Duke football: 2020 season preview, predictions included
By Riley Platt
Despite a disappointing 2019 season, Duke football looks to bounce back in 2020; let’s project how the Blue Devils will fare.
After a promising 3-1 start, the 2019 Duke football squad quickly saw its season implode into a 5-7 disaster. This included a five-game losing streak in the midst of conference play. As a fan, it was very difficult to watch throughout this stretch. Unfortunately, this led to discord within the program and outgoing transfers.
Issues abounded, but changes to offensive playcalling should now help solve them. Head coach David Cutcliffe will now be the sole shot-caller after this duty was taken from offensive coordinator Zac Roper.
While some key players were lost to the transfer portal, the Blue Devils add talented newcomers. The most notable of these additions is undoubtedly former Clemson quarterback Chase Brice. With Brice, the Blue Devils look to expand their air attack, something that just wasn’t there with Quentin Harris at the helm.
Star defensive end Chris Rumph II looks to lead a Duke defense that lost some serious talent last year to graduation. Along with veteran Vic Dimukeje, the Blue Devils’ front seven will be in good hands.
With the pandemic drastically affecting the college football landscape, Duke saw its 2020 schedule shaken up. The Blue Devils will now play a 10-game ACC schedule, along with a non-conference matchup with Charlotte.
Unlike usual, the ACC Championship Game participants will be selected based on the two best records. This will make things significantly more difficult for Duke, as the Blue Devils can no longer depend on simply finishing first in the Coastal Division. Clemson, North Carolina, and newcomer Notre Dame are all heavy favorites to finish top two.
The odds will certainly be against the Blue Devils, but this is a squad that could make a run for the ACC crown. Let’s take a look at Duke’s schedule to see how things could turn out…