Coming off a historic victory over Wake Forest, Duke returned home for a crucial game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Due to successful play on the defensive side of the ball and a potent offense, the Blue Devils defeated the Cavaliers 42-17. Here is an analysis of Duke’s successes and failures during the game.

Offense: A-

Pass: Quarterback Anthony Boone proved effective despite his lack of experience. He completed about 60 percent of his attempts, throwing four touchdowns. Where Boone proved most dangerous was in the long ball. He was a threat over the top and showed a good level of finesse. If injured starter Sean Renfree is unable to play against Virginia Tech, Boone will need to continue to improve his shorter throws, which were lacking accuracy on Saturday.

Rush: The rushing offense improved steadily in Saturday’s game. Jela Duncan, who made his presence known against Wake Forest, and Juwan Thompson combined 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Boone provided a dual threat option for the offense that proved valuable especially early. Duke average 5.1 yards per carry. In order to succeed in the next few weeks, such production will be necessary from the rushing attack.

X’s and O’s: The offense appeared to work more effectively with Boone at the helm. His running ability proved beneficial for the Duke system. The balance between rush and pass was effective for the Duke offense, opening up the deep ball on play action. Receiver Conner Vernon became the all-time ACC reception leader on a screen pass that ended up losing yards in the first quarter, but soon after he added a masterful catch for a touchdown. Duke will need to look for continued production from the run game, along with that of Vernon and receiver Jamison Crowder, to win games late in the season. The Blue Devils need to work on third down situations — they converted only 3-of-14 on Saturday — and sustaining drives to win the possession game. If the team does not, better competition will take advantage.

Defense: B+

Pass: The coverage improved throughout the game as the defensive line put pressure on Cavalier quarterback Phillip Sims. The secondary held strong throughout the game, recording two interceptions and holding Virginia to no touchdowns through the air. The defensive line performed well, especially during pressure situations. Duke will need the line and secondary to remain strong presences on the field to earn a potential upset against top ACC competition.

Rush: The defense lacked solid tackling, which allowed Virginia running back Perry Jones to gain 100 yards on the ground. Though the Cavaliers were unable to convert three fourth down and 12 third down opportunities, the Blue Devils could not hold back the Virginia rushing attack, often times requiring multiple players to bring down the rusher. Duke will need to improve its
tackling ability in the near future to continue its winning streak.

X’s and O’s: Despite a roster damaged by injuries, the Blue Devils defense played well. The two keys that they will need to improve upon are tackling ability, which will lead to controlling the line of scrimmage and rushing attack better, and first quarter play. It seems a trend now that Duke starts off slowly and then begins to control the game. The defense must make a statement by keeping opponents from scoring early to give the offense a chance to succeed.

Special Teams: A-

The kicking game remained strong for the Blue Devils. Punter Will Monday was effective over nine punts, averaging 47 yards per punt. The coverage teams were especially active on the kickoffs and punts holding the Cavaliers to limited gains in important situations in the first half.

Duke defeated Wake Forest in a high scoring game Saturday afternoon at Groves Stadium. Despite rain-drenched conditions, the Blue Devils captured their first victory over the Demon Deacons in 12 years. Here is a graded breakdown of Duke’s successes and failures in the game.

Offense: A-

Pass: Quarterbacks Sean Renfree and Anthony Boone combined for 77% pass completion percentage and 258 yards through the air. Except for an interception on the play during which Renfree injured his elbow, Duke’s passing attack was solid. Receivers Conner Vernon and Desmond Scott were crucial targets. The question moving forward will be whether Renfree is healthy. Boone may be talented, but Renfree’s experience will prove invaluable in upcoming matchups.

Rush: The rushing attack was not overly successful, but it was effective enough to impact the game. Freshman running back Jela Duncan was a pleasant surprise, averaging 5.1 yards on 11 carries with one touchdown. The run game will need to continue to be a presence on the field in some form for Duke to even have an opportunity to succeed late in the season.

X’s and O’s: The offense took a more balanced approach to its game plan than early in the season. With 36 rush attempts and 40 pass attempts, the Blue Devils managed to outscore a potent Wake Forest team. Playing without Renfree, who was injured on an interception in the third quarter, Duke utilized Boone effectively both in the passing and ground game. Utility man Brandon Connette proved his importance to the Duke offense in the red zone, scoring two touchdowns in close yardage situations. The offense will need to use this balanced approach effectively against other ACC opponents to bolster an injury-ridden defense.

Defense: B+

Pass: The defensive line was particularly adept at getting to Demon Deacon’s quarterback, Tanner Price, forcing a fumble in the fourth quarter that led to Duke grabbing the lead. Wake Forest was able to average 6.1 yards per pass mostly due to Duke’s weakened secondary. In order to compete with more talented offensive teams, Duke’s pass coverage must be stronger.

Rush: The rush defense was adequate, allowing the Demon Deacons to average 4.8 yards per rush. The running tandem of Deandre Martin and Josh Harris was effective throughout the game, with Martin scoring a touchdown. The rush defense faced what will, in all likelihood, be its weakest offensive line. The fact that Wake Forest ran for 167 yards proves the need for improvement in this area of the defense. Despite holding the Demon Deacons on third down multiple times, the defense must continue to improve its interior play as the season progresses.

X’s and O’s: The defense came up big late in the game. They held Wake Forest on crucial third down plays and were able to get to quarterback Tanner Price. For the first time this season, the turnover differential aided the Blue Devils instead of crippling their success. Instead of consistently losing possession of the ball, Duke caused two fumbles and two interceptions. That effectiveness in causing turnovers is something the Blue Devils have not done up until this weekend’s game. If they hope to continue defeating ACC opponents, the turnover ratio must be in the Blue Devils’ favor.

Special Teams: A

The kicking game was certainly a highlight for Duke. There were no major mistakes in the coverage and returning aspects of special teams play. Receiver Conner Vernon recovered a crucial onside kick near the end of regulation to seal the victory. Kicker Ross Martin made both of his field goal attempts including a 35-yard kick, a career long. Punter Will Monday was also effective in his five punts, with an average of 45 yards per punt and a key punt in the fourth quarter to set up Duke’s defense with solid field position.

Duke defeated Memphis Saturday evening at Wallace Wade Stadium as a part Duke’s Homecoming Weekend. Supported by a crowd of students and alumni, the Blue Devils excelled late in the game after a rough first quarter to win their second game in a row. Here is a graded breakdown of Duke’s successes and failures against the Tigers.

Offense: B+

Pass: Quarterback Sean Renfree showed his experience and finesse throughout the game. He responded well to an early interception that was returned for a Memphis touchdown in the Blue Devils’ red zone, ending the game with four touchdowns and a completion percentage of 70%. Receivers Conner Vernon and Jamison Crowder were potent offensive weapons, accruing 189 yards through the air and two touchdowns. Duke utilized a mix of screens and long balls throughout the game. Missed opportunities, including Renfree’s interception, were more frequent early on. The Blue Devils have the ability to score in greater amounts than they have proven of late.

Rush: The rushing attack has been abysmal thus far in the season. If Duke could not effectively run the ball against Memphis, which has one of the worst rush defenses in the FBS, then there would be little hope that the running game could be useful against strong ACC opponents. The Blue Devils utilized many of their running backs throughout the game most of whom could not gain much yardage. Only freshman Jela Duncan averaged more than four yards per rush. In nine carries, Duncan gained 88 yards. Look for Duke to try as many backs as possible each game until one or two prove to be more effective against the opponent.

X’s and O’s: The offense, which normally relies on the passing game exclusively, had a more balanced attack, 44 rush and 40 pass plays. The offensive scheme in the red zone utilized Renfree and back-up Brandon Connette in various situations. The passing game was exceptional and the running game adequate, but the Blue Devils were haunted by a lack of ball security. Renfree’s interception became an easy touchdown for Memphis and three lost fumbles, including one on the Tigers’ one-yard line, lowered Duke’s ability to score. The Blue Devils commanded ball possession, but allowed Memphis early opportunities for scoring that Duke cannot concede against stiff ACC competition.

Defense: A-

Pass: The Blue Devils pass defense excelled throughout the game, holding Memphis to only 81 yards through the air. The defense was put under much stress from the offense’s four turnovers and exceptional returns from Memphis’ special teams unit. Duke was disciplined in the coverage game and quick to hit the receiver, often keeping yardage to a minimum. Corner Ross Cockrell set an intensity level that resounded throughout the game.

Rush: The rushing defense gave the Tigers little room to gain consistent yardage and sustain drives. In 28 attempts, the Blue Devils held Memphis to 71 yards total. The defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game, especially in the red zone, where they only allowed one touchdown in multiple high-pressure situations. The question remains whether they can maintain a sense of control against better rushing teams.

X’s and O’s: The key will be whether Duke can be effective in causing turnovers against more talented offenses. They were unable to cause any fumbles or interceptions against a Memphis team that looked rattled late in the game. Interceptions can be crucial breaks in competitive games and the Blue Devils will need to capitalize on every opportunity to experience success later this season. Duke can control the line of scrimmage and cover the pass effectively only to a point. Better teams will be able to better capitalize on short yardage situations and have the talent to out-compete the Blue Devils. Memphis only converted 1-of-11 third down conversions, which is proof of the defense’s progress, but there remains more room for improvement as the season continues.

Special Teams: B

The kicking game was solid due to kicker Ross Martin’s consistency. An early fake punt-pass from punter Will Monday to Connette was a welcome surprise. However, Duke lacked intensity and discipline, which hampered the team early. A 96-yard kickoff return early would have proven devastating against top ACC competition ,who would have taken the momentum immediately away from Duke. The Blue Devils must maintain focus during special teams play so that the onus of the game remains more evenly distributed throughout the team.