Team Grades for Duke’s 37-7 Win Over Tulane

It was not the prettiest game in the world but Duke overcame a slow start on Thursday night to win comfortably over Tulane 37-7. After going back and re-watching the game there is a lot to like about what Duke did on the field. Here are my grades for the offense, defense, special teams and a few things that stood out.

Offense – A-

For the most part the Duke offense looked very solid. The most encouraging thing about the offense was the play of QB Thomas Sirk. Sirk looked in control and was comfortable throwing from the pocket as well as outside of it. Sirk’s only mistake was a botched lateral in the 2nd half but overall Sirk controlled the game and did not make many bad decisions.

Shaun Wilson and Shaq Powell did not do anything that jumped off the screen but they were steady and the biggest thing was that they stayed healthy. Runningback cannot afford anymore injuries with Jela Duncan already out for significant time with a pectoral injury. 

More from Duke Football

• Duke football: Riley Leonard denied homework extension from professor
• Duke football lands in AP Top-25 after shocking rout of No. 9 Clemson
• Duke football pulls off epic field storming after upset against No. 9 Clemson
• Duke football shocks No. 9 Clemson on national television in stunning rout
• Duke football: Dabo Swinney already complaining about playing in Durham

TJ Rahming and Johnell Barnes both flashed big-time playmaking capabilities with Rahming catching 6 passes for 70 yards and Barnes hauling in 11 receptions for 109 yards and 1 TD. Wide receiver was a little bit of a question mark heading into the season with the losses of Jamison Crowder and Issac Blakeney but Rahming and Barnes look to be perfectly capable of stepping in and providing reliable weapons for Sirk. Also, Max McCaffrey looked his usual solid self.

Now I gave this unit an A- because of the play of the offensive line in the first half. They were garbage. No way else to really put it. A perceived strength in the offseason, looked like a porous unit as Sirk was repeatedly hurried by an underwhelming Tulane defensive front. Luckily, the line played better in the second half but the performance in the first half cannot happen again against a team like Georgia Tech or Miami. There is also no reason to believe the line cannot play better since they boast a ton of experience and talent.

Defense – A

The defense was fantastic on Thursday night, especially against the run where they only gave up 25 yards. That is encouraging considering how bad Duke was defending the run last season. Carlos Wray looked dominant. Breon Borders was Tulane’s shadow. Jeremy Cash and Devon Edwards played how everyone thought they would. Also, Zavier Carmichael continues to impress in his role vacated by the injured Kelby Brown. The only potential worry here is the cornerback play opposite Borders as Alonzo Saxton II and Jeremy McDuffie had their struggles. McDuffie was burned for a long touchdown and Saxton just seemed not ready. The loss of Bryon Fields maybe bigger than first anticipated.

Special Team – A+

Not one bad thing to say about this group. Will Monday punted well, Ross Martin knocked all four of his field goals home and Devon Edwards returned a 95 yard kickoff for a touchdown. The most solid and worry-free unit took care of their business.

It was only Tulane but the play of Thomas Sirk and the receiving core was very encouraging. The offensive line has to play better and the turnovers need to be limited but all-in-all the season opener was a success. Duke’s next game is September 12th at home against North Carolina Central.