPP and boomed one 70 yards and two others 60-plus. Sophomore Jalen Stinson moves into the kick return role, while senior Josh Blackwell does the same on punt bring backs.
Duke Blue Devils Preview 2021 - Projection
More than anything, our Duke Blue Devils preview 2021 finds that this season is about righting the ship. Coach Cutcliffe has to create a winning culture. That won’t be easy in a season when the Blue Devils play Northwestern, Kansas, and North Carolina from September 18 through October 2. An ACC win is possible with their best chances being against Georgie Tech on October 9 and Wake Forest on October 30. Also, Duke could start the season with a win when they travel to play Charlotte on September 4.
ACC Football - Duke Blue Devils 2021 - Predictions:
Seventh Place - ACC Coastal
No Bowl Berth