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Duke Blue Devils vs. NC State Wolfpack Preview

India Powers

The Duke University Blue Devils take on the North Carolina State University Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

The Blue Devils lead the all-time series 41 – 37, with this year being the 84th matchup between the teams. Head Coach for the Blue Devils, Mike Elko, led Duke to a 4-1 start to the season, with the only loss coming from Notre Dame.

The last time NC State was able to capture and hold the winning title over the Blue Devils was in 2020.

Coach Elko has obtained outstanding stats when it comes to the Blue Devils remaining in the top half of the ACC ranking in scoring offense and defense.

“Stay sharp and continue to get work in and continue to do the things we needed to do to clean up some areas that we needed to focus on.” Coach Elko stated.

With a Blue Devil team high Jalon Calhoun has captured nine punt returns for 113 yards. Standing fourth in the ACC conference for punt yardage and eighth in punt returns.

NC State coming off a win from the Marshall University Bisons, 48-41. Switched out quarterback Brennan Armstrong to a career-starting sophomore MJ Morris, who threw a career-high 265 yards while completing 17 out of 32 tosses resulting in four touchdowns.

Payton Wilson received ACC Linebacker of the Week for the second week straight and third time this season, Wilson leads the Wolfpack in tackles amounting to 70 tackles on the season, and 33 solo stops. Against Marshall, he showcased six solo stops with one sack for loss and a game-changing fumble recovery with a 10-yard return.

“He’s a leader on this football team, he’s the best player on this football team, and Payton doesn’t say things that are not from his heart,” said Head Coach Dave Doeren.

The Blue Devils’ defense stays on their toes with standout player Tre Freeman who totals 13 tackles while 11 solo in combination with the Notre Dame and Clemson matchup.

Offensively,  Riley Leonard showcased discipline facing Notre Dame completing 12 out of 27 tosses and throwing for 134 passing yards and one touchdown while finding a way to rush the ball on 18 carries for 88 rushing yards.

Between the Duke Blue Devils and  NC State Wolfpack, this rivalry sets another mark in history as Coach Elko looks to continue their season of victories. The offense and defense have to work together to hold down the Wolfpack on both sides of the ball.