Duke’s players and coach don’t sound like a beaten team despite disappointing season

PHOTO (Duke Athletics): Mataeo Durant ran for 102 yards and a touchdown in the win over Northwestern. He needs 64 yards to set a school single-season rushing record. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN DURHAM – On the final week of practice of a lost season, Duke sophomore defensive tackle DeWayne Carter spoke about the Blue Devils wanting senior running back Mataeo Durant to get the school single-season rushing record. “Taeo is not very vocal, but…

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Duke, 3-0 at home, counting on Wallace Wade dates to remain competitive in ACC play

PHOTO (Duke Athletics): Mataeo Durant ranks fourth in the nation with 636 yards rushing, but he had only one catch for 2 yards in last week's loss at North Carolina. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN DURHAM – Duke football’s season is counting on some home cooking as it reaches it midpoint. The Blue Devils (3-2, 0-1 ACC) play the sixth of their 12 regular-season games and fourth of seven home dates as they prepare to…

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Duke’s defensive line facing its toughest challenge

PHOTO (Duke Athletics): Aeneas Peebles stops the run against North Carolina A&T. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN Two weeks in a row, Duke took the game-opening kickoff and soon punted. Then, the defense allowed its opponent to drive 80 or more yards for an early 7-0 lead. In the 31-28 loss on Sept. 3 at Charlotte, the 49ers scored quickly, covering 80 yards on five plays in 2:38. Charlotte of the Sun Belt Conference converted…

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