Duke vs. NCCU

[dukediv2012]

Duke will look to improve this week in practice in numerous categories including health/injury issues.

I would not expect to see VO this week or Connor Vernon, but I may be wrong.

Nonetheless, Duke will be prepared come Saturday evening.

GO DUKE!

[CameronBornAndBred]

I would not expect to see VO this week or Connor Vernon, but I may be wrong.

Thanks again for the update. As exciting as both of those players are to watch, I don't mind seeing them rest. We know Duke has a lot of inexperience on this team, I hope this game is a chance for playing time for lots of those usually on the sidelines.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I would not expect to see VO this week or Connor Vernon, but I may be wrong.

Thanks again for the update. As exciting as both of those players are to watch, I don't mind seeing them rest. We know Duke has a lot of inexperience on this team, I hope this game is a chance for playing time for lots of those usually on the sidelines.

Both Vince and Connor have earned some recovery time. You're absolutely right about this being an opportunity for somebody who's eager to have a chance to play and show what he can do as a part of the team.

[dukediv2012]

Since this game does not count at all for Duke, I wouldn't be surprised to see them try to perfect offensive and defensive schemes that they will use for the rest of the season. Duke will probably shuffle in a lot of players to get a view of different line-up possibilities for potential match-ups in the future.

While the Kansas game was disappointing, there were many positives to the game.
1. Duke ran the ball well against a good Big XII defense.
2. Duke's defensive unit played decently well in the first half without their star, VO.
3. The kicking game (punts, FGs, KOs) was pretty solid.
4. Some young players stepped up (Donovan Varner, Tyree Watkins, Sean Renfree, Patrick Kurunwune, John Drew and others) and made an impact.
5. Thad Lewis showed some true heart and his teammates picked him up after the bad plays that he made. I know that none of y'all saw this, but after the missed 2 pt. conversion, Thad came over to the sideline and just broke down (tears were shed) because he made a commitment to make Duke better and he felt like he let everyone in the Duke family down. When this happened, numerous players (Johnny Williams, VO, Requan Boyette, Jay Hollingsworth, Austin Kelly, Donovan Varner, Vinny Rey and Sean Renfree) approached him and consoled him. It was really a touching moment. Thad takes so much pressure from the media, fans, and himself and finally just broke down. His teammates realized he was in a time of need and they stepped up to take the burden from him.

The entire Duke family needs to stop worrying about who will start at QB and rally behind our team. They put so much effort into pleasing everyone and it is time that we take some of the pressure away by supporting all of them wholeheartedly.

LET'S GO DUKE! LET'S GO THAD! BEAT CENTRAL!

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Since this game does not count at all for Duke, I wouldn't be surprised to see them try to perfect offensive and defensive schemes that they will use for the rest of the season. Duke will probably shuffle in a lot of players to get a view of different line-up possibilities for potential match-ups in the future.

While the Kansas game was disappointing, there were many positives to the game.
1. Duke ran the ball well against a good Big XII defense.
2. Duke's defensive unit played decently well in the first half without their star, VO.
3. The kicking game (punts, FGs, KOs) was pretty solid.
4. Some young players stepped up (Donovan Varner, Tyree Watkins, Sean Renfree, Patrick Kurunwune, John Drew and others) and made an impact.
5. Thad Lewis showed some true heart and his teammates picked him up after the bad plays that he made. I know that none of y'all saw this, but after the missed 2 pt. conversion, Thad came over to the sideline and just broke down (tears were shed) because he made a commitment to make Duke better and he felt like he let everyone in the Duke family down. When this happened, numerous players (Johnny Williams, VO, Requan Boyette, Jay Hollingsworth, Austin Kelly, Donovan Varner, Vinny Rey and Sean Renfree) approached him and consoled him. It was really a touching moment. Thad takes so much pressure from the media, fans, and himself and finally just broke down. His teammates realized he was in a time of need and they stepped up to take the burden from him.

The entire Duke family needs to stop worrying about who will start at QB and rally behind our team. They put so much effort into pleasing everyone and it is time that we take some of the pressure away by supporting all of them wholeheartedly.

LET'S GO DUKE! LET'S GO THAD! BEAT CENTRAL!

I'm sure it was difficult for Thad to let go like that, but you're absolutely right about the pressures and the many sources of pressure. Thad has been carrying this burden of making Duke better publicly. I hope he can relinquish that sense of such high personal responsibility.... there are a bunch of other strong guys who can carry shoulder the team's destiny together.

The Central game comes at a good time in the schedule. I look forward to seeing what unfolds on Saturday evening!

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Weather forecast for Saturday: highs in the high seventies to low eighties, some humidity. Slight possibility of light rain or thunderstorm before kickoff. It's still a few days out. Maybe the rain will drop out of the forecast.

[devildeac]

Since this game does not count at all for Duke, I wouldn't be surprised to see them try to perfect offensive and defensive schemes that they will use for the rest of the season. Duke will probably shuffle in a lot of players to get a view of different line-up possibilities for potential match-ups in the future.

While the Kansas game was disappointing, there were many positives to the game.
1. Duke ran the ball well against a good Big XII defense.
2. Duke's defensive unit played decently well in the first half without their star, VO.
3. The kicking game (punts, FGs, KOs) was pretty solid.
4. Some young players stepped up (Donovan Varner, Tyree Watkins, Sean Renfree, Patrick Kurunwune, John Drew and others) and made an impact.
5. Thad Lewis showed some true heart and his teammates picked him up after the bad plays that he made. I know that none of y'all saw this, but after the missed 2 pt. conversion, Thad came over to the sideline and just broke down (tears were shed) because he made a commitment to make Duke better and he felt like he let everyone in the Duke family down. When this happened, numerous players (Johnny Williams, VO, Requan Boyette, Jay Hollingsworth, Austin Kelly, Donovan Varner, Vinny Rey and Sean Renfree) approached him and consoled him. It was really a touching moment. Thad takes so much pressure from the media, fans, and himself and finally just broke down. His teammates realized he was in a time of need and they stepped up to take the burden from him.

The entire Duke family needs to stop worrying about who will start at QB and rally behind our team. They put so much effort into pleasing everyone and it is time that we take some of the pressure away by supporting all of them wholeheartedly.

LET'S GO DUKE! LET'S GO THAD! BEAT CENTRAL!

Great stuff. As usual. BTW, thanks for the running/wind pants.

[dukediv2012]

Desmond Scott will be removing his redshirt and joining the team this weekend vs. NCCU.

[TillyGalore]

Desmond Scott will be removing his redshirt and joining the team this weekend vs. NCCU.

Just when I thought I understood the whole redshirt thing, a curve ball is thrown my way.

If DS does "remove" his redshirt this weekend, does that mean it's gone and he is no longer redshirting this season? If he is able to continue to redshirt this season, will you please explain to me how that is?

[CameronBornAndBred]

Desmond Scott will be removing his redshirt and joining the team this weekend vs. NCCU.

Just when I thought I understood the whole redshirt thing, a curve ball is thrown my way.

If DS does "remove" his redshirt this weekend, does that mean it's gone and he is no longer redshirting this season? If he is able to continue to redshirt this season, will you please explain to me how that is?

He will become a true freshman as soon as he plays a down.

[devildeac]

Desmond Scott will be removing his redshirt and joining the team this weekend vs. NCCU.

Just when I thought I understood the whole redshirt thing, a curve ball is thrown my way.

If DS does "remove" his redshirt this weekend, does that mean it's gone and he is no longer redshirting this season? If he is able to continue to redshirt this season, will you please explain to me how that is?

AFAIK, if he plays a down, the 'shirt is gone. If he had played from game one and then got injured in game 2 or game 3, he could apply for a medical redshirt. You have to play in x% or less of your teams' regularly scheduled games to get a medical redshirt if you are injured. I am not sure what would happen if he played a series or a game and THEN got hurt. I think the 'shirt is still gone at that point. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of the criteria can answer that for me. Do you know the answer dukediv2012?

Also, how badly is Boyette injured that Scott has to play on Saturday, or has he just moved up the depth chart that quickly?

[dukediv2012]

Desmond Scott will be removing his redshirt and joining the team this weekend vs. NCCU.

Just when I thought I understood the whole redshirt thing, a curve ball is thrown my way.

If DS does "remove" his redshirt this weekend, does that mean it's gone and he is no longer redshirting this season? If he is able to continue to redshirt this season, will you please explain to me how that is?

AFAIK, if he plays a down, the 'shirt is gone. If he had played from game one and then got injured in game 2 or game 3, he could apply for a medical redshirt. You have to play in x% or less of your teams' regularly scheduled games to get a medical redshirt if you are injured. I am not sure what would happen if he played a series or a game and THEN got hurt. I think the 'shirt is still gone at that point. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of the criteria can answer that for me. Do you know the answer dukediv2012?

Also, how badly is Boyette injured that Scott has to play on Saturday, or has he just moved up the depth chart that quickly?

Boyette is still injured, but that isn't the reason Scott will play. I know that Cut has mentioned this already in a few articles, but Des Scott really looks ready to play. He is the most explosive back on the team without a doubt. He has the quickest feet in the backfield and has great size to become a very good back in the ACC. While Requan and Jay may look like stronger, down-hill runners, I think that you will be pleased by Scott's ability to elude defenders. He will also be used on the kick-off return team. He is an extremely smart football player. The coaches praised him for his "heads-up" communication on the kick-off team.

Patrick Kurunwune is also a good back. His nickname is "the human bowling ball," because defenders can't seem to bring him down.

While our team has experienced some setbacks thus far this season, anyone with eyes can see that the talent level of Duke players is getting better. Connor Vernon, Des Scott, John Drew and others will provide four good years of football for Duke. It is exciting to see them practice and play every day. I think that you will all be happy with the performance this week against NCCU.

[devildeac]

Just when I thought I understood the whole redshirt thing, a curve ball is thrown my way.

If DS does "remove" his redshirt this weekend, does that mean it's gone and he is no longer redshirting this season? If he is able to continue to redshirt this season, will you please explain to me how that is?

AFAIK, if he plays a down, the 'shirt is gone. If he had played from game one and then got injured in game 2 or game 3, he could apply for a medical redshirt. You have to play in x% or less of your teams' regularly scheduled games to get a medical redshirt if you are injured. I am not sure what would happen if he played a series or a game and THEN got hurt. I think the 'shirt is still gone at that point. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of the criteria can answer that for me. Do you know the answer dukediv2012?

Also, how badly is Boyette injured that Scott has to play on Saturday, or has he just moved up the depth chart that quickly?

Boyette is still injured, but that isn't the reason Scott will play. I know that Cut has mentioned this already in a few articles, but Des Scott really looks ready to play. He is the most explosive back on the team without a doubt. He has the quickest feet in the backfield and has great size to become a very good back in the ACC. While Requan and Jay may look like stronger, down-hill runners, I think that you will be pleased by Scott's ability to elude defenders. He will also be used on the kick-off return team. He is an extremely smart football player. The coaches praised him for his "heads-up" communication on the kick-off team.

Patrick Kurunwune is also a good back. His nickname is "the human bowling ball," because defenders can't seem to bring him down.

While our team has experienced some setbacks thus far this season, anyone with eyes can see that the talent level of Duke players is getting better. Connor Vernon, Des Scott, John Drew and others will provide four good years of football for Duke. It is exciting to see them practice and play every day. I think that you will all be happy with the performance this week against NCCU.

Keep those reports/updates a-coming! Thanks again.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I'm continuing to check the weather forecasts for Saturday afternoon and evening. Afternoon temperatures are expected to be in the 70s. The trend among different sources suggests an increasing possibility of precipitation as the day goes on. WRAL's weather forecast shows the highest possibility at 50% or more for rain including some scattered thunderstorms late in the day and into the evening.

There are a couple of days left to get some Duke blue rain gear if you don't have any from last year!

[devildeac]

From the DBR: injury report-Big Vince and Boyette are out and a few others are questionable/probable. News flash: Renfree is still the taller QB. :roll:

[OZZIE4DUKE]

I'll be at today's Blue Devil Club luncheon where Coach Cut is scheduled to be our speaker. Hope he tells us something "good", rather than the typical coach speak and media release stuff. I'm not holding my breath about this... but if I do learn something juicy, I'll report it at Brunchgate when it's "too late" for NCCU to use it to their advantage

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

From the DBR: Jim Sumner posted this update to Duke's policy regarding bags and backpacks being taken into the football stadium.

From Duke

"As part of new federal security guidelines, backpacks and large bags are no longer permitted inside Wallace Wade Stadium. Vehicles also are prohibited from the stadium concourse.

The adjustments, which take effect Saturday as Duke hosts N.C. Central in football at 7 p.m., come as a result of national recommendations from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that have been distributed to sports venues in the wake of recent terrorism-related arrests in Colorado and New York.

John Dailey, Duke University’s chief of police, said Duke’s bag and vehicle policies are not the result of any specific threat at Duke or in Durham. “This is a proactive measure to help enhance an already safe game-day experience,” he said.

Other schools like the University of Michigan issued similar guidelines this week and banned purses and all other bags from its football stadium. UNC-Chapel Hill has already banned backpacks and large bags inside Kenan Stadium.

As is current policy at Wallace Wade, all bags are subject to search."

[CameronBornAndBred]

The game will be televised online via ACC Select. I like it when they do that because they use Bob Harris' audio as the commentary.
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml? ... =204801495

[CameronBornAndBred]

I'm continuing to check the weather forecasts for Saturday afternoon and evening. Afternoon temperatures are expected to be in the 70s. The trend among different sources suggests an increasing possibility of precipitation as the day goes on. WRAL's weather forecast shows the highest possibility at 50% or more for rain including some scattered thunderstorms late in the day and into the evening.

There are a couple of days left to get some Duke blue rain gear if you don't have any from last year!

From WRAL for tomorrow.

Overcast with occasional rain and drizzle. The mercury will struggle to hit 70. There is likely to be a period of heavier rain from mid morning into mid afternoon. Sunrise: 7:06 a.m., Sunset: 7:05 p.m. Wind: NE at 10 m.p.h. Saturday night: More periods of rain, and perhaps a thunderstorm. Lows in the mid 60s.

Nice temps but wet.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Nice temps but wet.

Speaking of rain...you know what I hate at football games? The jackass in front of me that opens their oversized golf umbrella. Leave that thing at home buddy and buy a poncho.