What were they supposed to do? The defending national champion Alabama rolled into Wallace Wade stadium last weekend and dominated from start to finish. The Crimson Tide showed just how good they were and how wide the gap is between a national championship and Duke football is. However, many players left us wanting more. Josh Snead and Desmond Scott were actually able to find room on the ground for some big gains and have made many fans all but forget last years putrid running game.
The offensive line did surprisingly well against the Alabama line giving up only one sack and only two QB hurries. However, Renfree was rushed very often and forced more throws than he would have liked.
The Blue Devils looked outclassed in that showdown, however, I like to remain optimistic and look ahead.
The defense, as matador-like as they’ve been, shows a bit of potential in the likes of Justin Foxx (R-FR) and Kelby Brown (FR). With so many young guys on the field, its no wonder there have been more mistakes in coverage and assignments. The good news is that is all very fixable. The bad news is that it may take some time.
This weekend, time is not on their side. 
Staring at 1-2 on the season, Duke is in another make or break game if they want to go bowling this postseason. A win this weekend puts them back at .500 and gives them momentum heading into a game at Maryland next weekend. A loss likely sends the season into the gutter for good.
Army comes to town with what will be the first of three triple option offenses on the Duke schedule. They will march into Wallace Wade Stadium with the 7th ranked rushing attack in the country. However, they also drag along the worst passing game.
The Black Knights have five rushers with over 100 yards already in an offense that emphasizes balance and unpredictability. Jared Hassin had a big game against Eastern Michigan, rushing for 68 yards and 3 touchdowns. With size bigger than most linebackers, 6’3” 235, Hassin will be tough to bring down single handedly. He is tied for the team lead in rushing with Patrick Mealy. Mealy is a shorter yet stout back that possesses a little more speed. Team them with QB Trent Steelman (awesome name) and you have a potent rushing attack.
The knock on Army, like I alluded to, is there poor passing game. Steelman doesn’t throw often and hasn’t completed more than five passes in a game this year. In fact, Army might not throw the ball at all if Duke’s defense continues to give up yards on the ground.
Offensively for Duke, the Black Knights are susceptible through the air, when thrown at. Hawaii is the closest match of the Army opponents so far to Duke and they were able to throw for 343 yards. However, with the emergence of Scott and Snead, I expect Duke to run the ball much better than Hawaii did and give Renfree some help.
Army does like to throw out different defensive sets, which bothered Duke in last years game, that is, until Sean Renfree came in in relief and helped seal the game.
I expect Army to put up a strong fight. They certainly know how to run and Duke certainly has shown some weakness there.
However, I think we’ll see some strides taken by the Duke defense this week and see an offense set loose.
PREDICTION (2-1 ON THE YEAR)
DUKE 30
ARMY 21
