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Blue Devils can’t sustain hot start in first half against Alabama

By Kevin Connelly

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach David Cutcliffe of the Duke Blue Devils enjoy a laugh during pregame warmups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach David Cutcliffe of the Duke Blue Devils enjoy a laugh during pregame warmups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Duke Football team kicked off its season against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff on Saturday afternoon and the Blue Devils held their own in the first half.

The Duke Blue Devils held their own against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half.

In football.

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Yes, the Blue Devils were able to take advantage of some sloppy play from the Tide to stay within striking distance of the Crimson Tide for the majority of the first half.

Duke’s defense came out of the locker room strong, forcing Alabama into a three-and-out on its opening possession and forcing a fumble deep in their own territory.

The Blue Devils were not able to take advantage of the Tide’s fumble, going for it on 4th & 1 from the Alabama 7-yard line and coming up short.

Alabama would take the ball and march right down the field, but a stout Duke defense was able to hold the Crimson Tide into a 49-yard field goal attempt which went off the upright.

The Duke offense just couldn’t get anything going against the stifling Alabama defense as the Crimson Tide finally broke the stalemate five minutes into the first quarter.

Duke was able to get on the board with a field goal late in the second quarter as Alabama has 14-3 lead at the half-time break.

In his first game as the official starting quarterback for the Blue Devils, Quentin Harris struggled in the first half completing 3-of-8 passes for just 42 yards.

Duke tried to make its way on the ground with the ball, using a three headed backfield of Brittain Brown, Deon Jackson, and Mataeo Durant.

The trio combined to take the ball 12 times for 53 yards.

Alabama quarterback and Heisman hopeful Tua Tagovailoa was sensational in the opening 30 minutes, completing 16-of-19 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown.

Duke will try and put some points on the board in the second half in Mercades Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia and fans can see the second half live on ABC.

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