Duke football: Blue Devils are still a work in progress

Under Construction

It’s not an excuse. Pointing out the Duke football program is still a work in progress in head coach Mike Elko’s first season is not a feeble attempt to excuse away Saturday’s loss to Kansas-the Blue Devils’ first of the season. It is just a simple statement of fact.

The turnaround won’t happen overnight. We’re just four games into the season. You don’t fix, patch, or retool everything that has been an issue in the previous few seasons in the first month of the season. But Elko and his staff are well on their way to doing so. It’s just going to take some time.

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The improvement is obvious

Yes, the Duke defense gave up over 500 yards to Kansas, put little pressure on their quarterback, and missed too many tackles, but the only thing resembling last year’s atrocious unit is the blue and white uniform. This is a different defense that I still believe is a strength for the team. They held the Jayhawks two touchdowns under their points-per-game average and that’s a positive. I do think they need to get faster and bigger, and that won’t happen in the middle of a season, but Elko and his staff have them heading in the right direction.

Folks, Riley Leonard has the potential to be elite. His ball placement, pocket presence, internal clock of how much time he has to throw, and poise are things you can’t teach. He’s only going to get better and turn into more of a leader. That group of receivers has quietly become one of the better in the conference. Jordan Moore’s role is expanding bit by bit and the more I watch Eli Pancol, the more I like him. The offensive line is a physical group who is doing a good job of protecting their young quarterback and is excelling in the run game. The running back duo of Jordan Waters and Jaylen Coleman have combined to average over one yards per game-Coleman in particular has noticeably improved. The offense still tends to bog down at times, but even that has improved. I really enjoy watching this offense.

Patience, Grasshoppa

The Blue Devils are going to give us joyous moments and some that will make us want to tear out our hair. My advice is let’s all exercise patience and enjoy watching this team develop and grow. Elko is changing the culture and building a foundation for a solid program. It just isn’t going to happen overnight.

The Blue Devils will try to get back into the win column against Virginia and their nasty defense on Saturday in another night game at Wallace wade Stadium. One other thing, if you got the pop culture reference I included in this article, you’re showing your age.