duke football news

[jeffrey236]

The Athletic ran a story about college FB coaches on the hot seat, based on interviews with coaches and other industry sources (agents, insiders). From the ACC, Fuentes (Virginia Tech), Novell (FSU), Diaz (Miami) and Babers (Syracuse) were named as coaches who should be worried. Does this reflect a feeling that Cut is doing a good job, or that Duke tolerates mediocrity (or worse)? I’m afraid it’s the latter.

 

[hpnole]

The Athletic ran a story about college FB coaches on the hot seat, based on interviews with coaches and other industry sources (agents, insiders). From the ACC, Fuentes (Virginia Tech), Novell (FSU), Diaz (Miami) and Babers (Syracuse) were named as coaches who should be worried. Does this reflect a feeling that Cut is doing a good job, or that Duke tolerates mediocrity (or worse)? I’m afraid it’s the latter.

unfortunately, you might be right. I really would like to see Duke get a good coach and get behind him to make the football program much better . Yeah, I know, scholastics. However, Stanford, ND, and a few others can do it, Duke can do it too. Hell, look at Wake. Who wouldn't trade teams with them right now.

 

[Liftee]

I bet there is a real conflict in The Duke administration whether to make a change to improve the performance on the field or just to ride it out because they really don't care. I really don't know which way the administration will go. I'm rooting for a change because I won't give up on Duke football.

 

[hart2chesson]

The Athletic ran a story about college FB coaches on the hot seat, based on interviews with coaches and other industry sources (agents, insiders). From the ACC, Fuentes (Virginia Tech), Novell (FSU), Diaz (Miami) and Babers (Syracuse) were named as coaches who should be worried. Does this reflect a feeling that Cut is doing a good job, or that Duke tolerates mediocrity (or worse)? I’m afraid it’s the latter.

"Tolerates mediocrity" IMO jeffrey. Theres no doubt. We'll find out if AD Nina King is any different than her predecessor and Cut's puppet, Kevin White. OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

Btw, another stat to underscore Cut's massive slippage: 1-9 in our last 10 ACC games. Yep, we beat Syracuse last year, and thats the last time Cut danced after a conference game. Smh....OFC

 

[Liftee]

It's still sinking in to me that UNX thinks so little of their game with us that they play it as a breather in early October. Kind of like playing Tulane or somebody that doesn't matter much. What a slap in the face. And anyone who tells you that Duke was fine with relegating its game with the Cheaters is lying.

 

[Devilinside]

So the question becomes how badly must Duke perform during the rest of the season to force the Administration's hand and get us a new coach? Will one or two wins save Cut's job?

 

[smashmouth5]

I'm not a recruiting guru but this seems like the kind of kid Duke should go after. No offers yet. Sr playing RB for the first time. All state basketball player. Outstanding in the classroom. Family loves Duke. An under the radar type player with tremendous upside.

 

[jeffrey236]

So the question becomes how badly must Duke perform during the rest of the season to force the Administration's hand and get us a new coach? Will one or two wins save Cut's job?

Not 1, but possibly 2, wins might bring him back, and a bowl bid would clinch it. But I think getting 2 more wins is a longshot.

 

[Liftee]

1 more win will be seen as "progress", even if the wins were against low level teams. I don't have much faith in the administration caring much about football at this point.

 

[hart2chesson]

So the question becomes how badly must Duke perform during the rest of the season to force the Administration's hand and get us a new coach? Will one or two wins save Cut's job?

1 more win will be seen as "progress", even if the wins were against low level teams. I don't have much faith in the administration caring much about football at this point.

Its a question I have really pondered. I am afraid they would probably bring him back with one more, 50/50 I would say. Two more and hes a lock unfortunately, EVEN THOUGH that STILL would mark THREE STRAIGHT LOSING SEASONS.

There's at least a ray of hope he wont be retained since Kevin White is out of the picture. White would have already given his "buddy" a verbal he would be back with just 3 wins. Thanks a lot for leaving our program in a mess Kevin. OFC

 

[Liftee]

I have said before, the real question is what direction the administration wants to take football. Will the next coach be a former Ivy league coach who will run a clean program but is out of his class, or will the administration actually look for a coach who wants to bring us back to respectability? It can be done. Just hire good innovative assistants who can coach up the 3 star athletes we are recruiting, and bring excitement back to Wallace Wade.

 

[hart2chesson]

I have said before, the real question is what direction the administration wants to take football. Will the next coach be a former Ivy league coach who will run a clean program but is out of his class, or will the administration actually look for a coach who wants to bring us back to respectability? It can be done. Just hire good innovative assistants who can coach up the 3 star athletes we are recruiting, and bring excitement back to Wallace Wade.

I totally agree. "It can be done!" The Power Five is only going to grow stronger, and Duke need look NO FURTHER THAN WAKE FOREST.

Less than 10 years ago Wake was looking at how we were achieving success in football. Thus it can definitely be done again. I sure hope the admin doesnt opt for the "Villanova" model in football. What a slap in the face to the old WALLACE WADE TEAMS, COACH BILL MURRAY YEARS, AND I MUST SAY STEVE SPURRIER. OFC

 

[Devilinside]

I totally agree. "It can be done!" The Power Five is only going to grow stronger, and Duke need look NO FURTHER THAN WAKE FOREST.

Less than 10 years ago Wake was looking at how we were achieving success in football. Thus it can definitely be done again. I sure hope the admin doesnt opt for the "Villanova" model in football. What a slap in the face to the old WALLACE WADE TEAMS, COACH BILL MURRAY YEARS, AND I MUST SAY STEVE SPURRIER. OFC

All of which reminds me that in 2018, Wake beat Duke 59-7. That game will remain stuck in my craw for a long time. OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

All of which reminds me that in 2018, Wake beat Duke 59-7. That game will remain stuck in my craw for a long time. OFC

And only 5 years removed from winning the Coastal DI. Cut didnt need too long to BOTTOM OUT. In fact annual blowouts have become the norm over the last 3 years. There was Syracuse in '19 (also at home), and several last year. I am speaking of games like you noted (Wake in '18) where we play with a hangover it seems, and have ZERO INTEREST in winning!

I thought we came out swinging pretty well against UNC Saturday, especially on defense. However our offense should have shown more punch. Its pretty embarrassing we could only muster 7 points against a weak UNC defense. Of course our offensive SCHEME is only geared to score against bottom tier teams it appears.

One thing going forward remainder of this year: Gunnar is going to have to be more careful with the football. His fumble at the goal line cost us the Charlotte game. Saturday he fumbled the ball away on a busted up attempted pass play, and UNC scooped snd scored. Later he threw an INT. At this stage I would call Gunnar a capable qb, but far from a Ben Bennett, Steve Slayden, Anthony Dilweg or even Thad Lewis, Sean Renfree, DJ.

Penalties??? You ever seen a team with so many FALSE STARTS the last few years??? Oh well, so much to work on.

Finally (and sorry I got OT here DI), but Cut had a real gaffe (what else is new?) yesterday. He was heaping praise on Georgia Tech and naturally their blowout loss at home to Pitt Saturday was brought up. Cut referred to that game as an "outlier," and said it really doesnt matter in Duke's preparation for the Jackets. Word travels fast on the 'net, and Pitt will remember "outlier" when they beat us for like the 6th straight time later this year.

Interestingly, Cut has ONE LONE WIN TOTAL vs Narduzzi(Pitt), Mendenhall (UVA), Fuente (Va Tech),Brown (UNC) all relatively NEW COACHES in past several years who brought different schemes, recruiting ways to their respective schools. This stat cannot be underscored enough, as we see these Coastal opponents every year. OFC

 

[Devilinside]

And only 5 years removed from winning the Coastal DI. Cut didnt need too long to BOTTOM OUT. In fact annual blowouts have become the norm over the last 3 years. There was Syracuse in '19 (also at home), and several last year. I am speaking of games like you noted (Wake in '18) where we play with a hangover it seems, and have ZERO INTEREST in winning!

I thought we came out swinging pretty well against UNC Saturday, especially on defense. However our offense should have shown more punch. Its pretty embarrassing we could only muster 7 points against a weak UNC defense. Of course our offensive SCHEME is only geared to score against bottom tier teams it appears.

One thing going forward remainder of this year: Gunnar is going to have to be more careful with the football. His fumble at the goal line cost us the Charlotte game. Saturday he fumbled the ball away on a busted up attempted pass play, and UNC scooped snd scored. Later he threw an INT. At this stage I would call Gunnar a capable qb, but far from a Ben Bennett, Steve Slayden, Anthony Dilweg or even Thad Lewis, Sean Renfree, DJ.

Penalties??? You ever seen a team with so many FALSE STARTS the last few years??? Oh well, so much to work on.

Finally (and sorry I got OT here DI), but Cut had a real gaffe (what else is new?) yesterday. He was heaping praise on Georgia Tech and naturally their blowout loss at home to Pitt Saturday was brought up. Cut referred to that game as an "outlier," and said it really doesnt matter in Duke's preparation for the Jackets. Word travels fast on the 'net, and Pitt will remember "outlier" when they beat us for like the 6th straight time later this year.

Interestingly, Cut has ONE LONE WIN TOTAL vs Narduzzi(Pitt), Mendenhall (UVA), Fuente (Va Tech),Brown (UNC) all relatively NEW COACHES in past several years who brought different schemes, recruiting ways to their respective schools. This stat cannot be underscored enough, as we see these Coastal opponents every year. OFC

Great summary, Hart. Don't forget the untimely offensive holding penalties and awful tackling. OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

Great summary, Hart. Don't forget the untimely offensive holding penalties and awful tackling. OFC

Of course DI!!!! Is it that hard for our staff to "coach up" generally academically bright kids about penalties, and wrapping up on tackles???? DI the tackling issue has nagged us for years, correct you are! Glad you enjoyed the summary- thx! OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

Recruiting decline-

With UNC's resurgence in this area, we're losing out on top prospects even more so.....Cut's gotta go Nina!

https://www.dukechronicle.com/artic...-recruiting-column-david-cutcliffe-mack-brown

OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

Recruiting decline-

With UNC's resurgence in this area, we're losing out on top prospects even more so.....Cut's gotta go Nina!

https://www.dukechronicle.com/artic...-recruiting-column-david-cutcliffe-mack-brown

OFC

I feel certain Dr.King reads "The Chronicle." OFC

 

[Liftee]

That is a well written and very candid article. I'm surprised the administration allowed it to be printed.

There are so many indications of the decline. The one that stands out to me is Cut's assistants have no recruiting reputation at all whereas UNX's have a stellar reputation in that regard.

And I'm not buying the "academic standards" argument. I can't believe that all those North Carolina recruits can't get past our relaxed standards for football players.

 

[hpnole]

I feel certain Dr.King reads "The Chronicle." OFC

Good short, to the point article. I doubt the admin censors the Chronicle, although they probably would like to at times. I really hope the AD makes the change this year instead of just rolling along with Cut. Coaches can and do make a helluva lot of difference. I just hope they pick well next time.

 

[Liftee]

If I were to guess, Cut wins one more game (I can't name it off hand) and the Administration stays the course. No new assistants, no drastic changes. Sorry Hart but that's how I see it.

 

[Devilinside]

If I were to guess, Cut wins one more game (I can't name it off hand) and the Administration stays the course. No new assistants, no drastic changes. Sorry Hart but that's how I see it.

Exactly. Why would another school want to steal Cut's assistants? OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

If I were to guess, Cut wins one more game (I can't name it off hand) and the Administration stays the course. No new assistants, no drastic changes. Sorry Hart but that's how I see it.

Lift I respect your thoughts. My guess is one more ACC win doesnt bring him back. It only TIES last year's ACC win total. Also let me ask you this: if you had to pick that ONE MORE ACC WIN, and could not pick Ga Tech, who would it be? Assts out too, nobody's keeping those guys. OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

Also, one more tidbit I will lay out there this morning. According to my Iron Duke pal,new AD Dr. Nina King wants to break the color barrier for revenue sports at Duke, and is targeting FOOTBALL for our 1st ever black coach. State and UNC have done it for hoops, and Wake for both. It makes sense.

OFC

 

[Liftee]

Hart, that's an interesting comment re: King. I don't like the idea of limiting a search to one race, but I am certainly open to the idea of getting someone who does not look like a retread. A different direction would be a good thing so long as he can coach, recruit and bring in qualified assistants.

 

[Devilinside]

Also, one more tidbit I will lay out there this morning. According to my Iron Duke pal,new AD Dr. Nina King wants to break the color barrier for revenue sports at Duke, and is targeting FOOTBALL for our 1st ever black coach. State and UNC have done it for hoops, and Wake for both. It makes sense.

OFC

The good news about that is that she is at least considering the possibility of changing the head coach. Something White never did.

 

[hart2chesson]

The good news about that is that she is at least considering the possibility of changing the head coach. Something White never did.

Hart, that's an interesting comment re: King. I don't like the idea of limiting a search to one race, but I am certainly open to the idea of getting someone who does not look like a retread. A different direction would be a good thing so long as he can coach, recruit and bring in qualified assistants.

Keep in mind thats ONE Iron Duke only, and I am certainly not taking it as the gospel.So many rumors constantly circulating in coaching circles, now more than ever it appears.

OFC

 

[jeffrey236]

I can’t reveal my source, but we have good reason to believe this is Cut’s final year.

 

[hart2chesson]

I can’t reveal my source, but we have good reason to believe this is Cut’s final year.

I will drink to that!!! (May as well start tonight anyway- kickoff about 18 hrs away!) OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

GameDay!!! Or GameDay, depending on how you look at it. Georgia Tech (2-3,1-1) invades Wallace Wade for an EARLY afternoon kickoff, on what shapes up to be a VERY RAINY afternoon in the old horseshoe.

The Yellow Jackets arrive as a now 4.5 favorite over Duke (Duke 3-2, 0-1) but are all bets possible with this rain??? Hard to figure.

Anyway, we know Duke is coming off a rather forgetful performance last week vs UNC, 38-7. The offense sputtered all day, and we obligatorily turned the ball over a couple times. The defense wasnt that bad, getting some sacks and actually HOLDING a powerful UNC offense to 31 points. (The other 7 were gifted from the Duke offense). There's a SIMPLE SOLUTION Duke must find to be a serious COASTAL contender: 4 quarters of consistently solid football. We havent seen it this year in a SINGLE GAME.

Georgia Tech for its part, is much the same, losing to Northern Illinois, barely losing at Clemson, CRUSHING Carolina and getting SMASHED by Pitt last week. I would expect head coach Geoff Collins squad to come in here mad after a hard week of practice, determined not to lose to Duke.

Shouldn't DUKE MATCH THAT Intensity after the UNC embarrassment??? With David Cutcliffe at the helm, and a largely keystone kops staff, who knows??

The keys in a rain soaked, sparsely attended game: TURNOVERS OBVIOUSLY. Also Duke's ability to stop Tech dual threat qb Jeff Sims. Can Tech stop Mataeo Durant? Will Duke stop itself with turnovers, penalties?

Hmmm. I would venture the rain would keep the score down, giving our Blue Devils a chance. Lets try Tech 21-17 on a messy day in Durham, 12:30 kick on Bally Sports. If Cut loses today, he is probably looking at 3-9. #GoDuke

OFC

 

[hpnole]

GameDay!!! Or GameDay, depending on how you look at it. Georgia Tech (2-3,1-1) invades Wallace Wade for an EARLY afternoon kickoff, on what shapes up to be a VERY RAINY afternoon in the old horseshoe.

The Yellow Jackets arrive as a now 4.5 favorite over Duke (Duke 3-2, 0-1) but are all bets possible with this rain??? Hard to figure.

Anyway, we know Duke is coming off a rather forgetful performance last week vs UNC, 38-7. The offense sputtered all day, and we obligatorily turned the ball over a couple times. The defense wasnt that bad, getting some sacks and actually HOLDING a powerful UNC offense to 31 points. (The other 7 were gifted from the Duke offense). There's a SIMPLE SOLUTION Duke must find to be a serious COASTAL contender: 4 quarters of consistently solid football. We havent seen it this year in a SINGLE GAME.

Georgia Tech for its part, is much the same, losing to Northern Illinois, barely losing at Clemson, CRUSHING Carolina and getting SMASHED by Pitt last week. I would expect head coach Geoff Collins squad to come in here mad after a hard week of practice, determined not to lose to Duke.

Shouldn't DUKE MATCH THAT Intensity after the UNC embarrassment??? With David Cutcliffe at the helm, and a largely keystone kops staff, who knows??

The keys in a rain soaked, sparsely attended game: TURNOVERS OBVIOUSLY. Also Duke's ability to stop Tech dual threat qb Jeff Sims. Can Tech stop Mataeo Durant? Will Duke stop itself with turnovers, penalties?

Hmmm. I would venture the rain would keep the score down, giving our Blue Devils a chance. Lets try Tech 21-17 on a messy day in Durham, 12:30 kick on Bally Sports. If Cut loses today, he is probably looking at 3-9. #GoDuke

OFC

Depends on which GT team shows up. Hopefully the one that played Pitt. GO devils.

 

[hart2chesson]

Depends on which GT team shows up. Hopefully the one that played Pitt. GO devils.

nole its halftime, I really feel like we should be ahead. Finally had a drive this year where we TRULY mixed up plays, and it led to a score. Need to throw more downfield 2nd half to keep running lanes open for Durant. These are probably the 2 bottom feeder teams in the Coastal, and loser can pack it in as a contender. OFC

 

[geddoughton23]

A good game after 3 quarters. Durant is tremendous. I would go for two if Duke scores a TD on this drive

 

[geddoughton23]

Holmberg playing out of his mind. Every pass is on target

 

[hpnole]

nole its halftime, I really feel like we should be ahead. Finally had a drive this year where we TRULY mixed up plays, and it led to a score. Need to throw more downfield 2nd half to keep running lanes open for Durant. These are probably the 2 bottom feeder teams in the Coastal, and loser can pack it in as a contender. OFC

ok, I thought it was a 3:30 start for some reason.

 

[BlackKnightNut]

That.. Was... BS...

 

[jeffrey236]

Can it get more painful? Just in the last few minutes:
Failure to punch it in for a TD from 1st and goal, having to settle for a FG.
Drive successfully running out the clock and we get a 10 yard holding penalty, forcing us to punt it back.
DB’s who couldn’t cover a fire hydrant.
Failure to recover Sims’ fumble.
Failure to tackle, allowing the receiver to get OB when GT had no TO’s remaining.
Last gasp length of the field drive starts with 2 dink passes, resulting in 3rd and 8 and burning clock.
🎁 to Georgia Tech…….

 

[hart2chesson]

Can it get more painful? Just in the last few minutes:
Failure to punch it in for a TD from 1st and goal, having to settle for a FG.
Drive successfully running out the clock and we get a 10 yard holding penalty, forcing us to punt it back.
DB’s who couldn’t cover a fire hydrant.
Failure to recover Sims’ fumble.
Failure to tackle, allowing the receiver to get OB when GT had no TO’s remaining.
Last gasp length of the field drive starts with 2 dink passes, resulting in 3rd and 8 and burning clock.
🎁 to Georgia Tech…….

Jeffrey it can't. Feel like players left it all on field. Our coaching staff still hasnt learned how to shut down desperation, last gasp, length of the field drives evidenced by Pitt two years ago, and Charlotte/Ga Tech this year. They simply dont have our kids in the right pass coverage.

Kicking game was awful, we made some questionable 4th down calls, AND we should have thrown the ball downfield more!!! Tech couldnt stop the pass! Feel bad for the kids, but a well coached Duke team is 5-1 right now, not 3-3!!!

All we had to do was run clock and holding penalty killed us! Cut says they work on these things?Geez, its not working. Duke blows a big ACC game Charlotte style!! Let Cut finish out the year, but lets go ahead and announce this is his LAST YEAR!

 

[Devilinside]

Jeffrey it can't. Feel like players left it all on field. Our coaching staff still hasnt learned how to shut down desperation, last gasp, length of the field drives evidenced by Pitt two years ago, and Charlotte/Ga Tech this year. They simply dont have our kids in the right pass coverage.

Kicking game was awful, we made some questionable 4th down calls, AND we should have thrown the ball downfield more!!! Tech couldnt stop the pass! Feel bad for the kids, but a well coached Duke team is 5-1 right now, not 3-3!!!

All we had to do was run clock and holding penalty killed us! Cut says they work on these things?Geez, its not working. Duke blows a big ACC game Charlotte style!! Let Cut finish out the year, but lets go ahead and announce this is his LAST YEAR!

What really infuriated me was Tech's 77 yard TD. This is the third game in which a back coming out of the backfield is left uncovered. Why do our players not seem to know who has coverage responsibility in that situation? OFC