Page 7 - The Blue Devils News Today

Line: Duke by 21 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Duke is 3-0 for the second time in as many seasons under Mike Elko and has a matchup with highly ranked Notre Dame looming, so the Blue Devils can't afford a stumble. Connecticut was hoping for continued growth after winning six games last year under Jim Mora, but has started the season 0-3.

Line: Duke by 19 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Duke has grabbed national attention after blowing out preseason Atlantic Coast Conference favorite Clemson to open the season and is looking for a second 3-0 start in as many seasons under Mike Elko. Duke's ground game against Northwestern's defensive front.

Duke didn't get long to savor a stunning takedown of Clemson or its first AP Top 25 ranking in five years. The 21st-ranked Blue Devils host Lafayette on Saturday night, five days after a 28-7 win against the preseason Atlantic Coast Conference favorite and then-No. 9 team in the country. Duke (1-0) ended a 28-game losing streak against top-10 opponents since its last win in 1989, as well as earned its first win against Clemson since 2004.

It was a mistake-filled night for the Tigers, who looked a long way off from their offseason national championship aspirations.

Duke met — and exceeded — heightened expectations after last season’s nine-win turnaround. The Blue Devils were more physical, more explosive. They were the better team.

Merced College football opens the season Saturday against College of the Redwoods in Eureka.

It's a stiff test for the Blue Devils to open Year 2 under Mike Elko, the reigning ACC coach of the year after guiding Duke to nine wins in his debut. KEY MATCHUP Duke QB Riley Leonard vs. Clemson's defensive line. Leonard has skill and experience after helping the Blue Devils go 9-4 a year ago.

While coaching at South Carolina, the Head Ball Coach never passed up a chance to take a subtle jab at the Tigers.

Duke has extended coach Mike Elko's contract through 2029 after he led the Blue Devils to nine wins and was named Atlantic Coast Conference coach of the year in his first season. Athletic director Nina King also announced Monday that the salary pool for assistant coaches and support staff would be increased. "Over the last 18 months, Coach Elko has cultivated and executed a plan to push Duke Football forward with tremendous attention to detail, energy and a persistent commitment to e...

It’s official: Duke will begin its quest for a Final Four berth inside the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor Stadium.