Duke Blue Devils 2022 College Football Preview
August 2, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 3-9
ATS – 4-8
The Blue Devils lost their opener to Charlotte but won the next three games to get to a decent mark of 3-1. What could possibly go wrong? Well, apparently a lot. Duke went on a REVERSE HEATER and dropped their final eight games to finish the campaign at 3-9. New HC Mike Elko takes over from the legendary David Cutcliffe and has some serious work to do.
Duke Blue Devils 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
Duke had a decent offense for a three-win team LY as they ranked #50 in the FBS in rushing offense and #64 in passing offense. Things look very sketchy heading into 2022 as they lose their top WR in Jake Bobo (794, TD) and RB Mataeo Durant who was an underappreciated star (1,241, 4.9, 9 TD; 27 receptions LY). The Blue Devils also move on from QB Gunnar Holmberg but he had a poor 2021 campaign (7-8 TD to INT). The new signal-caller will be one of the two backups from LY (Riley Leonard, Jordan Moore) and it’s probably unfair to expect much from either of these inexperienced doods. As far as the offensive weaponry is concerned, the RB is an inexperienced BLACK HOLE with questionable talent, and only one player at WR/TE returns who had more than 20 receptions in 2021. Jalon Calhoun is a legit piece (56, 718, 3 TD) but it looks as tho Duke will have trouble SCORING the FOOTBALL. Thankfully, the OL looks pretty decent as they bring back four starters with impressive size, as well as some transfer portal FRESH FISH.
DEFENSE
It was an embarrassment on this side of the football LY as Duke was pitiful across the board. They allowed 39.8 PPG (last ACC by a wide margin) and gave up 48,45,54,48,62,47 in their L6G. The Blue Devils couldn’t stop the run (#117 FBS run defense) or the THROW GAME (#123 pass efficiency D) and couldn’t get heat on the QB (20 sacks, 2nd worst ACC). New DC Robb Smith (Rutgers LY) has his work cut out for him with just five returning starters, but we suppose that could be a blessing. DT DeWayne Carter is a great piece to build around up front (7.5 TFL, 6 QBH LY) but we have no idea what kind of pass rush they can generate from the DE position. LB Shaka Heyward is a legit stud (#1 tackler, 11.5 TFL) and Duke should be fine at LB, but the secondary is a major concern as they’re undergoing a complete reload. Yup, it’s gonna be a long year for the defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Yes, guy.
Duke has one of the best special teams units in the ACC given the return of punter Porter Wilson (40.2 net LY), PK Charlie Ham (14-20 FG, 32-32 XP) and dangerous KR Jaylen Stinson who had a pair of KO return TDs in 2021.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The schedule-maker had mercy. Duke got a good draw from the Atlantic (Boston College, Wake Forest) and have, wait for it, wait for it, here it comes, FOUR winnable non-conference games (Temple, Northwestern, NC A&T, Kansas).
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – September 24 – at Kansas
ACC play is on deck and Kansas will be looking to avenge last season’s blowout loss in Durham (L 52-33).
Season Win Total
Over 3.5 +150
Under 3.5 -180
MEGALOCKS says:
No leanage.
The roster inspires no confidence whatsoever BUT that schedule is mighty tasty. GUN to the HEAD selection would be a small taste of the ‘under’ if you can get a ‘3.5’. We wouldn’t take a ‘3’.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Duke has a mind-boggling ATS record of 32-11 (74%) vs non-conference foes over the L10Y. They are just 34-47-2 (42%) vs the number in ACC action. It’ll be interesting to see if these long-term trends continue under new HC Mike Elko.
The 1942 Rose Bowl game (January 1, 1942) was played at Wallace Wade Stadium instead of the Rose Bowl due to concerns after Pearl Harbor. Oregon St defeated Duke 20-16 in that affair. Serious TRIVIA NUGGETS!
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
We suppose it was time for a change. Former HC David Cutcliffe did a great job with Duke and now he passes the torch to a first-time head coach. The roster needs lots of work but there are several opportunities for wins on the schedule. It’ll be a long season for Duke fans but here’s hoping they can pull an upset or two along the way.
Want more Duke football ?
WEBSITE
https://goduke.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Board/Pascal-Field-House-102415/
https://duke.forums.rivals.com/forums/devil-insider.10/
NEWS
http://www.dukechronicle.com/section/football
https://balldurham.com/duke-football/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/150/duke-blue-devils