2020 Game Recap – Duke Loses to NCSU

I almost considered not writing about this because it’s nothing but a repeat of pretty much every game this year. Stop me if you heard this one before:

• Duke moved the ball;
• Duke had a chance to win;
• Chase Brice threw a bunch of interceptions;
• The defense got worn down;
• The play calls were questionable at times; and
• Duke lost a conference game.

Yeah, it sounds pretty familiar. That’s what happened against NCSU. Duke came out and got a lead early off of a blocked punt. But then Coach Cutcliffe mismanaged an end of the half situation and the Blue Devils returned the favor by letting State score off a blocked punt. Despite that, Duke hung around and had a chance to take a two possession lead in the second half. The Blue Devils had the ball right around the one and couldn’t punch the ball in the end zone. Instead of going for a field goal and taking the easy points, they get stuffed on fourth down and then State does what all opposing teams do to Duke in that situation – they took the ball down the field and score. Then the wheels came off and Duke lost.

There is a word that sums it up – pathetic.

For reasons that are unclear to everyone watching the game, Gunnar Holmberg didn’t get a chance to play. Cut seems determined to stick with Brice which, given that the team is 1-5 and playing like a dumpster fire come to life, why shake things up? Coaches preach consistency, but this isn’t what they’re talking about.

This team is ugly. And it’s ugly because of two people – David Cutcliffe and Chase Brice. Cutcliffe is sticking with a quarterback whose best skill is giving the ball to the other team. And all Brice is doing is putting the Blue Devils in tough situations. Despite that, he keeps getting multiple opportunities. Why? I have no idea. Nor does anyone else who is objectively looking at the program. If you have a rational explanation, please give it to me. I’ve tweeted back and forth with former players and none of them can comprehend it. But if you have a reason for this, pass it along.

I’m not going to waste more time repeating the same things I’ve been saying all season. All I will say is that this team will not improve as long at Cutcliffe is the coach and Brice is the quarterback.

If I’m wrong, tell me why. I’d love to hear a different opinion.