Duke football faces uphill battle to reach bowl eligibility in 2019

By Dante Pryor | Aug 7, 2019

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach David Cutcliffe of the Duke Blue Devils looks on as his team warms up for their football game against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Cade Carney #36 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons is tackled by safety Lummie Young IV #23 and defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo #54 of the Duke Blue Devils during their football game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

Secondary will be defense’s strength in 2019

Duke was neither spectacular nor awful in 2018, finishing seventh in the ACC in total defense.

The strength of their defense was the secondary, finishing fourth in the ACC in passing yards. They had issues against the run finishing 11th against the run. What makes them so difficult to figure out is they were solid against the pass despite finishing last in the ACC in interceptions and 10th in sacks.

However, their pass defense should improve with the return of veteran defensive backs Mark Gilbert and Dylan Singleton.

The Blue Devils also return their entire defensive line. If they hope to get more pressure on the quarterback this season they’ll need more production from defensive end Victor Dimukeje and the rest of a defensive line that didn’t have anyone register more than 3.5 sacks.

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