2011 Duke Football Predictions

Written by Steve Janus

After a strong 5-7 season in 2009, the Duke Blue Devils took a slight step back in 2010. They wound up going just 3-9 overall and just 1-7 in the ACC. While the win total was down, Duke wasn’t as bad as their record might lead on. Five of their seven conference losses came by 10 points or less. The Blue Devils head into 2011 with 14 starters back from last year, and should have the best overall talent since David Cutcliffe took over three seasons ago.

Here is a look at what Duke will be sending to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction of where they finish the year in the ACC.

Offense:

2010 starting quarterback Sean Renfree is back for his junior season, and they are really counting on him to make some big strides this season. Renfree completed 61.4% of his passes for 3,131 yards and 14 touchdowns, but has to find a way to cut back on his interceptions (17). Last year true freshman Brandon Connette was used as a running threat at quarterback, and ended up finishing second on the team with 321 yards and eight touchdowns. Connette should continue to see time when the Blue Devils are threatening in the redzone.

Junior Desmond Scott put together a fine sophomore season, leading the team with 530 yards to go along with three touchdowns. While Duke runs more of a pass first offense, Scott should be able to top his rushing total from last year.

Duke returns two big time weapons at receiver in junior Conner Vernon and senior Donovan Varner. Vernon led the team with 73 catches for 973 yards and four touchdowns, while Varner caught 60 passes for 736 yards and one score. Sophomore Brandon Braxton looks like he will be added to the starting mix on the outside. They also have a solid tight end in senior Cooper Helfet, who had 34 receptions for 380 yards and two touchdowns.

The concern for the Blue Devils on this side of the ball comes on the offensive line. They return senior left tackle Kyle Hill, junior center Brian Moore, and sophomore right tackle Perry Simmons. That leaves both guard spots up for grabs. It looks like the Blue Devils will turn to youth here, as redshirt freshman Laken Tomlinson and sophomore Dave Harding have the early edge heading into the fall. This unit has to produce for Duke to return to a bowl game.

Defense:

While the Blue Devils return sophomore Sydney Sarmiento and senior Charlie Hatcher at the two defensive tackle spots, the defensive front is a huge concern heading into 2011. Junior Kenny Anunike and sophomore Justin Foxx will take over at the two end spots, and must get pressure on the quarterback for this defense to show any improvements.

Sophomore middle linebacker Kelby Brown is the only starting linebacker back from 2010, leaving a couple big holes in the middle of the field. Junior Austin Gamble and sophomore August Campbell look like they will step in and start alongside Brown, but neither really has the talent that makes you think this unit is going to impress anyone.

With three starters back in the secondary, the Blue Devils should be much better against the pass than they have been in years. Senior free safety Matt Daniels is one of the top players at his position in the ACC, and is going to be counted on to make a ton of big plays this season. Also back are sophomore corner Ross Cockrell and senior strong safety Lee Butler.

ACC Prediction: 6th ACC Coastal – Even though Duke figures to be better than they were a year ago. I think the lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball is going to keep this team from winning those close games against the better teams in this conference. The offense is going to have to really put up some big numbers for this team to have a shot at making their first bowl game since 1994.

ACC Football Predictions by Team
Boston College Football Predictions	Clemson Football Predictions
Maryland Football Predictions	NC State Football Predictions
Duke Football Predictions	Georgia Tech Football Predictions
North Carolina Football Predictions	Virginia Football Predictions
Florida State Football Predictions	Wake Forest Football Predictions
Miami Football Predictions	Virginia Tech Football Predictions

College Football Predictions
ACC Football Predictions	Big 12 Football Predictions
Conference USA Football Predictions	Independents Football Predictions
PAC 12 Football Predictions	SEC Football Predictions
Big East Football Predictions	Big Ten Football Predictions
MAC Football Predictions	Mountain West Football Predictions
Sun Belt Football Predictions	WAC Football Predictions

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