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Duke opens as an eight (8) points favorite. Now we have to go out on the field and win the game. This is as close to a must win game as there is.

I'd be very happy if we walk away looking dominant.
I'd be very happy if we win by 1 pt.

The over/under is set at 49.5 points. The past five Duke games have been under.

Duke 28, Pitt 20

Bob Green wrote:The over/under is set at 49.5 points. The past five Duke games have been under.

Duke 28, Pitt 20

Duke-Pitt seems to have a history of being high scoring games, though. I'm hoping our defense sees to it that isn't the case this year. I have faith that they will.

It's obvious as an eight point favorite that Vegas does not think very much of Pitt.

I liked the fight I saw from our team on Saturday. Our defense continues to play insanely good football. It's pretty stunning to see how much of an impact a defensive line coach can have.

I have a good feeling about this game. Although we only scored 10 points against FSU, the play-calling was much improved and Daniel made some throws that he hadn't made since the Northwestern game. Another solid performance from our defense, combined with a few explosive plays in the running game will lead to our 5th victory of the season!

And yes, this is the definition of a must-win game.

Duke 30
Pitt 17

That really sucked. That beyond sucked.

I hate to say it, but this team...the one that in the coaches' words is "the fastest and most talented", only knows how to play together as a team on one side of the ball.

We've seen it happen on the hardwood lots. Plenty of talent, and no results because they can't figure out how to work together as a team. It's not as easy (or as hard) to do with a football team since there are so many more actors, but I get the sense that is what is going on with Duke. Lots of talent, lots of speed, little connection.

A puzzle with missing pieces, and I don't see a solution by season's end. Grrrrrrrr.....

CameronBornAndBred wrote:A puzzle with missing pieces, and I don't see a solution by season's end. Grrrrrrrr.....

I worry about the effect back-to-back 4-8, or 4-8/5-7, seasons will have on recruiting. Teams have to achieve success recruiting, year in and year out, to sustain and grow a program.

Coach Cutcliffe needs to hire an experienced Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach as soon as practical. We also need an experienced Wide Receivers Coach. I know he cares deeply about his assistants, but the program has to come first so he needs to bring in experienced coaches to fix our anemic offense. I am sure he can work his contacts and find jobs for the current assistants at smaller schools where they can hone their trade.

My guess is Scottie Montgomery will be available sooner rather than later....

YmoBeThere wrote:My guess is Scottie Montgomery will be available sooner rather than later....

At least his team won yesterday.

We'd be grumbling less if we got to play more games against 1-6 teams whose one win is against a 0-7 I-AA team.