Next Up For Football - Georgia Tech

Duke hosts Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon in Durham. The Jackets enter with a 5-4 record, Duke sits at 4-6.

Now, at first glance there’s not much disparity between those records, but I’m sure we’re all well aware of Duke’s 6 game losing streak and 1-5 conference record. Tech has won 4 and lost 3 in conference, making it an essentially average team this year. Their most recent, and perhaps most impressive win, was a 28-22 victory at home over Virginia Tech.

Georgia Tech now sits one game away from bowl eligibility with the game tomorrow and their rivalry matchup with Georgia remaining. One can only hope they look ahead to their rivalry game and let this become a trap game for them.

Historically, Duke has defended the option attack well, and Duke’s defense has played about as well as possible with the offense not giving them any help, but it’s difficult to foresee change after four consecutive weeks under 20 points of offense. Moreover, Army was an option team and they put up 21, meaning we’ll likely have to see some scoring to see a win.

However, little has changed with regards to playcalling, the offensive line play, and the passing game.

This has been a disappointing year for Duke, although we do have the revenge game against Northwestern and the always sweet win over Carolina (who have been really, really bad this year).

A bowl is still technically within reach. A win tomorrow and then a win next week against Wake Forest would put Duke at 6 wins, and perhaps the urgency of the situation will at least improve effort and execution on offense.

However, the coaching staff has adjustments to make and has not made them yet, so it’s difficult to anticipate that they will.

• Duke football looks to snap skid on Senior Day without Ben Humphreys
• Three Blue Devils Named CoSIDA Academic All-District
• Game Notes: vs Georgia Tech Nov. 18, 3:30 RSN
• Georgia Tech looks to become bowl eligible with win at Duke