By: Jordan Mann
September 4, 2023
It’s time to turn these Twitter fingers into something more.
Here is my first written game preview for the season. No talking into mics for this one, it's all reading comprehension baby.
I’m not going to recap Duke’s nine win season last year; we all know it was a good season, but that’s in the past. Now, with a new season at our doorstep, we shouldn't dwell on what was, whether it consisted of wins or losses. It's time to look at where Duke football is right now.
The discourse around the game
Clemson is coming into Durham with something to prove after having a “down” year last season — in terms of their expectations at least. They lost DJ Uiagalelei, their former starting quarterback, to Oregon State. Now, they will start a fan favorite, Cade Klubnik.
Klubnik will run the Tigers' new offense that is orchestrated by their splash hire at offensive coordinator, Garrett Riley.
If you’re a Duke fan hoping that Clemson is going to sleep-walk into Wally World — aka Wallace Wade Stadium — and play down to a lower level since “it’s Duke”. You’re wrong. Duke is going to have to face the best version of the best program in the ACC.
Some people are giving Duke love, don’t get me wrong. There are a few fans/talking heads who think the Blue Devils can pull off the upset, but I think part of their intention is backhanded, i.e., more of a “it would be funny if Clemson lost to Duke” angle.
In the discourse about this matchup, the top four people I have seen talked or written about are as follows:
Dabo Swinney
Garrett Riley
Cade Klubnik
Riley Leonard
Where the hell is the ACC Coach of The Year?
The guy that won nine games without taking the "Prime Time" route when taking over a team.
Typical Duke football though. The good 'ole friend zone that many of us know and hate. Duke football is cute — but Duke isn’t Clemson. It’s time for Duke football to get out of the friend zone and go F.S.U...and I'm not talking about the university.
This is a big first game for Tyler Santucci, the Blue Devils' new defensive coordinator. With this being his seventh season working with or under Elko (on and off at Wake Forest, Texas A&M and Duke from 2014-2023), he knows what Elko wants and has watched film on Riley’s old offenses with SMU and TCU. He should be prepared for the matchup with the Tigers.
On the offensive side, Offensive Coordinator Kevin Johns will play to Leonard’s strengths. I wouldn’t be shocked if he started the game with some easier throws to get Leonard in rhythm before letting the junior show out.
The fourth wide receiver position is open due to Eli Pancol’s injury, so it will be interesting to see who steps up. Jontavis Robertson? Mehki Wall? Spencer Jones? I guess we will have to wait and see.
Final Prediction
If you have heard me on my podcast, The Big J & Little J Show, or my appearance on DukeFBTalk’s Section 17 podcast, then you know I think Duke could finish as good as 10-2 on the regular season. You're probably saying, "Oh yeah, sure..." I can already hear it.
But this team has the tools. Still...
Duke is a 13-point underdog, and as much as I want to take the Blue Devils to cover, I think they get Clemson’s best. It’s championship or bust for the Tigers, so I see them beating Duke and covering the 13-point spread.
PREDICTION: Clemson 31, Duke 17
But I will say this. Duke can win if they are able to establish the run. I know what you're probably thinking: "Oh wow! Thanks for giving real insight here, Jordan!" But seriously, Duke needs to win the battle against Clemson’s front if it wants any chance to win the game.
Leonard is talented but it’s easier to defend a quarterback when you know he is passing every time. That goes into my next point: Duke cannot turn the ball over against Clemson. Take care of the rock. Also, the Blue Devils should get off the field on third downs. One trend in Duke’s losses last year was its inability to get off the field on third (and fourth) downs.
Lastly, and most importantly — bend, don’t break.
If the defensive end position can take that next step and win their one-on-ones, that would be a pleasant surprise, but I am not counting on that for Week 1.
I think Clemson will move the ball, but I don't think it matters how many yards Clemson gets. If Duke can force field goal attempts when Clemson is in the red zone, then the Blue Devils have a chance to pull off an upset and climb the field goal post.
@DukeFBFans |@bigjlittlejshow | @CoachJMann
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