ACC - Duke

Duke
Skinny - Duke is traditionally known as one of the worst college football programs in the country. The only two ways you used to hear about Duke in a football sense was losing streaks and Steve Spurrier's traditional 25th place vote for them in the coaches poll. That's it. Things are changing in Durham and head coach David Cutliffe is the catalyst. Former Tennessee offensive coordinator, Cutliffe led Duke to an unprecedented 4 wins last season and they actually had a winning record 7 games into the season last year. A lot of their losses weren't as bad as they've been in the past either last season. The nonconference slate has 3 potential wins for Duke and the young team has an outside, and I mean outside shot, at potentially earning a bowl birth. They play Virginia and Maryland, the ACC's worst teams and if they can win those 5 games only one upset would be needed. When was the last time Duke was being considered for bowl eligibilty?

Strength - Quarterback
Thaddeus Lewis is a solid option at quarterback, before Cutliffe is able to bring in quarterbacks that fit his system. Lewis threw for over 2000 yards, had 62% completion percentage, and a very solid 15-6 ratio last season. Duke games aren't always filled with the same level of competition as other games may, but Lewis performed very well as a starting quarterback in the ACC. One problem is his prime target Eron Riley is gone, so somebody namely Johnny Williams, a sophomore who performed admiraly as a freshman, needs to step up in his absence.

Weakness - Running Game
The running game will take a step forward this, but a giant leap is really what is needed. Re'quan Boyette is the teams best back and returns from an injury last season. He has a career 4.3 ypc average, which way outdoes the top player from last seasons 3.7. Hollingsworth (3.7) will be his backup after leading the team with less than 400 yards a season ago. Desmond Scott is the future of the program, being a highly touted true freshman. Look for Scott to get considerable action this season, as Duke continues to build for the future.

Key Game - 10/24/09 Maryland
This game will be pivotal for all bowl hopes for Duke. If Duke could beat a down Maryland program, they'll set up a very important game at Virginia the following week. Duke should have 3 wins going into this matchup. A win here and at Virginia will give them 5 going into the final 4. Playing a rival at North Carolina and a game against Wake Forest could provide Duke with that final game they need. Bowl hopes are stretching it for fans in Durham, but for once there is hope.

Key Player - Desmond Scott
This guy is the future of the program in my opinion. He needs to prove to the nation, players at Duke can excel in a competitive environment. If Duke can start to win with this guy, more players will want to apart of the rising program. If Scott struggles, no motivation is given to big time recruits to play at Duke. Scott was the clear jewel of this class for Cutliffe, and coming into a struggling program with a bad run game, he should see substantial playing time this year.

Impact Freshman - Desmond Scott

Predicted ACC finish - 5th (Coastal)

Top 5 Players
1. OL Kyle Hill
2. LB Vincent Rey
3. DT Vince Oghobaase
4. QB Thaddeus Lewis
5. P Kevin Jones

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