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2009 Duke College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

duke 72209 The Duke Blue Devils lost their final five games last season to finish their 2008 campaign at 4-8. They were just 1-7 in ACC play but have clearly narrowed the gap. Find out if narrowing the gap further will translate into more wins for the Blue Devils in this 2009 college football betting preview. Duke is listed at +6500 to win the 2009 ACC championship.

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Offense – While Duke finished just 4-8 in David Cutcliffe’s first season, the season has to be viewed as a major step in the right direction considering that the Devils’ four wins equaled their tally from the previous four seasons. While the defense was better than expected, the offense ranked just 101st nationally in points per game (20.1). Cutcliffe is hoping to see more offensive production in 2009 due to the experience gained last year. Senior quarterback Thad Lewis steps under center following a 2,171-yard season in which he threw for 15 scores against just six picks. Lewis also saw his completion percentage go up from 55.3 to 62.0 percent last season. He appears poised for a strong senior campaign, but he will not have the luxury of throwing to wide receiver Eron Riley. Riley has departed after leading the Blue Devils in receiving and scoring over the last two seasons. Sophomore Johnny Williams, the team’s top returning receiver with 30 grabs for 327 yards in 2008, will be counted on to step in as Lewis’ new no. 1 target. The running game figures to get a boost from the return of Re’quan Boyette, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, as long as the new starters on the offensive line can hold their own.

Defense – The defense improved dramatically in 2008. The Blue Devils allowed 9.8 fewer points per game and forced eight more turnovers than they had the previous season. But it is going to be difficult to make further strides after losing eight starters on this side of the ball, including linebacker Mike Tauiliili. Tauiliili made plays all over the field and finished the 2008 season with a team-high 140 tackles. The Blue Devils have one of the smaller defenses in the ACC so they will have to rely on their quickness and their schemes to create turnovers. Senior defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase and senior defensive end Ayanga Okpokow anchor the line. Oghobaase is coming off a six-sack season and appears poised for some all-conference recognition. Senior linebacker Vincent Rey will have to pick up the slack with Tauiliili gone. Rey is coming off a strong 109-tackle season.

Prediction: 6th ACC Coastal – The Blue Devils appear headed in the right direction under Cutcliffe, but they still lack the talent to compete with the league’s elite on a weekly basis. The offense should pack a bit more of a punch this season, but the defense figures to take a step backward with the loss of eight starters. Duke is listed at +2600 to win the ACC Coastal Division.

Jimmy Boyd’s college football picks will keep you bringing down the football odds makers all season long!

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