Duke football: Blue Devils looking for first win against Boston College

The Duke football team will be looking for its first win of the season at home against Boston College.

Duke’s first game of the season against Notre Dame was a success, but the Blue Devils were clearly outmatched against a superior opponent.

However, David Cutcliffe’s team was able to hold its own against the Fighting Irish until late in the third quarter under new starting quarterback Chase Brice.

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But now it’s time for Brice and Duke to show what they can do against an opponent that’s more on their skill level with the Boston College Eagles.

In addition to being home, yet without the comfort of any fans, the Blue Devils will have many things in their advantage going up against an Eagle team that has yet to play a game this season and will be trotting out under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and starting quarterback Phil Jurkovec.

Jurkovec was a backup at Notre Dame, but the lack of playing time and return of starter Ian Book forced the signal caller’s hand as he bolted from South Bend to Chestnut Hill.

Boston College’s new quarterback has only thrown a total of 17 passes in his collegiate career, and he will not have the ability of star running back AJ Brown, who now is trying to make a name for himself in the NFL.

All is not lost for Jurkovec as he will have running back David Bailey, who rushed for 844 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

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However, this game is about the Blue Devils and the offensive execution that it was not able to sustain against a high-level defense of Notre Dame.

Duke’s offense, as plays were called by Cutcliffe, looked much more fluid and confident with Brice at the helm, and with running back Deon Jackson and tight end Noah Gray playing large roles, but now is the time for someone to step up on the outside.

A combination of Eli Pancol, Jalon Calhoun, and Jake Bobo must pose themselves as a threat for Brice to look for or things will continue to be tough for the Blue Devils as Boston College will rotate a safety on Gray and stack the box for Jackson.

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Can Duke take advantage of this Boston College team?

We will find out on Saturday, September 19 at 12:00pm as the game will be broadcasted on ESPN3 and various Regional Sports Networks.

PREDICTION: Duke 27, Boston College 17

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