Page 14 - The Blue Devils News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

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 excellence,” King said in a statement.

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