2010 Duke Football Predictions

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Duke was once considered one of the worst BCS football teams in the country, and while they still aren't an elite program, they have continued to improve over the last couple seasons. In 2009 the Blue Devils finished at 5-7, just one win away from bowl eligibility. A big reason for the turnaround at Duke is head coach David Cutcliffe, who has brought life to a team that use to be one of the easiest games on the schedule. In 2010 the Blue Devils will have 15 starters back, and figure to have a great shot at making their first bowl game since 1994. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Blue Devils will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they finish the year in the ACC Coastal.

Offense:

Duke had just six starters back on the offensive side of the ball last season, but still managed to increase their scoring average from 20 points to 25 points a game. This year they have nine starters back, and will look for even more improvements from this side of the ball.

A big reason the Blue Devils were so successful on offense last season was the play of quarterback Thadeus Lewis, but he has graduated and left a big hole for the Blue Devils to fill this season. Heading into the fall it looks as though sophomore Sean Renfree is going to get the first shot at taking over the starting job, but he is coming off an ACL injury so it might take him awhile to get things going.

With all the improvements made on the offensive side of the ball, the Blue Devils were dreadful at running the football last season, as they averaged just 63 yards a game on the ground. Sophomore Desmond Scott was the leading rushing for the Blue Devils with just 262 yards and one touchdown. I look for Scott to get a lot more carries this season, and should give the Blue Devils a huge boost in the ground game, as I think they could increase their average over the 100 yard mark this season.

Renfree steps into a pretty good situation, as the Blue Devils return all three starting wide receivers and senior tight end Brett Huffman. Junior Donovan Varner led the Blue Devils in receiving last year with 65 catchs for 1,047 yards and eight touchdowns. While I think Varner is going to have a pretty productive season, I think we will see a bit of a drop off in the passing game this season, especially if the Blue Devils try to install the run more this year.

Up front the Blue Devils will have a lot of experience back on the offensive line, as four starters return from the 2009 season. Junior left tackle Kyle Hill figures to do a fine job protecting Renfree's blind side, but the Blue Devils must find a new starter at the other tackle position. Fellow junior Jon Needham is the frontrunner to take over the open spot, as he has the most experience and talent of any other tackle on Duke's roster.

Defense:

Duke dropped off on the defensive side of the ball last season, as they gave up just over 28 points a game last season. up front the Blue Devils return senior defensive end Patrick Egboh and junior defensive tackle Charlie Hatcher. Senior Wesley Oglesby has started 16 games during his time with the Blue Devils, and he is the prime target to take over at the other defensive end spot. As far as the other defensive tackle spot goes, look for sophomore Tyree Glover to step in and start next to Hatcher.

Duke didn't get the greatest play from their linebackers last season, but are hoping that they can improve things this season with senior middle linebacker Damian Thornton and senior weak-side linebacker Abraham Kromah back. Thornton finished third on the team with 5.5 tackles for loss last season, and will be asked for much of the same this year. Senior Adam Banks started four games for the Blue Devils at outside linebacker last season, and he figures to be the guy to step in and start all season on the strong side.

The only starters back for the Blue Devils in the secondary is senior corner Chris Rwabukamba and junior strong safety Matt Daniels, so there is likely going to be a drop off in production from this unit in 2010. Junior Jonny Williams is expected to start opposite of Rwabukamba at the other corner spot, while sophomore Jordan Byas looks to step in and start at free safety.

ACC Coastal Prediction - 5th: I think it's safe to say the Blue Devils will stay ahead of Virginia for last place in the Coastal, but I don't think we can expect them to finish any higher in this division, as the top four teams are all capable of finishing the year in the top 25. I look for Duke is going to have to pull off a few upsets if they want to reach the 6-6 mark and become bowl eligible this season.