ACC Blogger Football Preview Countdown – Coastal #5: Duke
Posted by Brandon Rink on July 7, 2010 under ACC Football | 
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Will Duke make a bowl in year three of Cutcliffe commanding the Blue Devils? Schedule says no.
Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils hope to fill Wallace Wade with a winning product this season.
Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6 ACC)
Returning Starters: 17 (9 on offense and 6 on defense; 2 on special teams)
Schedule Difficulty in ACC: Fourth.
Offense Rides On… Replacing Thad Lewis effectively. Sophomore Sean Renfree is a capable replacement, but he’s recovering from a late season injury.
Defensive Deficiency: Secondary. Preseason mags will say the defensive line, but Duke’s line has been stout the last couple seasons. The secondary has been the weakness with allowing TDs and not forcing turnovers. They have two returning starters, but fitting a scheme to them is the issue.
Keyword: Six – wins. With 9 returning starters on offense – and Cutcliffe at coach, they will put up the points to reach that bowl eligible mark, but the schedule difficulty goes to another level with Bama and trips to the two Techs.
Position by Position Grades
QB: B-
MVP: Sean Renfree (330 passing yards and 4 TDs)
Gotta Step-Up: Sean Renfree
RB: C+
MVP: Desmond Scott (262 rushing yards and 1 TD)
Gotta Step-Up: Josh Snead (Freshman)
WR/TE: B+
MVP: Donovan Varner (1,047 receiving yards and 8 TDs)
Gotta Step-Up: Austin Kelly (625 yards and 4 TDs)
OL: B-
MVP: LT Kyle Hill
Gotta Step-Up: C Bryan Morgan
DL: B-
MVP: DE Patrick Egboh (34 tackles and 1 sack)
Gotta Step-Up: NG Charlie Hatcher (39 tackles, 7 for loss, 1 sack)
LB: C
MVP: Damian Thornton (50 tackles and 5 for loss)
Gotta Step-Up: Adam Banks (33 tackles)
Sec: C
MVP: S Matt Daniels (83 tackles and 3 for loss)
Gotta Step-Up: CB Chris Rwabukamba (45 tackles and 2 for loss)
K/P: B
MVP: K Will Snyderwine (17/20 on FGs, 12/14 from 30+)
Gotta Step-Up: P Kevin Jones (39.3 average per punt and a long of 59)
Schedule Analysis + W/Ls
| DATE | OPPONENT | W/L |
| 9/04 | Elon | W 31-10 |
| 9/11 | @ Wake Forest | L 21-19 |
| 9/18 | Alabama | L 38-13 |
| 9/25 | Army | W 31-21 |
| 10/02 | @ Maryland | L 27-17 |
| 10/16 | Miami (FL) | L 27-17 |
| 10/23 | @ Virginia Tech | L 42-17 |
| 10/30 | @ Navy | L 24-21 |
| 11/06 | Virginia | W 21-17 |
| 11/13 | Boston College | W 31-23 |
| 11/20 | @ Georgia Tech | L 45-24 |
| 11/27 | North Carolina | L 27-16 |
Bye Week: Before Miami, October 16.
Toughest Game: Alabama, September 18.
Key Conference Game: at Wake Forest, September 11.
Season Hinges on… North Carolina, November 27.
The Why…
Why Fifth?: Cutcliffe has breathed life into the Blue Devils program, but he faces one of the tougher schedules in the nation in 2010. The offense will put up points this season, but defensive improvement is what a postseason trip hinges on. In past years, defense ruled the ACC, but offense will play a bigger factor this season and the Blue Devils will be out-gunned in a number of games.
Could be higher if… The Blue Devils’ D consistently keeps opponents in the teens and low-20s.
Could be lower if… The offense underperforms under Renfree and the defense is kept on the field to win games for them.
Loading ...Will the Blue Devils go bowlin’ in 2010? Schedule sending them just short once again? What’s your thoughts on ‘10 Duke football? (anyone…anyone?)
Previews So far…
Atlantic #4: Maryland
Coastal #3: Miami
Atlantic #3: Clemson
Coastal #4: UNC
Intro to the Countdown
