It took four weeks and a perfect record, but Duke football is starting to earn some respect in the national media … well, except among those who vote in the AP Poll.
The Blue Devils are ranked in the US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time since October 2023, coming in at No. 21 heading into their bye week. Meanwhile, ESPN college football pundits
have placed Manny Diaz’s squad in their top 25 at No. 22.And why? Because Duke knows exactly who they are as a team.
“The Blue Devils were picked to finish 10th in the ACC preseason media poll after losing quarterback Mensah and wideout Cooper Barkate to Miami on the last day (of) the transfer portal," Andrea Adelson writes. "So, Duke regrouped, believing the strength of its team would be the run game.
Indeed, through four games, the Blue Devils have proved just that. Running back Nate Sheppard leads the country with 644 yards rushing, and Duke is 4-0 for the third time in four seasons. That is the best stretch for the program since four straight 4-0 starts from 1935 to 1938. Duke ranks in the top 20 nationally in rush defense and total defense, as the Blue Devils have identified who they want to be and how they want to approach this season.”
Duke travels to Atlanta to take on a struggling Georgia Tech side on Saturday, October 10.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke football earns respect in latest ESPN Power Rankings
