Duke Football: 3 takeaways from disappointing loss to Pitt

By Dante Pryor | Oct 6, 2019

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach David Cutcliffe talks with Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of their game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Pittsburgh won 33-30. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 21: Paris Ford #12 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts after a blocked punt by Aaron Mathews #6 in the second quarter during the game against the UCF Knights at Heinz Field on September 21, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

1. Pitt’s defense is legit

Pitt did to Duke’s offense what the Hokies wanted to do to the Blue Devils a week ago. The Panthers’ offense sputtered and made crucial mistakes in the second half of the game, but the pass rush remained consistent the entire game. The Panthers’ defensive line was outstanding all game long. They sacked Duke quarterback Quentin Harris three times and picked him off twice.

The Pitt secondary might be the unsung heroes of the game. The Duke receivers couldn’t separate at all against the Panther’s secondary. They squeezed them with their man coverage. Even when Pitt played zone, its pass rush was so good, Duke couldn’t find any holes in their zone defense.

The Blue Devils were grinding out points in the second half, and were aided by three second-half Pitt turnovers and 15 penalties. Long story short, Pitt let Duke back in the game.

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It’s hard to stop a team when you muff a punt and the opposition starts their drive at the five yard line.

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