The Manny Diaz era begins today with the Duke Blue Devils hosting the Elon Phoenix live from Wallace Wade stadium, kickoff starting at 7:30 PM. Elon Phoenix will have the Blue Devils respect with Duke head coach Manny Diaz saying this week during Monday’s presser the Phoenix return pivotal pieces at the quarterback position, receiving position, and in the secondary. This isn’t your average paycheck game.
Priority One:
Maalik Murphy named QB1 over a week ago, transferred in from Texas into a program with arguably one of the most underrated and underappreciated receiving corps in all of college football with all-american Jordan Moore, Sahmir Hagans, Sean Brown, Jontavis Robertson, and the return of Eli Pancol. Speed, IQ, and experience all give Murphy and company viable weapons to put up points in bunches.
Losing Jordan Waters to the Wolfpack elevated Jaquez Moore to the starting RB position, with New Mexico State, Second Team All-Conference USA transfer Star Thomas expected to get valuable minutes.
Defensive X Factor:
Manny Diaz known as a defensive minded coach from his days at Miami and Penn State will have to implement ways to disrupt offensive schemes with the loss of several impact players to the NFL draft and transfer portal. All-American Chandler Rivers, Jaylen Stinson, Tre Freeman, Semaj Turner will take the lead on causing havoc between the trenches, and into the secondary.
What To Expect:
If the Blue Devils can get off the field on 3rd down, cause turnovers early and create situations for the Phoenix to cause self-inflictions from a penalty standpoint, Duke should extend it’s lead and runaway by halftime. Maalik Murphy must be poised in the pocket, keep his eyes downfield with a plethora of weapons led by Jordan Moore who will always have two defenders on him. Look for Eli Pancol to stretch the secondary with his blazing speed on seem and post patterns which will open up the run game for long gains.
The Manny Diaz era starts now!
How to watch:
Today, August 30, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Where to watch: ACC Network
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