Is Duke Football an ACC Darkhorse contender in 2023?

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Dec 28, 2022; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive tackle DeWayne Carter hoists the 2022 Military Bowl trophy after defeating the Central Florida Knights at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Duke Football Defense be better in 2022?

It should have come as little surprise that Duke’s defense would be better in 2022 under head coach Mike Elko. He was a longtime defensive coordinator at Wake Forest, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame. After Duke allowed 39.8 points and 516.8 yards per game in 2021, the defense cut those numbers to 22.1 points and 378.2 yards last season.

Not only were they better, the Blue Devils were one of the best defenses in the ACC. Duke football was fifth in points allowed, fourth in rushing defense, and sixth in sacks in the conference. Expect that unit to be just as good.

Shaka Heyward and Darius Joiner were the only two losses of note to the defense. Everyone else is back, and they add Al Blades from Miami to a secondary that should be the unit’s strength. One of the reasons the secondary should be good is the pass rush should be one of the best in the ACC.

The pass rush comes from everywhere in Elko’s defense. Brandon Johnson and DeWayne Carter tied for the team lead in sacks last year. Johnson is a safety, and Carter a defensive end. That’s how you know that quarterbacks don’t see where the pressure comes from.

This unit is deep and talented. Expect big things from Duke’s defense.

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