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Georgia Tech Football: Previewing the Duke Blue Devil’s offense

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 27: Tight end Noah Gray #87 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates his touchdown reception against the Virginia Tech Hokies with quarterback Quentin Harris #18 in the first half at Lane Stadium on September 27, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 27: Tight end Noah Gray #87 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates his touchdown reception against the Virginia Tech Hokies with quarterback Quentin Harris #18 in the first half at Lane Stadium on September 27, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defense had a tough challenge in the North Carolina Tar Heels last week and will now have another tough challenge in the Duke Blue Devils.

Last week, we discussed that the North Carolina offense was going to be a tough challenge for Georgia Tech’s defense, especially the passing attack of the Tar Heels lead by quarterback Sam Howell. We proved correct in that and this week, we see another tough challenge for Andre Thacker and the Jackets defense.

The Duke Blue Devils offense enters this week as one of the best offenses in the ACC. The Blue Devils are averaging 32.6 points per game and 390.2 yards per game, both among the tops in the conference.

The Duke Blue Devils offense has enjoyed great success this year thanks to their strong offensive line that has allowed the Blue Devils to average over 4 yards per carry while also just allowing four sacks on the season. The Blue Devils four sacks allowed are among the least in the nation and is tied with Clemson as the fewest allowed in the country.

Passing Offense:

The Duke offense this year has been rather balanced for the most part but the Blue Devils passing game this year is once again a threat. That should be no surprise with quarterback whisper David Cutcliffe as the Blue Devils head coach.

Despite the departure of quarterback Daniel Jones, the Blue Devils passing attack has been solid once again this season. Behind center for the Blue Devils is senior quarterback Quentin Harris who has patiently waited his turn to be the man in Durham.

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For the season, Harris is 104-for-161 with 1,007-yards and 11 touchdowns. For the most part this season, Harris has been solid for the Blue Devils after shaking off a tough start to the season when the Blue Devils played Duke. After a 12-for-22 day against the Crimson Tide, Harris rattled off three straight games with completion percentages above 70%. In those three games, he had 745 passing yards and six touchdowns while throwing no interceptions.

That being said, Harris is coming off his worst game of the season against the Pittsburgh Panthers as he completed just 18-of-43 passing attempts for just 165-yards and one touchdown. He also had two interceptions in the game. That being said, for the most part, he’s played well with just four interceptions thrown over his five games started.

When it comes to receivers, the Jackets secondary will have to be careful throughout as the Blue Devils really share the ball when it comes to their receiving core. Six different Blue Devils have 12 catches or more this season. Leading those receivers is junior tight end Noah Gray who has 24 receptions this season for 190-yards and two touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Jalen Calhoun is just behind Gray with 23 receptions for 186-yards and three touchdowns on the season.

Rushing Attack:

While Duke is strong through the air, they can also get it done on the ground this season, averaging over 180-yards per game this season. The Blue Devils are running the ball about 55% of the time this year with about 41 carries per game this season. They’re making decent progress with those carries as well, with an average of 4.3 yards per carry through the early part of the season.

Leading the Blue Devils in yards so far this season is Quinten Harris, who’s shown his dual-threat ability. Harris has carried the rock 69 times so far this season for 342-yard, an average of 5.0 yards per carry. In terms of running backs, the Blue Devils are likely to use junior Deon Jackson, who leads the team in carries through six games with 73. Jackson with those 73 carries has totaled 292-yards, an average of 4.0 yards per carry. He also has three touchdowns on the season.Sophomore Mataeo Durant is another name to know in the Blue Devils backfield. Durant this season has 43 carries for 145-yards and a touchdown.

It’s also worth noting that both Jackson and Durant represent all-purpose type backs for the Blue Devils. The two running backs have combined for 23 receptions for 223-yards and three touchdowns.

Overall:

Overall, the Duke offense doesn’t seem or feel as dangerous as North Carolina’s but that’s because the lack of name recognition. While Sam Howell is only a freshman, it’s name recognition and he’s been recognized for his talents. That being said, the Jackets defense will need to be on their toes on Saturday as this Duke offense can put up points quite easily. The Blue Devils scored 40+ in three of their five games so far this season. The Yellow Jackets secondary may be able to keep the Blue Devils passing game in check but the if the front seven can’t stop the rushing attack, Duke’s offense won’t have any trouble moving the ball and putting up points.