2021 Duke Football

[CameronBornAndBred]

I told Julie tonight about tailgate season being back in full session today. (I mean football season)

She loved last year, knowing that we didn't have to worry about planning around them. Brightside for her this season is at least the first two games are Friday nights, which gives us the rest of the weekend to make her happy. So at least the morons that scheduled Fridays got it right for one person in our household. ;)

[Bob Green]

Recruiting has been active this past week with Duke receiving verbal commitments from multiple players. Yesterday, QB Henry Belin, 6’3” 215, picked Duke over Syracuse and Northwestern. It is always good to get a QB in the pipeline.

The first two in state commits are defensive back Terry Moore from Washington, NC and wide receiver Jaden Watkins from Asheville. Watkins had offers from multiple ACC schools.

Earlier in the week, linebacker Jeremiah Hasley from Pennsylvania committed.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Crossing fingers tightly that we don't have a disastrous season and that some of these guys don't question their commitments. (I'd think Cutcliffe's job would be very hot if we have a disastrous season, and that would likely spark some reevaluation, too.)

Hate feeling less than optimistic about the upcoming year, it's been a long time since that's happened.

[Bob Green]

Hate feeling less than optimistic about the upcoming year, it's been a long time since that's happened.

I’m with you. Four or 5 wins seems like best case scenario with 2-10 (0-8) a possibility. If Duke goes 0-8 in conference, Cutcliffe will be on the hot seat.

[Phredd3]

Hate feeling less than optimistic about the upcoming year, it's been a long time since that's happened.

I’m with you. Four or 5 wins seems like best case scenario with 2-10 (0-8) a possibility. If Duke goes 0-8 in conference, Cutcliffe will be on the hot seat.

I don't follow football much, but I would have to think that if Duke goes 2-10 (0-8) Cutcliffe is going to be politely moved aside. Nina King is not Kevin White.

[CameronBornAndBred]

This is the first in depth preview I've seen of Duke so far, and it's an honest one.

https://collegefootballnews.com/2021/04 ... eview-2021

Most obvious need is to stop turning the ball over, and no longer lead the country in that stat.

Their prediction is for 5 wins, with Northwestern being our most important game.

[Bob Green]

Their prediction is for 5 wins, with Northwestern being our most important game.

This season is all about September. If we go 4-0 or 3-1, we have a puncher’s chance; 2-2 means we are done.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Their prediction is for 5 wins, with Northwestern being our most important game.

This season is all about September. If we go 4-0 or 3-1, we have a puncher’s chance; 2-2 means we are done.

Agreed with those numbers. I also hope we show up against Northwestern. Losing to them is not a blow, but losing badly would be awful timing.

[Bob Green]

Linebacker Carter Wyatt from West Brunswick, NC is verbal #13 per 247Sports. He picked Duke over Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Two months to go before our first home game!

[Bob Green]

Defensive End Vincent Anthony, Jr. becomes verbal commit number 14. He is 6’5” 240 and from Durham (Jordan HS) with P5 offers from N.C. State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi and Indiana.

247Sports rates him 3 stars.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Defensive End Vincent Anthony, Jr. becomes verbal commit number 14. He is 6’5” 240 and from Durham (Jordan HS) with P5 offers from N.C. State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi and Indiana.

247Sports rates him 3 stars.

A local man stays home! Hope it starts a trend!

[Bob Green]

Football camp has commenced. One practice down, 24 to go.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Football camp has commenced. One practice down, 24 to go.

And exactly one month until our first game!

[Bob Green]

Bobby Bowden passed away early this morning:

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sport ... 699190001/

[CameronBornAndBred]

Bobby Bowden passed away early this morning:

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sport ... 699190001/

RIP. I saw last month he had been diagnosed with a terminal condition. If there's proof that a coach can make a program, Bowden is an iconic example; Florida State has struggled mightily since he left.

[Bob Green]

Jim Sumner on quarterback Gunnar Holmberg:

https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/20 ... -cutcliffe

Good article!

[Bob Green]

https://goduke.com/news/2021/8/9/footba ... -camp.aspx

Excellent interview with co-offensive coordinator Jeff Faris who will be up in the box calling plays this season.

[Bob Green]

Jim Summer article on Jeff Faris who will be calling the plays this season. Article is based on the interview I posted a link to yesterday. As always, Jim does an excellent job:

https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/20 ... de-stadium

I really enjoy reading all these preseason articles but in the end they don’t mean anything. Talk has to translate into action on the field.

[Bob Green]

Steve Wiseman on the defensive linemen:

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/col ... 74683.html

Duke is heavy on potential, light on actual production.