Tudor's take
Figuring out the result of Duke football games used to be as simple as running end sweeps. Bring back Barry Wilson!
Here's the wildest thing: Duke actually is a better football program, right here, right now, than Maryland. In fact, the Blue Devils could have been a contender in the ACC's Atlantic Division, which is squarely where the Terps are shelled up and might yet win.
Another problem here is that if you pick Duke to win, then what you may be doing at the same time is picking the Terps to lose two straight games to teams located in North Carolina. Their next game is at N.C. State on Nov. 7. Duke, 35-28.
Observations
Blue Devils due for win
These two teams have not met since 2004. Maryland, ranked 23rd in the nation then, romped past the Blue Devils for a 55-21 victory. Today's Terps (2-5, 1-2 ACC) look nothing like a ranked team, though, and the Blue Devils (3-3, 1-1) are playing some of their best football in 10 seasons. Duke is the favorite in this contest, although the Terps have won nine of the past 10 games, including five in row. The Devils last defeated the Terps 25-22 in College Park, Md., in 1999.
Lewis not playing favorites
Leading the ACC's top passing offense, Duke senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis has completed passes to 14 receivers. Those connections have resulted in 117 receptions and 10 TDs this season for the Blue Devils, with three receivers ranking in the top 10 in the conference -- freshman Conner Vernon, sophomore Donovan Varner and junior Austin Kelly. Vernon leads the conference with 5.2 receptions per game.
Player to watch
Leon Wright
Duke, Sr., CB, 5-9, 175
He has three interceptions this season after collecting a pick against N.C. State on Oct. 10. He is tied for third in the ACC. He also has eight interceptions for his career, placing him eighth on Duke's all-time list.
By the numbers
Md. | Duke | |
22.9 | scoring | 31.8 |
33.7 | scoring def. | 27.2 |
100.7 | avg. rush yds. | 83.0 |
158.3 | opp. avg. rush yds. | 150.8 |
235.9 | avg. pass yds. | 314.5 |
218.7 | opp. avg. pass yds. | 208.0 |
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