“Unveiling the Potential: Insights from Duke Football’s First Half”

Sports | Football: Observations from Duke Football‘s First Half Against N.C. State

Next man up

With quarterback Riley Leonard still recovering from a high ankle sprain, Duke turned to Henry Belin IV to start against N.C. State. This is Belin’s first career start and the first time a Mike Elko-led Blue Devil squad has started a game without Leonard. Belin had a shaky start, with an interception on his second attempt, but he managed to finish the first half with two touchdown passes. Despite some missed throws and drops by the receiver corps, Belin’s performance is commendable, especially considering his 32 rushing yards. His starting debut is off to a promising start.

Early jitters

Both Duke and N.C. State started the game sluggishly on offense. After holding the Wolfpack to zero yards on their first drive, Duke had a three-and-out series following Belin’s turnover. The next three drives consisted of punts, with penalties and drops limiting both teams’ opportunities. N.C. State struggled to convert on third downs, going 1-for-6 in the first half. Both teams need to settle in and find their rhythm in the second half to generate more consistent offense.

Lack of pressure

Duke’s defense struggled to generate pressure on N.C. State quarterback MJ Morris for the majority of the first half. Morris had ample time to improvise out of the pocket, thanks to the lack of pressure from Duke’s defensive line. While Morris hasn’t exploited this opportunity to make deep throws, if he continues to have time to scan the field, Duke’s defense may eventually give in. Look for Duke to increase their blitzes in the second half to put more pressure on Morris, who is still relatively inexperienced.

No-fly zone

Duke’s reputation as the ACC’s top passing defense held up in the first half. Despite the lack of pressure on Morris, the secondary came up with crucial pass breakups to prevent big plays. Morris completed only 5 of 12 passes for 39 yards in the first half, a figure that defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci would be pleased with. The highlight was Tre Freeman’s interception early in the second quarter, setting up a touchdown for Duke. The back end of Duke’s defense has been formidable, compensating for the struggles in creating pressure.

Let it fly

Contrary to expectations, Duke’s offensive coordinator Kevin Johns opted for an aggressive game plan, allowing Belin to showcase his throwing abilities. The Blue Devils’ offense featured bootlegs and play-action passes, showcasing Belin’s arm talent. This is a departure from the usual ground-and-pound approach with Leonard at the helm. The coaching staff’s trust in Belin paid off, despite some early struggles. It will be interesting to see if Duke maintains this aggressive style of play in the second half.

By the numbers

Both teams had impressive field goal performances in the first half. N.C. State’s Brayden Narveson kicked a 57-yard career-high field goal, giving the Wolfpack a 3-0 lead. Duke’s Todd Pelino followed suit with a 52-yard field goal, bouncing back from a rough performance against Notre Dame. Penalties plagued both teams, disrupting drives and killing momentum. N.C. State had nine penalties for 67 yards, while Duke had six penalties for 33 yards. Both teams need to reduce their infractions in the second half to maintain offensive consistency.

Duke rushing yards

Despite Duke’s increased focus on passing, the team did not neglect its ground game. Jordan Waters and Jaquez Moore showcased their running abilities, picking up 34 and 30 yards, respectively. Additionally, Belin surprised with his rushing ability, gaining a significant amount of yardage on the ground. Duke’s total rushing yards in the first half amounted to 96. This balanced approach between passing and running has kept N.C. State’s defense on its toes.

Final thoughts: Adjustments and discipline

As Duke enters the second half, adjustments will be crucial. The defense must find ways to generate pressure on Morris, limiting his time in the pocket and forcing quicker decisions. Continuity and consistency on offense will be important for both teams, as penalties have disrupted drives and squandered scoring opportunities. Discipline will play a vital role, as undisciplined play has cost Duke crucial scoring chances and wiped out a potential punt return touchdown. The coaching staff’s trust in Belin and the team’s willingness to be aggressive in play-calling indicate a bright future for Duke football. With adjustments and greater discipline, the Blue Devils have the potential to secure a victory against N.C. State and continue their successful season.

About the Author

Caleb Dudley is a sports writer for The Chronicle. With a passion for football, Caleb provides in-depth analysis and commentary on Duke football and its opponents. His expertise in understanding the game and highlighting key observations provides valuable insights for fans and sports enthusiasts alike.