The Duke Blue Devils have already exceeded expectations on the football field in 2024, but the final two weeks decide whether head coach Manny Diaz’s first season in Durham is good or great.
Duke already qualified for the postseason with seven wins in its first seven games, including the first season sweep of the North Carolina Tar Heels and NC State Wolfpack since 2013, but each successive tally in the win column only improves the Blue Devils’ national standing. A Week 14 win over Wake Forest would give Diaz bragging rights over the entire state, but the Virginia Tech Hokies must be taken care of first.
The Hokies’ 5-5 record makes them look like unformidable foes, but several ranked teams found out that fallacy the hard way already. While Virginia Tech didn’t win either game, it led Miami by 10 points in the fourth quarter and took a 7-0 advantage into halftime against the Clemson Tigers.
Check out whether our staff thinks the Blue Devils can slow down the Hokies and their elite rushing attack in this year’s final game at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Ryan Haley, Duke Wire site editor
Before anything else, the status of Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten determines this entire game. Both players, who combine for nearly 70% of the team’s rushing yards, have dealt with injuries for most of the last month, but a bye week should have them closer to full speed.
Still, head coach Brent Pry labeled them as questionable earlier in the week, and even if they just play at less than 100%, that drastically changes Virginia Tech’s offensive outlook.
While a run-first program plays away from Duke’s defensive strengths, I think the intelligence and discipline of Jonathan Patke’s defense get brushed away more than they should. There are veterans everywhere, including the front seven, and they’ll be able to navigate some complicated run designs.
Besides, if quarterback Maalik Murphy keeps throwing multiple touchdowns per game on the other side, Duke is genuinely a top-five team in the conference. The redshirt sophomore hasn’t just produced more over the last three games, he’s looked more comfortable and made cleaner decisions, and there’s no reason to doubt that trend.
Duke 28, Virginia Tech 23
Bryant Crews, Staff Writer
For one last time in 2024, Duke will take the field at Wallace Wade. They do so, hosting an underachieving Virginia Tech team that some thought could compete for the ACC title and even the College Football Playoff. Well, to put it plainly, that just won’t be happening despite them returning 22 starters. Duke, on the other hand, has an incredibly reasonable shot at a nine-win season at 7-3.
Virginia Tech has a diverse and steady run game that Duke’s defense will have to key in on, but the Hokies passing game is far from electric. Making Drones a dropback passer and eliminating the RPO game could tilt things heavily in Duke’s favor. Tuten, a transfer from North Carolina A&T, is a highlight waiting to happen for the Hokies, and he’s closing in on 1,000 yards to pair with 12 touchdowns.
A fast start from Duke could completely mess up the likely game script for Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen and allow Duke to pin its ears back and rush the QB, which favors the Blue Devils.
I think we see Duke off a bye week with a bit of extra pep in its step, and Duke pulls early 4th quarter for a two-score win. I see Sahmir Hagans scoring this week, too.
Duke 29, Virginia Tech 20
Josiah Caswell, Staff Writer
While I think Duke will win, Virginia Tech does pose a very interesting matchup for the Blue Devils. All year long, Duke’s specialty has been its pass defense led by cornerback Chandler Rivers.
Additionally, the Blue Devils’ pass rush and defensive line recorded 28.0 sacks and led the nation in tackles for loss for much of the season.
Despite that, the Blue Devils’ rushing defense isn’t stellar, or rather, it is more average at best. Out of all 134 FBS teams, the Duke rushing defense ranks just 71st with 149.3 rush yards allowed per game, including 3.83 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns.
For Virginia Tech, Tuten and Drones will make sure to test that. If Duke can continue forcing tackles for loss, it should win this no doubt. However, if Virginia Tech can have its way on the ground, the Hokies could create a very close game.
Duke 21, Virginia Tech 14