The Duke Blue Devils are coming off a 9-4 season that ended with a 30-13 Military Bowl victory over UCF. They took a big step forward last season with first year coach Mike Elko. Duke is returning a bunch of starters last season on both sides of the football so they should be able to build on a season ago, right? However, their schedule this year looks to be a lot tougher than it was a season ago. Here is how I see things shaking out for Duke in 2023.
Offense
The Blue Devils got a real good offensive boost when Elko and his OC Kevin Johns came to Durham. Duke is led on offense by now junior quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard had a great sophomore campaign as he completed 63.8 % of his passes. He also added 2,967 passing yards to go along with 20 passing touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Leonard was as much of a threat on the ground as he rushed for 699 rushing yards to go along with 13 rushing touchdowns.
Duke’s rushing attack scored 31 total touchdowns last season and they have a real three-headed monster back there with Leonard alongside senior running backs Jaylen Coleman and Jordan Waters. With those three, the Blue Devils in total bring nine starters back on offense including receivers Jalon Calhoun, Eli Pancol, and Jordan Moore. Those three receivers are big playmakers for this Blue Devils team. The offensive line is led by future NFL offensive lineman Graham Barton who is their starting left tackle. Duke has a solid offensive line and their playmakers are back for what should be an exciting season offensively.
Defense
Elko was a longtime defensive coordinator before taking the head coach job at Duke. Duke showed out on defense last season and their defense was a big reason why they won nine games last season. They do have to replace three starters on defense including two of their top tackles in safety Darius Joiner and linebacker Shaka Heyward. However they are bringing back eight starters on defense including senior tackles DeWayne Carter and Ja’Mion Franklin which is huge for their defensive line. This defense can be good again in 2023, however I need to see them compete against the ACC’s best.
Win Total Bet (O/U 6.5)
I would lean over in this scenario. The win total is set at 6.5 wins. I would take the over 6.5 wins because I do think that there is value there getting it at +126. The schedule for them this season is a little rough I won’t lie, but this team has potential to get back to a bowl game yet again in 2023. Duke could be a spoiler for some of these teams with college football playoff hype this season. Keep an eye on Duke and take the over for their win total.
Schedule Predictions
Loss vs Clemson (0-1)
Win vs Lafayette (1-1)
Loss vs Northwestern (1-2)
Win at UCONN (2-2)
Loss vs Notre Dame (2-3)
Win vs NC State (3-3)
Loss at Florida State (3-4)
Win at Louisville (4-4)
Win vs Wake Forest (5-4)
Loss at UNC (5-5)
Win vs Virginia (6-5)
Win vs Pitt (7-5)