Duke Football

Duke University is a national contender in nearly every sport it plays. The single exception appears to be football. While I knew this was the case, I was not entirely sure just how unsuccessful the program has been in the last few years, so I did some quick research this morning instead of doing what I'm being paid to do.

Since hiring Ted Roof in December of 2003, the Blue Devils have gone 3-31. What's even more depressing for Duke is that the wins have come in decreasing numbers as the years have progressed. In Roof's first year, they won two games, followed by a single win a in 2005, and last year's record was a tough 0-12. Granted, since the conference expanded, the strength of the football competition has gotten much better, but Duke should at least be keeping pace and winning one or two games. Fortunately for Roof, there is a floor to the number of games you can win, and he's standing on it. Things can't get much worse.

That being said, Duke did announce the signing of current-junior Montel Harris, a 5'9", 198 lb running back from Florida. Montel is a martial arts expert and averaged over 10 yards per carry in high school.

Unfortunately, even with this addition, Duke is looking at what appears to be one of their toughest schedules in years. If the strength of other ACC teams holds constant, Duke's conference schedule is as tough as ever and their non-conference schedule's one weak opponent is Connecticut in the first week. After that, Duke has to play Navy and, gulp, Notre Dame.

To add insult to injury, not only does Tar Heel football own Blue Devil football, UNC will also have Greg Paulus' brother, Mike Paulus at quarterback. Though there was early speculation that Mike might look elsewhere after the UNC coaching staff changes, it looks like he'll be throwing for the Tar Heels in August.

Ouch.

Good luck Duke Blue Devil Football. We'll be keeping an eye on you.

Go Duke.

Kentucky it is...

Patrick Patterson officially signed with Kentucky a week ago. For a moment, I was disappointed, and then I realized: Duke's going to be tough next year. I don't know why I've had such a tempered view of how good they could be. Kyle Singer, Taylor King, and Nolan Smith to augment the phenomenal Gerald Henderson,David McClure, Lance Thomas, Demarcus Nelson and Greg Paulus. Oh, and despite his freshman year performance, the Blue Devil coaching staff is very up on Brian Zoubek's potential. Chris Collins referenced Aaron Gray as a big man who was terribly awkward as a freshman but developed into a supreme low-post player in his junior and senior seasons.

And I've got to say I'm a HUGE David McClure fan. Old school Duke, that kid is. As well as Marty Pocius. Marty just needs to spend the summer with Coach Wojo and learn to play some D. With his spark off the bench AND not being a defensive liability, Duke becomes seriously deep from top to bottom.

Go Duke