Gameday@ Clemson

Where: Clemson Death Valley Stadium
When: Sat, Nov 15 12PM

Things to watch for.

Duke comes into this game on a 2 game losing streak. After that close hard fought game in Nashville vs. Vandy the Blue Devils have slipped the past 2 weeks. Just as the team started thinking of a Bowl Game!?! Duke has landed back on earth and is now fighting to get to an even record.

The good news is that with wins in 2 out of the next 3 weeks Duke can lay to rest a few auspicious records. 1)They end the season with a winning record, which has not been done since 1994 with Goldsmith. 2)Become bowl eligible since that same year. 3)Most importnantly restore some kind of respect level to Blue Devil football.

Not saying that anyone in the past 2 decades has feared coming into Wallace Wade stadium but now maybe FCS teams won't automatically chalk up a W on their schedule before the whistle blows.

Before we start to have visions of a Continental Tire Bowl birth we need to take care of Clemson, which looking at the rest of the schedule looks like the easiest test they will have.(Who would have thought to say that before the year got started) Clemson has been in a downward spiral ever since the Crimson Tide handed them their lunch on opening night. Now down one tenured coach and interviewing big names, the Tigers are looking to end the season on a high note.

They are 2-4 in the Atlantic division and 4-5 overall. They are pretty much in the middle statistically within the ACC having the 4th best offense and 7th best defense.

I see this being an offensive ball game with neither team really consistent on the defensive side of the ball. I believe the key to the game will be Duke's ability to withstand the surroundings. Just because Death Valley is looking forward to basketball season does not mean that they will not come out in droves wearing purple and try to intimidate Duke. If the Devils can handle playing in a hostile environment unlike any that they have seen this year they will come out with a win.

If Thaddeus and the O can control the ball and not give up anything in the way of turnovers I feel that the new attitude displayed by the D can hold Clemson to fieldgoals and not TD's. Also if Duke keeps it within striking distance heading into the 2nd half Coach Cut can make those famous halftime adjustments and they can come out of Clemson with a win.