6 questions about Duke
Greetings-
The weekly Q&A with a beat writer who covers Georgia Tech’s opponent. This week, Steve Wiseman of the Durham Herald-Sun was gracious enough to answer some questions about the Blue Devils. Steve has been covering Duke for the Herald-Sun since Aug. 2010. He’s previously worked at the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, the Biloxi Sun-Herald and the State in Columbia, covering the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and South Carolina, respectively. You can follow him on Twitter here and read his stuff here.
1. To what degree have Duke’s injuries cost the Blue Devils? Could their record be a win or two better if they’d been healthy?
Injuries have really cost Duke this year. It started early when Will Snyderwine, the preseason all-ACC kicker, suffered a foot injury in preseason camp. He missed two chip-shot field goals in a 23-21 loss to Richmond and has never been the same. He also had a big miss in the 24-23 loss to Wake Forest. So that’s two wins right there. The Blue Devils will have seven players from their two-deep unavailable for Saturday’s game with Georgia Tech.
2. Duke has played a lot of teams close only to lose in the fourth quarter. Do you see any patterns in how those games have been lost?
In David Cutcliffe’s four years on the job, he’s upgraded facilities and improved Duke’s recruiting. The talent in the freshmen and sophomore classes is superior to the junior and senior classes. But Cutcliffe and his staff have been unable to teach the Blue Devils how to win games. One game, it’s a key penalty or turnover that costs them. In another it will be blown assignments on defense, the offensive line allowing a key sack or a running back not getting to the hole fast enough. The 14-10 loss to Virginia Tech is a good example, as are the Wake Forest and Richmond losses. Duke has yet to give Cutcliffe a signature win, despite several chances.
3. Is safety Matt Daniels that good or does he have that many tackles (10.2 per game) because he’s the last line of defense?
Daniels is a legitimate defender, particularly against the run. He has good size, decent speed and is smart about the routes he takes to the ball carrier. Cutcliffe is touting him as an All-American candidate, which is a tough sell because of the team he plays on. Daniels does tend to get exposed in passing coverage – Florida State burned him on a couple of deep routes – and that will keep him from being any more than a late-round pick or undrafted free agent in the NFL next year. But the kid is very smart, a hard worker and one of the team’s steadiest players for sure.
4. What are Sean Renfree’s strengths and weaknesses, and where do you place him among ACC quarterbacks?
Renfree is a classic drop-back, pro-style quarterback. He’s 6-5 and has the ability to see the field well. He suffered a torn ACL in 2009, which has limited his mobility. Many observers, myself included, thought he would take a big step forward this season and become one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks. But it just hasn’t happened. At times, he looks brilliant. At other times, he’s somewhat erratic. I believe he tends to over think things and it hamstrings him. When he is playing loose and free, he’ll lead a team downfield. But for now he’s in the middle of the pack in the ACC.
5. What would you say is the over/under on attendance Saturday?
22,000. It’s going to be cool and, frankly, the fan base has turned its attention to basketball. Duke is on a five-game losing streak and in real danger of closing out with seven losses. Not a pretty sight.
6. What are a few restaurants or bars you’d recommend to Tech fans going to the game?
The place nearest to Wallace Wade Stadium is the Bull Durham Bar and Grill at the Washington Duke Inn. It’s about a three-block walk to the stadium from there. Other than that, there’s really not much on campus. Two sports bars popular throughout the Triangle have locations in Durham – the Carolina Ale House and the Tobacco Road Sports Café. Tobacco Road is in downtown Durham and overlooks the left-field wall at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, so that’s different. Ale House has lots of seating and a long list of brew choices and good food. One other popular local place is Satisfaction, also in downtown Durham.
Thanks for reading. This is probably it until Saturday.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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295 comments Add your comment
SansWorld
November 18th, 2011
4:00 pm
“We can only play the schedule we were given”
well you could try to beat the only decent teams you play on that schedule
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
4:02 pm
headley@3:49 -
Some rational number between zero and infinity.
I asked myself why and received no numerical result.
I could be. Or, it could not be. Or it could be both, in our quantum universe.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
4:03 pm
SansWorld – Quoting Shakespeare or Yoda, I forget, “There is no try. There is only do.”
It's A Simple Question
November 18th, 2011
4:04 pm
Headley. Here’s a question you’ll never answer.
Why is it that Georgia only wins the SEC Least when the opponents are at historic lows?
When Georgia was pre season #1, *another team* had no problem winning the whole thing.
I’m sorry, but if your argument that “UGA is awesome” held any water you guys wouldn’t be a Herschel Walker ahead of being South Carolina.
Sorry, but UGA, more than any other program in the country, symbolizes mediocrity.
Top ten recruiting classes turned into…………………..a winning record versus an ACC team.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
4:11 pm
I won’t feel pain; I don’t worry, I contemplate. For example, I spend my time during timeouts (with the guy in the red shirt and headset standing on the field holding his hand up to stop the officials from allowing play to continue until he give his permission) by pondering loop quantum gravity, dark matter/energy and what the heck are we gonna do if CERN doesn’t find the Higgs boson.
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
4:13 pm
You really don’t know much about football history do you? Your ignorance on the subject is glaring.
In only the past 10 years georgia has played and won more Bcs bowls , won more conference titles, finished in the top more times than South Carolina has in its entire history. Try again.
SansWorld
November 18th, 2011
4:19 pm
How many points do you think UGA will be favored by next week ? dunno, double digits I suppose
Now ask yourself why do you think we would be favored on your field ? See your following question.
Honestly:
UGA has pulled together a nice season after a rough start, The Auburn win was impressive. Fla win was nice, but I would not call it impressive. Not sure if there is an other win I would say is impressive.
Following are things I see here from UGA Fans that I don’t think are accurate (why here, I have no idea, isn’t there UGA related stories that these could be posted on instead of the story about Duke?)
Think both UGA and Tech are ranked about right. UGA somewhere between 12 and 15, Tech in the mid 20s. Does that make UGA a better team? Who knows? Even if they are better, it does not mean they will win on 11/26.
I don’t think this team is an elite team based on their year ling performance.
I don’t think UGA has any right to bost about though it is in the SEC after not playing anyone in the top 1/4 of the conference.
I think Georgia would have the same record they have now, if they had played Tech’s schedule. One way or another, Tech would still be 7-3 if they played Georgia’s schedule.
I in no way think UGA will blow out Tech. I think the Tech secondary will be fine, I worry about stopping the run. I think Tech’s offence will have 400 yards. As in the last three games, the game will be won on big plays and turnovers. I expect the same this time.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
4:19 pm
A non-scientific person might posit that Columbia, SC is on the easternmost edge of the SEC and therefore not in the favorable part of the Bell Curve.
ToeMeetsLeather
November 18th, 2011
4:26 pm
@simple, you beat an over-rated Hawaii, I’m racking my brain for the other BCS wins.
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
4:32 pm
@toe, We don’t determine the Bowl matchups.But UGA has a many BCS wins as the entire ACC,
headley lamar
November 18th, 2011
4:41 pm
According to Jeff Sagarin UGA has played the 34th toughest schedule compared to Tech ranked at 71.
But by all means dont let facts get in your way nerds.
Just close your eyes and keep repeating ” But they havent beat anybody …. But the havent beat. anybody….”
I wouldnt get too stressed about it. It will all be over soon enough.
headley lamar
November 18th, 2011
4:42 pm
@toe, We don’t determine the Bowl matchups.But UGA has a many BCS wins as the entire ACC,
Think about that for a second. UGA has as many BCS wins ….
As the entire ACC conference.
That speaks volumes.
headley lamar
November 18th, 2011
4:43 pm
I’m racking my brain for the other BCS wins. ,/i>
Florida St in the Sugar Bowl 2002-03 Season
Blew them out.
headley lamar
November 18th, 2011
4:45 pm
I’m racking my brain for the other BCS wins
Florida St in the Sugar Bowl 2002-03 Season
Blew them out.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
4:45 pm
headley – Take a look at Sagarin’s 10 toughest schedules and note the conferences they are in.
Write it down.
November 18th, 2011
4:45 pm
@headly lamar.
Keep the bus warm for your mutts.
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
4:46 pm
It Georgia symblizes mediocrity what does this say for tech?
Since Dodd Left
Compared with UGA
Tech winnining per centage .539 UGA .694
10 or more win years 3 UGA 13
one win seasons 3 ZERO
Major bowls 0-2 UGA 10 4-6
Conference titles 1 UGA 8
top 10 finishes 2 UGA 15
Vs SEC 30-72-2
Vs UGA 12-32
Historical fact in 11 decades of playing against one another Tech has only had more wins than losses against UGA in only 3 of those decades.
Sven Ottke
November 18th, 2011
4:47 pm
Headley, what’s this “we” stuff? Troy called and needs you to come clean out your dorm room.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
4:48 pm
Georgia might lead the SEC in bowl losses to C-USA teams. I’d have to rack my brain to see if any other team is in there.
GTBob
November 18th, 2011
4:49 pm
Florida St in the Sugar Bowl 2002-03 Season
You only beat them by 13 and they were without their #1 and #2 QB’s. They had to play a WR at QB. Quality win right there.
Bowls tell us how a team is respected or is not
November 18th, 2011
4:54 pm
Two hard facts: GT will be in a lousy bowl this year and on Saturday, GT is playing for nothing. THEIR SEASON IS NOW …………..CAN WE RUIN UGA’s. Fine, we like it that way nerds. We will stomp GT like 45-16.
UGA has a full plate starting tomorrow: Stomp KY and WIN ( HOORAY) the SEC East for the 5th time in CMR’s 11 years. Not bad, given how ELITE THE SEC IS> and we then PLAY IN THE DOME ( HOORAY) and have a shot at the possible NC team, LSU and if we win that ………..UGA WILL HAVE a SHOT at finishing up with a YOUNG TEAM AROUND #2 or #3 AND PLAYING IN THE SUGAR BOWL (HOORAY) for the FOURTH TIME IN 11 YEARS. HOORAY AGAIN !!
UGA fans are excited as we are usually over the last 8 or 9 years in 11 and GT for the 10th time in 11 years is sad. I LIKE IT !! GT fans? JEALOUS THEY ARE.
Waffle House Bowl is coming Tech ……………..enjoy !!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHHAHAHA,AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHA
It's Simple.
November 18th, 2011
4:56 pm
Mediocrity = doing less with more.
UGA = the definition of mediocrity.
Reggie Ball
November 18th, 2011
4:57 pm
Remember your DUMB QB Reggie Ball? He thought that GT had 5 or maybe 6 downs to get 10 yards. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAHA
THE MORON THREW IT OUT OF BOUNDS. AAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
GT ……………..another whupping is coming. 10 out of 11 too. Get ready.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
4:58 pm
Back on topic, and then i’m our of here. Duke played in the Rose Bowl twice losing both times (even at home!) Georgia Tech played once and won it; the Cal guy ran the wrong way, and Tech won on a safety when the Bears had to punt.
gt4ever
November 18th, 2011
5:06 pm
Toemeetsleather,
I must respectfully disagree with you about CPJ winning all the games he should….. First, he should have beat UGA the last two years, especially the ACCC year. Virginia and Miami should have been wins, I could go on and on… This coach and team has only ONE win against a good team this year… We could lose to Duke this weekend, but should win…. UGA is very average this year, but I do believe they will take us to the wood shed, it could get ugly! Hope not,but time will tell…
Write it down.
November 18th, 2011
5:07 pm
David Cutcliffe is a very good coach. I think if Tech plays decently, then we slip by them. Future Duke teams will not be the ‘dook’ of old.
QueerDawg
November 18th, 2011
5:15 pm
We are gonna put a good spankin’ on every one of those hot lil yellow jacket booties.
Write it down.
November 18th, 2011
5:15 pm
On the other hand,
If we’re flat, the Blue Devils might leave us wishing we scheduled the Wildcats instead.
QueerDawg
November 18th, 2011
5:16 pm
We are going to whoooop up on Tech and then dance to my Madonna CD. Everyone’s invited!
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
5:16 pm
GTBob, That’s 2 more BCS wins than Tech and as many as the entire ACC, once again you don’t get to choose your bowl opponents.And in 2007 whaen we beat WAC champs Hawaii, Tech lost to Fresno State(3rd place in WAC) in the Humanitarian bow (think blue turf)l. Think Pj will ever win a bowl game?
A team that hasn’t won a bowl game in 7 years talking smack about who another team beats in a BCS bowl.
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
5:18 pm
Tech vs Vandy in the Music City bowl, Vandy is favored by 5.
Trailer Park Manager
November 18th, 2011
5:18 pm
Mutt fans, please no more defecating in the park! This is NOT a UGA tailgate!
GTBob
November 18th, 2011
5:20 pm
Think Pj will ever win a bowl game?
I think we will win one this year. Call it a hunch.
SuperQueerDawg
November 18th, 2011
5:20 pm
I wish we had a ‘heated’ rivalry with Missy State. There’s just something about other male bulldogs that turns me on. I really love the way dogs greet.
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
5:23 pm
Tech playing UGA schedule , losses to Boise, South Carolina, Miss. State, VandY, Florida, Tennesse in Knoxvile with Bray.Auburn, 4-6. Most any team that played Techs schedule from SEC (except ole miss)would be 7-2 Georgia would be be undefeated.
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
5:27 pm
GTBob, Since 5 of your 8 wins will have been against programs with a combined total of 10 wins , what makes you think Tech would win a bowl game? Will they deveope a o or d line by then? Or find a Div 1 QB. or Running back. I would love to see tech play Vandy or Florida.
Write it down.
November 18th, 2011
5:31 pm
Comment:
Think Pj will ever win a bowl game?
Response:
I don’t know if he’ll win a bowl game this year but he’s got a very good shot at the Governor’s Cup.
And this guy thinks he is Nostradamus...
November 18th, 2011
5:38 pm
headley lamar
November 18th, 2011
3:26 pm
You did something that isn’t possible, though. You tried to predict the future, over a week away.
It is. If this Tech team and UGA played 100 times we would win 90 of them.
———
Other great predictions from headley include
Headley Lamar
September 4th, 2010
6:40 pm
Richt is 7-2 vs USC
UGA wins
and of course – every GT fan’s favorite from headley in 2011
headley lamar
August 26th, 2011
5:05 pm
Las Vegas has the over under of Tech wins at 6
Does that sound special to you?
CPJ is gonna find its hard to win at this level ( even in the ACC ) with a severe lack of talent.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
5:39 pm
A new company named Recorded Future may provide the answers that Georgia fans are seeking (rather than mere;y hoping for). Technology has advance to the point where the future has been recorded. The base fee is $149 a month for a web subscription up to $9,000 per month for their hedge-fund trading networks. They don’t have a price for game outcomes, but I’m sure it can be done.
The company scans over 100,000 pages per hour from over 50,000 sources (possibly including these blogs.)
Google “Crushing the Cost of Predicting the Future” and you will get the nytimes story.
Delbert D.
November 18th, 2011
5:58 pm
Yeah, I was in a hurry to get that scoop as evidenced by the typos.
Write it down.
November 18th, 2011
5:58 pm
What a concept.
If dawg fans could predict the future, then they could avoid many arrests.
GTBob
November 18th, 2011
6:12 pm
I would love to see tech play Vandy or Florida.
We would destroy either one of them. They are awful. South Carolina would be a good game though.
UGA owns GT
November 18th, 2011
6:25 pm
Blah, blah, blah. Florida owns UGA. Really? UGA OWNS FLORIDA, ALWAYS HAS ALWAYS WILL. LOOK IT UP. UGA OWNS GT, ALWAYS HAS ALWAYS WILL.
2011 GT in a lousy bowl with NO NATIONAL RESPECTAND NO PROSECTS KNOWING THAT UGA WILL ABUSE THEM.
2011 UGA IS SEC EAST CHAMP AND THE WORLD AWAITS THE MAIN EVENT WITH LSU VS UGA. THE MAIN EVENT IN THE DOME.
UGA IN A FAB BOWL …………A MAJOR BOWL
GT FANS KNOW SEASON IS OVER
UGA FANS KNOW IT IS FUN TO HAVE PROSPECTS LIKE WE DO.
GT FANS KNOW THAT ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL STOMPED THEM IN B BALL
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHA,AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHAHHAHAHAHA
UGA owns GT II
November 18th, 2011
6:35 pm
GT you will soon get your shot at a SEC CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM FROM THE SEC EAST AND THIS IS RICHT’S 5TH EAST TITLE IN 11 years baby.
Get ready ………………….tighten up your head gear and get ready.
ToeMeetsLeather
November 18th, 2011
6:49 pm
gt4ever, since when has GT been a program that SHOULD win when playing Miami or UGA. Before CPJ we probably averaged 6-7 wins over the last twenty years with a lot of blow out losses in there. CPJ gives a chance every week, is averaging about 9 wins and will just next year field a team with all of his recruits. We need to remember where we have been as a program.
wolfman
November 18th, 2011
6:54 pm
@ Clemson ? — No national attention for Clemson? I guess all of the poll voters are from S.C.. What an ignorant thing to say.
NiquePhotog
November 18th, 2011
6:58 pm
“Since 5 of your 8 wins will have been against programs with a combined total of 10 wins”
@simplequestion,
You know what’s more pathetic than that….Georgia’s conference wins are over opponents with a 10-30 conference record. Using your same logic, 5 of those wins are over programs with 6 conference wins total.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but that opponent winning record sounds an awful lot like that 1980 NC season, doesn’t it?
QueerDawg
November 18th, 2011
7:03 pm
The boys are back in town. My favorite song. We play it after every home victory. We are having a get together at the ToolBox tomorrow after we stick it in KY (my favorite brand of lube!!!).
Write it down.
November 18th, 2011
7:51 pm
@UGA owns GT II = UGA owns GT = Reggie Ball = Bowls tell us how a team is respected or is not.
Who knows how many handles you have? You would free up many resources if you just stopped typing.
Do us a favor:
Wait until your cell mate goes to sleep. Then, hang yourself with the bedsheet.
@simple question
November 18th, 2011
7:55 pm
GtBob, you are blinded by the gold colored glasses, Tech doesn’t have enough D1 talent to beat flordia, Demps and Rainey would run wild on Tech D.,Vandy -tech would be a better game. S Carolina would beat tech as bad a s Georgia will big athletic Defensive fronts. The only way tech would beat any of those teams , were if those teams beat themselves with stupid turnovers. Seriously your offense was stymied by Maryland,,Miami, Virginia, Clemsons defense is awful.
Techs Last 5 games 21.2 points 342 yards offense average,.