Blue Devils’ running game could mean success over Tar Heels

Matchup to watch

S Jeremy Cash vs. WR Ryan Switzer: UNC likes to use Ryan Switzer to make plays in space, as the generously listed 5-foot-10 Switzer excels at taking short and medium passes for long gains with yards after the catch.

This will be a familiar look for Cash and the Duke defense, as the Blue Devils aim to do the same thing with their best offensive playmakers (Jamison Crowder in years past, and Shaquille Powell this year). Cash is the best defender the Blue Devils have in every way, including making tackles in space. This will be important when Switzer or any other receiver tries to take a short pass a long way.

How Duke can win

The best way to stop UNC’s up-tempo offense is to keep them off the field. Duke’s running game has been effective in the Blue Devils’ wins, and ground-and-pound can be a recipe for success against the Tar Heels.

Quarterback Thomas Sirk proved he can get tough yards on the ground with 18 carries and 109 yards, nearly all of them between the tackles, against Virginia Tech. Powell and Jela Duncan both average over four yards a carry. Running the ball will run down the clock, leaving UNC with fewer chances to score.

Number to know

53: Percent of offensive snaps on which Duke has run the ball this year

Laura Keeley

This story was originally published November 6, 2015 at 3:02 PM with the headline "Blue Devils’ running game could mean success over Tar Heels."