The Duke Blue Devils lost for just the second time this season on Saturday, but USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg still considers them one of the top teams in the FBS.
Myerberg updated his rankings of all 134 college football teams on Monday, and the Blue Devils remained in place at 28th despite the addition to the loss column.
The play of Duke’s defense likely plays no small role in his continued confidence. SMU entered Week 9 averaging 38.0 points per game against conference opponents, but the Blue Devils held them to 21 points through four quarters thanks to three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. The defense came away with three straight takeaways in opposing territory over the final nine minutes, but one missed field goal and another blocked kick prevented the win in regulation.
The Miami Hurricanes (fifth) and Clemson Tigers (eighth) remain the class of the conference in Myerberg’s eyes as well as everyone else’s. The Mustangs actually rose one spot to 17th after the road victory, swapping places with Boise State and Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty.
The North Carolina Tar Heels, who somehow moved back ahead of the Blue Devils in the ESPN Football Power Index despite a worse record and a head-to-head loss, remain just 63rd in Myerberg’s rankings.