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DURHAM — Special teams let down Duke football in its 28-27 overtime loss to No. 22 SMU on Saturday night at Wallace Wade Stadium.
After missing an extra-point attempt and seeing a potential game-winning field goal blocked in the final seconds of regulation, the Blue Devils (6-2, 2-2 ACC) failed a two-point conversion in overtime and the Mustangs (7-1, 4-0) remained undefeated in their first season as members of the ACC.
Here are the grades for Duke in its OT loss to SMU.
Offense: B
Duke had nearly 300 yards of offense and got an all-world performance from wide receiver Eli Pancol, who finished with 11 catches for 138 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion. There were some missed throws and Duke couldn’t quite get its running game going, but the offense was good enough to win.
Defense: B
It’s hard to ask Duke’s defense to provide more than it did against SMU. The Blue Devils finished with six takeaways (three interceptions, three fumbles), but struggled to contain SMU running back Brashard Smith, who finished with 117 yards and two TDs.
Special teams: F
If Duke’s special teams unit had an average night against SMU, the Blue Devils would have been celebrating in the locker room.
Coaching: C
It’s hard to fault the coaching staff for attempting the two-point conversion in overtime, but it was questionable at the end of regulation to pack it in and settle for a field goal.
Overall: C
Aside from special teams, Duke was good enough to knock off SMU. Unfortunately, that phase of the game cost the Blue Devils a win against a ranked opponent.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at [email protected] or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Special teams costs Duke football in overtime loss to SMU
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/special-teams-costs-duke-football-040211704.html
Author : The Fayetteville Observer
Publish date : 2024-10-27 04:02:11
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