Virginia Football Schedule Preview: Duke

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Andre Levrone on the Hoos hope to celebrate more big plays and more big wins in 2015. ~ Mike Ingalls

David Cutcliffe has helped Duke become a regular winner in recent seasons. In fact, the Blue Devils have a 19-8 record the past two seasons. That’s the best two-year win total in school history. Duke certainly has had Virginia’s number lately. The Cavaliers have lost six of the last seven in the series. UVa has been competitive in the last three meetings, but Duke has won the second half to win the game. The Hoos led at halftime in 2012, led going into the fourth quarter in 2013, and was tied going into the fourth quarter last season. If the Cavaliers are going to find their way back to a bowl, getting over the hump against Duke at home would help the cause.

Duke Peek

  • Head Coach (record at school): David Cutcliffe (40-48)
  • 2014 Record: 9-4
  • Offense 2014 Total Yards/Game (National ranking): 398.3 (69th)
  • Offense 2014 Points/Game: 32.4 (43rd)
  • Defense 2014 Total Yards/Game: 399.7 (69th)
  • Defense 2014 Points/Game: 21.8 (24th – tie)

What To Expect On Game Day

Offense: Without question, David Cutcliffe knows offense and how to develop quarterbacks. Anthony Boone thrived under that guidance the last two seasons. Boone started 25 games in his career and passed for 5,789 yards with 38 touchdowns. Thomas Sirk is the latest in line for Cutcliffe. Sirk rushed for eight touchdowns last season as a change-up to Boone. In the season opener this season, he posted 357 total yards with two touchdown passes.

With Sirk taking over starter duties, the big key for Duke may be up front where an experienced offensive line can lead the way. Four linemen have played at least 500 snaps in their careers. Center Matt Skura has played 2,030 snaps, while left guard Lucas Patrick has played 1,110. Tackle Casey Blaser logged 902 snaps entering the season, while guard Cody Robinson is at 541. Add in a pair of experienced tight ends – Braxton Deaver and David Reeves have combined for 11 career touchdown catches – and the Devils should be solid in the trenches.

Duke still has some key players at the skill positions too. Running back Shaquille Powell has rushed for 1,055 yards in his career, while Jela Duncan has 1,115 too. They are the only active running back duo in the ACC with 1,000 yards each. The Blue Devils do have to replace Jamison Crowder, who left Duke tied for the ACC record with 283 catches. Max McCaffrey has a lot experience so he should lead the receiver group. He has 65 catches for 698 yards and seven touchdowns in 40 career games. Johnell Barnes, who has 38 catches for 454 yards and one touchdown, should step into a bigger role as a junior as well.

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