Duke football: 2020 season preview, predictions included
By Riley Platt
Duke football season preview: GAMES 3-4
Last year’s matchup with the Hokies was one of the few bright spots for Duke. Against all odds, the Blue Devils marched into Lane Stadium and came out with a 45-10 win. However, Virginia Tech will most likely be a much tougher customer this year.
Justin Fuente’s squad is also coming off of a disappointing year and will be hungry for more. While a stunning record wasn’t there, there were many promising aspects from their 2019 campaign. The team went to Notre Dame and lost on a game-winning drive put together by the aforementioned’s Ian Book. Needless to say, the 2020 Virginia Tech team is talented and only seems to be better than last year.
Duke is going to have its hands full with this team, and it will be a hard-fought game. Quarterback Hendon Hooker looks to lead a solid offense into Durham, but it’s the defense that makes the Hokies so special. Even with the loss of star cornerback Caleb Farley, the defense will be one to reckon with. Next up at the corner position is another one of the ACC’s best, Jermaine Waller.
Ultimately, the VT defense will be a lot to face for a Duke offense that will have a new quarterback running things. This should be a very competitive game, but Duke has had major struggles facing this team at home in the past, and I think 2020 will continue this unfortunate trend. Look for the Hokies to edge out a close victory in this one.
Final Score: Duke 14, Virginia Tech 21
Syracuse was one of the ACC’s biggest disappointments last year. Finishing 5-7, the Orange did not live up to the standard they had set with their trip to the 2018 Camping World Bowl. Defeating West Virginia, they secured their first 10-win season since 2001.
New quarterback Tommy DeVito took over without much help from his offensive line, being sacked 44 times — the most in the nation. Despite a rough first season as the leader of this offense, DeVito has shown promise. He, along with fifth-year head coach Dino Babers, look to bounce back in 2020.
When Syracuse and Duke met last year, it ended in an embarrassing 49-6 loss for the Blue Devils. It’s hard to believe that Duke would allow something like this to happen again. The ‘Cuse defense loses seven starters, which is never a good thing. Look for the Blue Devils to exploit these weaknesses and come out of the Carrier Dome with a win.
Final Score: Duke 31, Syracuse 13