2011 Duke Blue Devils Football: Duke vs Richmond

Longtime ACC doormat Duke comes into the 2011 season with one of the ACC’s most prolific offenses. The Blue Devils return their starting quarterback, Sean Renfree, who sported 3131 passing yards in 2010, completing 61.4% passing. His TD/INT ratio needs to improve this year, as he had 17 INTs to only 14 TDs last season, but otherwise, Renfree has the potential to be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the ACC Coastal. His set of receivers might be among the deepest and most talented in the conference. Conner Vernon, good for 73 receptions and nearly 1000 yards last season, leads the unit, but he’ll have an able wingman across the field in Donovan Varner, who had 60 catches for 736 yards last season. The Blue Devils’ won’t be lacking for returning talent at the running back position, either, as leading rusher Desmond Scott returns to anchor the offensive backfield. He’ll have four returning offensive linemen to run behind, signaling the potential for a breakout season for the Blue Devils’ offense.

Duke will face a Colonial Athletic Association opponent that is coming off a 6-5 season, albeit in a conference that is easily the class of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Richmond struggled at times last year, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Some of the struggles might have been due to a first-year coaching staff, a problem they will not face this season. Even if the staff gels and the defense improves this season, the Spiders may have a hard time slowing what should be a prolific Duke offense.

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While Duke’s offense has the potential to be one of the best in the ACC, the defense will continue to struggle. The Blue Devils return only six starters from a squad that was overmatched in conference games last season. For the third straight season, there will be a new defensive coordinator. Even if Jim Knowles finds that Cutcliffe’s young defensive recruits are more talented than the players they are replacing, the Blue Devils will still struggle early, with the unfortunate combination of young, inexperienced players and a brand new coach with a brand new scheme. Safety Matt Daniels provides senior leadership and production, but it can’t be a good sign that the leading tackler returning is a safety. Duke will have trouble getting any sort of penetration, and sacks and tackles for loss will be almost nonexistent.

This could be trouble against Richmond, as the Spiders return 8 offensive starters including a quarterback named Aaron Corp. Yes, THAT Aaron Corp. You may remember Corp as the one-time hotshot USC quarterback involved in an epic spring battle with Mitch Mustain, and Mark Sanchez. When Corp lost the starting spot to Matt Barkley after an injury during fall camp the following year, he transferred to Richmond, where he will be a senior. Corp could do some damage against a soft Duke defense. Duke will look to make a strong statement in its opening game to show that it will be a factor in the ACC Coastal. While the Blue Devils should score some points, the Spiders will be upset-minded, and if fellow CAA mate James Madison could beat ACC champion Virginia Tech last season, Richmond certainly has the potential to pull an upset in what could be a high-octane shootout in Durham.

Duke Blue Devils vs Richmond Spiders Football Preview