Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Duke Football Heads to Georgia Tech Looking for First Conference Win

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Here are keys to the Duke Football game as they return to action this weekend against Georgia Tech.

The Blue Devils return to the field after a bye week for a match-up against Georgia Tech. What do the Blue Devils need to do in order to earn the road victory and finally get their first conference win?

1. Continue success against read option

The Duke defense has excelled against triple-option offensive teams under David Cutcliffe, and that will need to continue this weekend against Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils excelled defensively against Army earlier this year in a 13-6 victory. Despite their success against the scheme, Cutcliffe knows it won’t be easy and notes that the Yellow Jackets are very talented this season.

2. Limit mistakes

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Mistakes have doomed the Blue Devils a lot this season and cost them several games. Most recently, they had an opportunity to win late in the 4th quarter against 7th-ranked Louisville with a touchdown and extra point. But, an unfortunate roughing the kicker penalty gave the Cardinals a first down and ruined Duke’s chances. The Blue Devils will need to keep turnovers and penalties to a minimum in order to get a win on the road in a tough environment.

3. New Players Stepping Up

Duke will have several new starters coming in against the Yellow Jackets. Starting senior wide receiver Anthony Nash is ruled out against Georgia Tech, which will leave a huge void in the offense. The Blue Devils’ leading wide receiver will be replaced by committee with sophomore Chris Taylor getting the start. Aaron Young, Keyston Fuller, Quay Chambers, and any of the tight ends will also see time as the #1 WR. Freshman punter Austin Parker suffered a broken collarbone against the Cardinals and is expected to be out indefinitely and back-up punter Danny Stirt will get his first career start.

Duke will kick off against Georgia Tech at noon. The Blue Devils have a difficult schedule going forward, so a win this week is crucial for helping Duke Football reach their 5th consecutive bowl game this postseason.