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Updated: August 18, 5:15 PM ET This could be the year Duke escapes cellar By Gregg Doyel Special to ESPN.com |
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Duke Blue Devils
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2002 overall record: 2-10 Conference record: 0-8 Returning starters: Offense: 11, Defense: 9, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Alex Wade* (979 yds) Passing: Adam Smith* (2,031 yds) Receiving: Khary Sharpe* (458 yds) Tackles: Ryan Fowler* (145) Sacks: Shawn Johnson (12) Interceptions: 3 players tied (3 each) Outlook: The Blue Devils have their best team in Franks' tenure, perhaps the most experienced group in the country. Cynics would note that all those starters are returning from a team that extended Duke's ACC-record losing streak to 25 conference games, but an optimist would counter by noting the Blue Devils lost five games by five points or less, including last-second defeats to Clemson and North Carolina, and a two-point loss to powerful NC State. With punishing TB Alex Wade and relatively steady QB Adam Smith backed by a solid defense, Duke is ready to win some more games this season. Key game: Duke ought to be 1-1 entering its Sept. 13 game against Rice, following a season-opening loss at Virginia and a home victory against Division I-AA Western Carolina. The next contest will be a swing game. Beat Rice, and the Blue Devils should have the confidence to move forward. Lose at home to the Owls, and it could be another long, long year. Keep an eye on: Duke has back its entire offensive line, which ought to give Smith the time he needs to make good decisions and Wade the room he needs to control the clock on the ground. Let those two players do their thing, and the pressure is off a defense that can hold its own as long as it's not on the field all day. It's a good year if. . .: The Blue Devils finish seventh in the ACC. With this kind of experience, Duke simply has to win more than one conference game. Otherwise, what does that say about Franks, who has recruited every player on roster and returns 22 starters? Duke not only can finish out of the ACC cellar -- this season, it should. Gregg Doyel covers the ACC for the Charlotte Observer.
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