Lost to Virginia Tech 14-10
What worked
Led by senior safety Matt Daniels, the Blue Devils' defense had one of its best performances in ages. Punter Alex King displayed length (42-yard average) in addition to pinpoint accuracy (three kicks downed inside the 20-yard line). The rushing game also was surprisingly successful against a vaunted, but wounded, Hokies defense.
What needs work
Placekicker Will Snyderwine, who was injured in the preseason, continues to struggle, missing three field goals. Quarterback Sean Renfree threw three interceptions but also had two perfectly placed strikes on deep go routes.
What's next
The Blue Devils (3-5 overall, 1-3 ACC) go to Miami (4-4, 2-3) for a 3 p.m. Saturday game. The Hurricanes are coming off a 28-21 loss to Virginia.
Get the biggest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.
Duke’s usually-quick transition game was negated by Maryland’s ability to slow the game down, and the Blue Devils were ousted 16-10. Maryland will play Loyola for the national title. 
Will and John Haus have grown accustomed to playing against each other in ACC play. Saturday’s match between the Blue Devils and Terrapins will be the third this season, but the stakes will be much higher than in the previous two, with a spot in Monday’s NCAA championship game in play. 
Dave Harding, 10 of his fellow Duke offensive linemen and a strength coach went to Ethiopia in part to help construct wells where international organizations estimate that 76 percent of the eastern African country does not have access to clean water. The trip was something close to an unqualified success. 
N.C. State pitcher Carlos Rodon keeps winning. The freshman from Holly Springs won nine games during the regular season and two ACC awards on Monday. 
For winning the national title in 2010, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski received a $2.5 million raise, boosting his total compensation by 54 percent to more than $7.2 million. 
The Blue Devils program capped a tumultuous start to the offseason with a recruiting coup and optimism about a strong returning lineup. Keep up with the latest sports stories with our free e-mail newsletters, delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to Sports - it's free!
Subscribe to Hurricanes - it's free!
Subscribe to College Sports - it's free!
Subscribe to Duke - it's free!
Subscribe to ECU - it's free!
Subscribe to NCSU - it's free!
Subscribe to UNC - it's free!
Subscribe to Wake Forest - it's free!
Subscribe to Preps - it's free!
Photo Gallery
Virginia Tech 14, Duke 10 | 10.29.11 (18 images)
