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Duke Football: Report card for blowout win over Virginia Tech

By Dante Pryor

DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Quentin Harris #18 and wide receiver Quay Chambers #19 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate following a touchdown against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the football game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Quentin Harris #18 and wide receiver Quay Chambers #19 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate following a touchdown against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the football game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils rushes during a long touchdown run against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 27, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils rushes during a long touchdown run against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 27, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Offense

Quentin Harris is not Daniel Jones. His performances so far have made Blue Devils fans super confident that they’ll be just fine — if not better — with the fifth-year senior at the helm. In this game he and the offense took a bit of time to get on track, but when they did there was no turning back. They pushed the famous “lunch pail” defense all over the field on Friday night, and did so with ease.

Quarterback: A

Quentin Harris has acclimated himself very well into Duke’s new look offense. Friday night against the Hokies was a perfect example of how they want to use Harris. They want to get the ball out of his hands quickly, and he’s accurate enough to give his speedy receivers opportunity to run after the catch. He has lots of responsibilities in the run game as well. He might not have an elite runner in the backfield with him, but they are good enough for defenses to account for them and not just key on Harris in the option game.

Running Back: A

The running backs are the beneficiaries of a group grade. The offensive line gave them plenty of room to run and Harris had 100 rushing yards. Mateo Durant and Deon Jackson combined for 84 yards on 20 carries, and the run game totaled 234 yards on 41 rushes.

Receivers/Tight Ends: A

The receiving corps did exactly what was asked of them; get open and run after the catch. They aren’t a flashy group, but they aren’t asked to be either. Harris just needs guys that can get open and not leave receptions on the ground. They did that against the Hokies. Head coach David Cutcliffe knows where his bread is buttered; that’s the run game, but he needs a reliable efficient passing attack to keep defenses honest. Mission accomplished.

Offensive Line: A

Wow. Just wow. The offensive line had their way with Virginia Tech’s front seven. The Hokies got little pressure on Harris, and did not sack him. They paved the way for a run game that got pretty much what they wanted against the Hokies. It is still so shocking they were able to push around the Hokies’ defense the way they did.

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