Duke has been young for the last couple of years and have had glimmers of really good football, but have been down from their heights of just 5 years ago. Part is the general improvement of the ACC.
This year Duke looks to have a strong team, 8 returning starters from a top 25 defense, another year under the belt of Daniel Jones and some improvements in our kicking game.
We unfortunately have LOTS of tough away games this year. With the exception of VT all our toughest games this year are road games. Both big OOC games are on the road.
First Four Games:
Duke vs. Army (Home) - This is a must win IMO, it sets us up for the tough 2 away games right after. To be on a positive note for the season we need this win. I think Duke takes care of business at home against Army . (1-0)
Duke @ Northwestern: It has been a good Home and Home series. NW seems to be a well-suited opponent for us. This could be a tough game, but if we beat Army I like us in this game. (2-0)
Duke @ Baylor: Baylor stunk it up last year. What on the schedule last year should have been a really tough game was not as it should have been. Their scandals decimated the team. This year they should be markedly improved but I think our experience and hard nosed defense wins out. (3-0)
Duke vs. NCCU (Home): Our one real gimme of the season. (4-0)
I would be ecstatic if this prediction holds true. The game I am MOST worried about is Northwestern, with Baylor being a big ? If we pull off 3-1 in this first bit I will also be happy.
Second FOUR games:
Duke vs. Virginia Tech (Home): This is the toughest opponent (preseason) that we will face at Home. I am scared of the VT team. They have improved the last couple of seasons and look like a dog that wants to hunt. I want us to win so bad, but just do not see it. (4-1)
Duke @ Georgia Tech: Man I wish this one was at home. There is talk of them being in the hunt for the Coastal. I like to think we are as well. I like our defense for this game and the triple option is nothing new for this squad. Our revitalized late season squad crushed them last year. I think our defense wins this one for us. (5-1)
Duke vs. Virginia (Home): Virginia the last two years has not just had Daniel Jones number, they have had it on speed dial. 7 interceptions in the two games. We are better than Virginia and it is time Daniel Jones showed it. Their streak against us ends here! (6-1)
Duke @ Pitt: Pitt is another team I think we are better than that has beaten us the last two years. They also pulled off the stunner against Miami last year. I think this is Daniel Jones year for revenge against old foes. (7-1)
7-1 is doable - I think every game I put us winning is winnable.
Final FOUR games:
Duke @ Miami: Due to 2015 there is not team (including UNC) that I want to beat more in the ACC. Sadly no, I don't think it is going to happen. (7-2)
Duke vs. UNC (Home): Okay so maybe I want to beat Carolina more and keep the bell. At home, as long as we are competitive with Miami I think we retain the confidence to pull off this win. (8-2)
Duke @ Clemson: (8-3)
Duke vs. Wake Forest (Home): We end with a win! (9-3)!!!!!
A bit pie in the sky, but I think it is possible.
This year Duke looks to have a strong team, 8 returning starters from a top 25 defense, another year under the belt of Daniel Jones and some improvements in our kicking game.
We unfortunately have LOTS of tough away games this year. With the exception of VT all our toughest games this year are road games. Both big OOC games are on the road.
First Four Games:
Duke vs. Army (Home) - This is a must win IMO, it sets us up for the tough 2 away games right after. To be on a positive note for the season we need this win. I think Duke takes care of business at home against Army . (1-0)
Duke @ Northwestern: It has been a good Home and Home series. NW seems to be a well-suited opponent for us. This could be a tough game, but if we beat Army I like us in this game. (2-0)
Duke @ Baylor: Baylor stunk it up last year. What on the schedule last year should have been a really tough game was not as it should have been. Their scandals decimated the team. This year they should be markedly improved but I think our experience and hard nosed defense wins out. (3-0)
Duke vs. NCCU (Home): Our one real gimme of the season. (4-0)
I would be ecstatic if this prediction holds true. The game I am MOST worried about is Northwestern, with Baylor being a big ? If we pull off 3-1 in this first bit I will also be happy.
Second FOUR games:
Duke vs. Virginia Tech (Home): This is the toughest opponent (preseason) that we will face at Home. I am scared of the VT team. They have improved the last couple of seasons and look like a dog that wants to hunt. I want us to win so bad, but just do not see it. (4-1)
Duke @ Georgia Tech: Man I wish this one was at home. There is talk of them being in the hunt for the Coastal. I like to think we are as well. I like our defense for this game and the triple option is nothing new for this squad. Our revitalized late season squad crushed them last year. I think our defense wins this one for us. (5-1)
Duke vs. Virginia (Home): Virginia the last two years has not just had Daniel Jones number, they have had it on speed dial. 7 interceptions in the two games. We are better than Virginia and it is time Daniel Jones showed it. Their streak against us ends here! (6-1)
Duke @ Pitt: Pitt is another team I think we are better than that has beaten us the last two years. They also pulled off the stunner against Miami last year. I think this is Daniel Jones year for revenge against old foes. (7-1)
7-1 is doable - I think every game I put us winning is winnable.
Final FOUR games:
Duke @ Miami: Due to 2015 there is not team (including UNC) that I want to beat more in the ACC. Sadly no, I don't think it is going to happen. (7-2)
Duke vs. UNC (Home): Okay so maybe I want to beat Carolina more and keep the bell. At home, as long as we are competitive with Miami I think we retain the confidence to pull off this win. (8-2)
Duke @ Clemson: (8-3)
Duke vs. Wake Forest (Home): We end with a win! (9-3)!!!!!
A bit pie in the sky, but I think it is possible.
