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#21 Duke Football: 3 takeaways from home against Northwestern

By Dante Pryor

Sep 9, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko leads his players onto the field before the start of the game against the Lafayette Leopards at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko leads his players onto the field before the start of the game against the Lafayette Leopards at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Duke Football home against Northwestern.
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 28: A view of a Duke Blue Devils helmet during the game against the UCF Knights in the Military Bowl Presented by Peraton at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2022 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

What’s next for Duke Football?

Make no mistake: Duke is a contender in the ACC. They have a win against Clemson in their back pocket and play Florida State. The schedule is not easy, however. They play the Seminoles, Notre Dame, and North Carolina. Duke has three things that travel: an experienced offensive line, a running game, and a stout defense.

Don’t be surprised to see Duke in the mix for the ACC in late October if they can stay healthy. The Blue Devils have another challenging game against a gritty UConn squad before starting ACC play.

What’s next for Northwestern football?

The program is a bit of a mess because of the hazing scandal. However, interim coach David Braun has outstandingly kept these young men focused and playing hard. The roster had a lot of holes before the scandal, and some of those issues reared their ugly heads. Northwestern doesn’t have explosive playmakers on the perimeter.

Cincinnati transfer Ben Bryant struggled this afternoon. The offensive line did not win consistently enough to establish a running game to take pressure off Bryant and the passing game. Hats off to them for not quitting; hopefully, that lasts all season as Northwestern begins conference play next weekend.

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