Is Duke Football an ACC Darkhorse contender in 2023?

Can Duke Football contend in the new-look ACC in 2023?

Duke football’s10-25 record the last three seasons called into question sustainability in Durham. The Blue Devils had a good run under Cutcliffe but could not remain relevant in football. By the end of 2021, Duke seemed destined to reclaim its place as the doormat of the ACC.

Coach Cutcliffe decided to retire, and the Blue Devils hired Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko. The Blue Devils hiring a defensive coach was a departure from their usual practices, but it paid off. Elko and offensive coordinator Kevin Johns unlocked an offense stagnant in 2021.

Duke’s six-game turnaround was one of the great stories of the 2022 season. Their nine wins were its best since winning 10 games in 2013. Its 5-3 conference record was the best since 2014. The question for Elko and the Blue Devils is, “Can they do it again?”

The schedule is interesting for Duke football. There are no more divisions in the ACC so they could be better than last season, but the record might not reflect it. The schedule does them no favors. They play Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, and NC State.

Here’s a closer look at the offense, defense, and the schedule.