Georgia Tech Football: Duke Blue Devils Preview

Last year, Duke brought their potent offense to Bobby Dodd Stadium and gave the Yellow Jackets a tough game. Duke was led by Quarterback Sean Renfree who was 24/36 with 198 yards passing and two touchdowns in the air. Tech pulled away in the fourth quarter and won the game by 18, 42-24. The Blue Devils are coming off a 28-14 road victory over Memphis in which they compiled a total of 470 yards (297 through the air and 148 on the ground).

This year’s match pitches two similar style quarterbacks: Vad Lee for Georgia Tech and Brandon Connette leading the Blue Devils. Vad Lee was 7/11 with 189 yards and two touchdowns in week 1 against Elon. Lee ran the offense like a veteran and at times, effortlessly. Now I’m not saying he was perfect (pretty close) but you couldn't have asked him to perform any better. On the other hand, Connette will be replacing starter Anthony Boone, and is recognized as a run-first type of QB who has also played Tight End during his time in Durham, although he was an impressive 14/21 for 198 yards and 2 TDs against Memphis. Boone was 16/20 passing for 176 yards and also collected a touchdown on the ground against NC Central, and was 11/16 for 99 yards before leaving the Memphis game. Regardless of who's calling signals on offense, David Cutcliffe is bringing the best out of Duke. The man can coach and we all know what he can do with quarterbacks. Tech cannot afford to let Connette and his crew get into a rhythm. I expect Ted Roof to bring the heat most of the game to rattle the redshirt Junior. Which brings me to this: We will see another shoot out or will Tech’s Defense rise to the occasion?

Stats to ponder: in their first game, Georgia Tech managed 368 yards rushing and 189 yards passing. Duke is averaging is averaging 257 yards rushing and 231 passing through two games.

What are your predictions for Tech's matchup with Duke?