2017 Quick Lane Bowl: Danny Dimes
Daniel Jones’s first season as the starting quarterback of the Duke Blue Devils was a step back for the program. In 2016 he threw for 2,836 yards and 16 touchdowns, but the Blue Devils went 4-8 and ended their streak of four consecutive bowl game appearances, the longest in program history.
In his second year, his numbers were worse, 2,691 yards on a 56.7% completion percentage with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, but he did lead Duke to a 6-6 regular season record which garnered an invite to the Quick Lane Bowl against Northern Illinois.
Jones went 27-40 passing for 252 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 86 yards and another score in the 36-14 win. Duke never relinquished a 14-0 first-quarter lead and Cutcliffe secured his fourth season over .500.