Can the Blue Devils continue their recent domination of the ‘Cats?
Victories by both Duke and Northwestern in Week 1 set up a thrilling Friday night matchup between two programs that have become quite familiar with one another in recent years. To gather more intel on this new-look Duke squad, Inside NU had the pleasure of speaking with Josh Cox of Duke Football Talk’s Section 17 Podcast, who answered some of the most pressing questions ahead of this week’s matchup.
Inside NU: This offseason saw a major transition for the Duke football program with the hiring of Manny Diaz and transfer addition of QB Maalik Murphy. Starting on the offensive side, what did you make of Murphy in his debut in Week 1?
Josh Cox: I felt that Murphy did exactly what he needed to do given this being the first game for him as well as offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer. The offensive line protected Murphy, allowing him to get the ball downfield on multiple occasions. There were three or four instances where a ball was in and out of receivers’ hands in the end zone. I think he will get that timing dialed in even more over the next few games.
INU: Defensively, what are the biggest differences between a Mike Elko defense and a Manny Diaz defense? What did you see from the unit against Elon?
JC: Diaz runs more of a hybrid look between a 4-3 and a 4-2-5, whereas Elko was fairly committed to exclusively running a 4-2-5. Diaz and defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke are comfortable with using Cam Bergeron (nickel) or a third linebacker depending on personnel. Diaz’s defense prides itself on creating negative plays, and that was the case against Elon (16 TFLs and eight sacks).
INU: Last season Duke thrashed this Northwestern team, and captured their fifth consecutive win against the Wildcats. Even with all the changes to Duke’s staff and personnel, what’s the case for Duke being able to do it again on Friday night?
JC: Duke can win Friday night in Evanston if the offensive line continues to protect the QB and improves in the run-blocking category. Defensively, Duke must get in the backfield, create negative plays and contain Northwestern QB Mike Wright.
INU: On the other hand, what scares you about this Duke team? What are some potential vulnerabilities?
JC: The offensive line was the question mark heading into the season, and it remains the biggest vulnerability on the team. The cornerbacks are solid, but the two-deep there does not have the amount of reps that would be ideal.
INU: Who is the biggest X-factor for the Blue Devils for this game?
JC: The Duke wide receiver room is deep and features preseason All-ACC receiver Jordan Moore. Moore and graduate student Eli Pancol must provide Maalik Murphy with targets down the field in order for Duke to be successful.
INU: What is your score prediction for Northwestern-Duke and why?
JC: I have Duke winning 24-20. I believe both defenses will play well, but ultimately Duke is successful in creating one more big play on offense than what Northwestern is able to execute.