There was good news and bad new in Duke’s latest injury report. The Blue Devils hopes of defeating Florida State though have definitely taken a serious hit. Not that I personally felt they would win, but there certainly was a better chance with a healthy roster.
The latest injury report shows that quarterback Brandon Connette and center Brian Moore are definitely out of the game. Moore has yet to play but Connette hasn’t played since the week two loss against Stanford.
But even worse in the list of players who are out against the Noles is key defensive player Lee Bulter. Butler has been big in the secondary but that isn’t the worst part.
Listed as doubtful is fellow safety August Campbell who has played extremely well in the early part of the season. But wait there is more and it isn’t pretty. Corner Johnny Williams and starting safety and do everything man Matt Daniels are listed as questionable.
If neither one of two those two can go that means that four players who are regulars in the secondary would not be playing and that opens up a world of opportunity for Seminoles quarterback E.J. Manuel.
Duke has little room for error in this game and if its defense isn’t at full strength that forces the Duke offense to potentially have to win in a shoot out and that doens’t favor the Blue Devils at all.
Even at full strength the Duke defense wouldn’t be able to stop the Seminoles completely but they’d have a better shot at slowing them down.
The news isn’t all bad. The defense is looking at having both defensive ends Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo and Justin Foxx as they are both probable.
On offense running back Josh Snead is listed as probable as well for the first time all year and has the same grade as Desmond Scott who is expected to play. Snead offers explosive speed but probably won’t bet but a limited number of carries.
Kicker Will Snyderwine according to coach David Cutcliffe is also looking more like his old self thanks to rest during the off weak. He is also listed as probable.
Overall there are some positives, but the chance of not having so many key defensive players really limits the opportunity Duke has of pulling off an upset.
