Getty Images
Having played for an ACC title just one short season ago, the Duke Blue Devils are looking to surprise some folks and head to their second straight conference title game. A win would put the Blue Devils in the driver’s seat with two home games left. It was a solid start to the season for the Virginia Tech Hokies as they defeated Ohio State on the road and jumped into the rankings, but five losses in their last seven games have changed that.
Duke has had one of the lesser passing attacks, 88th, in the nation while boasting a pretty impressive rushing attack, 38th. Anthony Boone has done solid work at quarterback for the Blue Devils, passing for 1,789 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for 247 yards and another four scores. Freshman Shaun Wilson leads the strong run game with 535 yards and four touchdowns on a very impressive 9.2 yards per carry while also catching 17 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. Senior wide out Jamison Crowder has been the definition of reliable, catching 58 passes for 694 yards and four touchdowns. Issac Blakeney is the next closest wide out, grabbing 29 passes for 353 yards and five scores.
After beginning the year with a very impressive win over the Buckeyes, the Hokies have seen their season go up in flames, losing five of seven games while the offense has scored over 24 points just three times in that span. Junior quarterback Michael Brewer might have the same problem that recent Virginia Tech quarterbacks have had — accuracy issues. While he completes over 60 percent of his passes, Brewer has thrown 11 interceptions with just 13 touchdowns and 2,099 yards. Freshman wide out Isaiah Ford has put his mark on the receiving game, snagging 41 passes for 522 yards and five scores. Willie Byrn is the next closest receiver in terms of catches, 40, to go along with 324 yards while Bucky Hodges also has a team-high five touchdown catches along with 360 yards. The backfield is young as freshman Marshawn Williams leads the way with 469 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively, the Hokies have been surprisingly solid this season despite having just a 4-5 record. Virginia Tech ranks 35th in the nation in points allowed per game while also ranking 30th in total yards given up each week. Duke, on the other hand, hasn’t been as impressive, ranking 69th in total yards allowed per game, but a much better 11th in points allowed per contest.
Virginia Tech will travel to Duke to take on the Blue Devils at 12 p.m. EST on Saturday, Nov. 15. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU.
PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 24, Duke 34
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].
