Three takes from NC State and Duke

By TOM SHANAHAN The old coach knew what he was talking about on Saturday morning. Lee Corso, the 85-year-old ESPN College Gameday host, thought it odd N.C State, with a 3-1 record, was only a 4.5-point favorite at home over a Duke, a team with a 1-4 mark. “Somebody knows something,” said Corso as he predicted a Duke upset. Despite N.C. State (4-1) winning 31-20 over Duke (1-5) on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium, the Blue Devils could have…

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Three quick takes on Duke football beating Syracuse for its first victory

PHOTO (Duke Athletics): Wide receiver Jarrett Garner on his 52-yard touchdown catch and run. By TOM SHANAHAN Three quick takes from Duke football’s first win of the season, a 38-24 decision Saturday afternoon at Syracuse. The Blue Devils’ inconsistent offense overcame four turnovers with 645 total yards, including 363 on the ground. Deon Jackson finished with 30 carries for 169 yards and Mateo Durant 23 for 163 and two touchdowns. Duke entered the contest averaging only 102.0 per…

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Game-planning and predictions tested through COVID-19 practice limitations

PHOTO: Jalon Calhoun (5) at Virginia. By TOM SHANAHAN College football always has been hard to predict. Outside of No. 1-ranked Clemson and No. 2 Alabama attracting 5-star recruits like lemmings to tip the talent scales, it’s easy to overestimate or underestimate teams. And that’s in a normal season, without a COVID-19 pandemic. All routines – football coaches, like generals, love regimentation -- have been altered. It started with teams missing all or most of spring football. That’s…

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