Duke hasn’t had much luck against Virginia lately.
Actually, Virginia’s four-game winning streak against Duke hasn’t been the result of luck as much as the inescapable reality that the Cavaliers have simply been a little bit better than Duke over that span.
Duke was competitive in all four losses, 42-34 in 2015, followed by 34-20, 28-21 and 28-14.
What does Duke have to do to stop the trend?
Offense? Defense? Special teams?
David Cutcliffe says all of the above.
“They [Virginia] may be as balanced as any team we’ve ever seen. It’s kind of become their culture. Offensively, defensively, in the kicking game, in all elements, they’re playing football. We always talk about blends here and they’re as good you get at doing it.”
It starts with winning both lines of scrimmage.
Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins hurt Duke with 250 total yards and three touchdowns last season.
Duke linebacker Brandon Hill says the Duke defense needs to control him this season.
“Obviously he’s a great player . . . . and we know that going into this game so we’ve obviously created a standard for this game, making sure we contain him, create good edges, keep him in the pocket. . . . Virginia has great players, is a great program. It’s hard to combat that if you don’t come to play. We have to have a complete game. If we go into the game with a great game plan and perform in all three phases, we’ll be okay.”
Cutcliffe says Duke has prioritized Perkins.
“I think we can find some favorable match ups. I hope we play at a high level on the defensive front. We’re getting to the point where things are better there. We should have [defensive end] Tre Hornbuckle back this week and that should help us.”
Perkins has shown an ability to extend plays with his legs and exploit that with a potent arm.
Duke has to not only pressure him but complete sacks.
“You have to drill it,” Cutcliffe said. “We drilled it last week and we did better and we’re going to drill it again. It’s like anything else it has to be an emphasis and it has to be backed up with technique. That’s a big part of playing Virginia because in two years he’s been a great player. He’s a big strong guy who can run it and throw it.”
Cut adds that Virginia has the best group of receivers he’s seen there since he came to Duke.
It helps that Duke linebackers Koby Quansah, Hill and Shaka Heyward are playing at a high level.
“We’ve got terrific athletes there,” Cutcliffe says of that position group, giving credit to linebacker coach Lanier Goethe for his contributions.
Hill likewise gives credit to graduated Joe Giles-Harris and Ben Humphreys.
“Joe and Ben were great mentors so now we’re trying to do the same thing with the younger guys and keep that going.”
When Duke has the ball, they have to run much better than the 58 yards they totaled last season. Duke running back Deon Jackson had 17 of those, on 11 carries.
“They’ve been able to stop the run pretty well. Last year we didn’t run the ball too well. They have a real aggressive, real physical defense. We have to attack them, take advantage of our opportunities and win the rushing battle.”
Jackson’s abilities as a receiver may come into play against the Cavaliers.
“I love matching up against linebackers, getting into the route tree. Coach trusts me running a lot of different routes and he trusts me to catch the ball. It’s something I’ve embraced. I love catching the ball and I love running the ball. Having that mix and having the coaches trust me is a big honor.”
Virginia also pressured Duke last season and they have a potent pass rush this season.
“Virginia does a great job of rushing the passer,” Cutcliffe said. “ The first thing you have to always be is throwing the ball on time. . . . Secondly, you have to be assignment sound . . . and thirdly you have to win your individual battles. We have good players up front and I expect them to respond.”
With protection, Duke has to be able to pass against Virginia’s 3-4 defense, which they frequently switch into a five DB-package.
“One of the things they do really well is mix coverages,” Cutcliffe said. “They have really good athletes back there. So, if they’re matching you in man-to-man, which they will, you’ve got to work hard to separate. It takes athleticism. If they’re playing variations of zone or zone blitz, you’ve got recognize in a hurry where things are and you have to get yourself available.”
Daniel Jones threw two interceptions against Virginia last season. But Cutcliffe suggests that Duke has more receiver weapons this season.
“Our receivers have improved tremendously. We have a lot of confidence right now in a lot of people. I’m seeing a transformation of our young people. I love the fact that there’s competition.”
Duke has only had one close game this year and they lost that one, to Pittsburgh. Special teams could be the key to winning a close one. A.J. Reed is in the middle of a great season, which Cutcliffe credits to Reed’s commitment and hard work.
But Cutcliffe wants more from the kick-off-return unit and is working Deon Jackson back into the mix.
“I’m going to stir that pot until we try to get one in the house again,” Cutcliffe said. “It’s been awhile.”
When asked if giving Jackson more opportunities to get hit was a risk, Cutcliffe responded
“if you want the football as running back, you’re going to have to take that risk. And he wants the ball. We are where we are at running back. We’re well aware of that. But we need an infusion there.”
Jackson says he’s “getting back into my groove [as a returner]. I’m real comfortable back there, so it’s something I’m looking forward to moving forward.”
So, a big game on the road. Jackson says “there’s no better feeling than going into somebody else’s house and punching them in the mouth and coming out with a win. We always go into it with that mindset. We haven’t beaten Virginia since I’ve been here. That’s definitely a motivation. I really want to come out with a win.”
Hill says Duke has what it needs to make that happen.
“We’re a motivated group, have a lot of chemistry, are close to each other and all have the same goal in common, coming out of the week 1-0. I think this year more than previous years everybody is focused on that goal. Put some points on the board, run efficiently, control their quarterback. As a team we’re in great position.”