Key Stats on the Blue Devils: Struggled to a 2-9 (1-9 ACC) mark last year. Pretty easy to see why; Duke’s 39 turnovers led the nation. Further, the Blue Devils were a -19 in turnover margin, which also ranked last in the country.
Offensively, Mataeo Durant is on the Maxwell Award (top player nationally) preseason “Watch List”. The McCormick, South Carolina native is slated to be the starting running back for the Devils this season. His 1,321 career rushing yards ranks 30th in program history.
Defensively, Duke finished 11th in the ACC (98th nationally), allowing 445 yards per game. Linebacker Shaka Heyward is arguably the best player on the team, leading the Blue Devils in tackles last season. Dorian Mausi is undersized but fast and athletic at the other linebacker spot.
Duke opens the season on the road at Charlotte (September 3rd), as the Devils participate in back-to-back Friday night games to open the season. Duke hosts North Carolina A&T the following week.
