Duke's opponents are racking up explosive runs at every opportunity, and mobile quarterbacks are torching them. Jake Retzlaff rushed for four touchdowns last week. He had 111 of Tulane’s 156 rushing yards, on top of throwing for 245 yards on 15 completions. And in Duke’s opener, Elon quarterback ran for 61 yards.
CJ Bailey’s averaging four yards a carry through three games, and has three touchdowns already. And Hollywood Smothers has home-run ability, posting a pair of 140+ yard performances in two games against ACC foes.
Duke ranks 101st in late-down success on defense, and 121st in EPA/pass. The Wolfpack rank 34th in EPA/pass and 46th in early down EPA/play. They’ll hurt Duke both on the ground and through the air, and force enough turnovers to get the win.