Team Grades for Duke’s 44-3 Win Over Army

On Saturday the Duke Blue Devils improved to 5-1 with a 44-3 win on the road against the Army Black Knights. It was one of Duke’s most complete games of the season with the offense totaling 458 yards while the defense only conceding a measly 168 yards. With this win Duke has crept into the AP top 25 and look to be the best team in the Coastal division heading deeper into conference play. Let’s hand out some grades. 

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Offense – A 

QB Thomas Sirk put together his best outing in the past 3 weeks with completing 17 of 27 passes for 197 yards and 1 TD. He was smart with the football, distributing it to a variety of receivers with freshman WR T.J. Rahming sidelined due to a leg injury. Even a tight end, Erich Schneider, got into the box score with a first quarter TD reception. At this point in the season it seems like the Duke passing attack will never truly be otherworldly but if Sirk can get many people involved and limit his turnovers then the offense will produce.

One of the main reasons they will produce is the because of the running game which has been getting better and better each week. Jela Duncan had a break out week with 78 yards on only 8 carries along with 2 TDs. QB Parker Boehme also provided a different dimension to the offense when he came into score 2 TDs using his legs. With Duncan, Shaquille Powell, Sirk, Shaun Wilson and Boehme, Duke has a varied and wide range of weapons running the ball.

Defense – A+

Another stellar performance by one of the best units in the country. Army’s triple option attack was limited to 113 yards on 49 carries and Army QB Ahmad Bradshaw was completely shut down on the ground as well as through the air. Every week I do these grades and every week it becomes harder and harder to find new ways to praise this defense. They have shut down everyone they have faced and all three levels of the defense are performing exceptionally.

Special Teams – A

Another ho-hum 100% kicking performance by Ross Martin. He was again named Groza Star of the Week. Will Monday as well as the kickoff and punt return units did not have much to do. It is a luxury to have a kicker as good as Martin and watch for him to kick a last second field goal to win a game at some point this year.

Duke is off this week before returning to action at Virginia Tech on October 24th. Keep it here for all your Duke football news.