Duke football seeks to improve to 3-0 under Manny Diaz as they take on UConn Saturday night in a battle that should be entertaining, regardless if it isn't on the hardwood.
This will mark just the 4th meeting between both schools with Duke defeating Uconn a season ago. UConn leads the series 2-1. According to the Fayetteville Observer, dated back to a contract made in 2019, UConn will receive a 300,000 payday for this matchup.
Maalik Murphy Getting into a Groove Early
QB1 had a slow start versus the Wildcats a week ago on Duke's first true road game of the season. Kudos to Northwestern's stifling defense controlling the ground game which the Blue Devils are only averaging just 76 yards per game. Maalik must find his weapons (Eli Pancol, Jordan Moore) early, extending 3rd down drives (converting on 33% through two games), and put touchdowns on the board. The Blue Devils scored touchdowns on both OT possesions a week ago. During these drives Maalik was able to get in rhythm, find his receivers within 3 seconds and deliver the ball with precision.
Get The Ground Game Flowing
Through 57 attempts, in two games Duke is averaging just 76 yards a game on the ground. The backfield features Jaquez Moore and Star Thomas, but Jaquez suffered an ankle inury against Northwestern which left Star Thomas to takeover the lead back role finishing with 17 carries for 58 yards. Maalik Murphy is not considered a scrambling quarterback, but extends plays while moving in the pocket. Defenses will force him to beat them in the pocket, while playing Cover-3, and Cover-2 . The run game has to get going to open up the offense for the Blue Devils. Many Diaz, during Mondays weekly presser, Jaquez Moore returned to practice this week and should be good to go versus the Huskies, but it still remains to be seen how effective he'll be coming off of an injury.
Skyler Bell versus Chandler Rivers
The matchup to follow features two dynamic play makers that can change the game in one instance. Chandler Rivers coming off of an OT play of the game tackle versus Northwestern spoke on this matchup, and invites it. Skyler Bell in two games on the season is averaging over 100 yards per game. On the season, the Bronx native has 7 grabs for 246 yards, averaging over 20 yards a catch. Expect Chandler Rivers to shadow Skyler Bell for vast majority of the game.
How to Watch
Time: 6:00 PM
TV: ACC Network Extra
Place: Wallace Wade Stadium
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