Duke’s surprising 3-0 start to the 2026 season has slowly garnered the program some national attention this week, and the Blue Devils’ Week 4 matchup versus William & Mary should provide an opportunity for some stat padding. Here are my five keys to Duke’s first game versus the Tribe since 1955.
What is Duke’s approach?
The Blue Devils are a 43.5-point favorite Saturday, which for some teams, could lead to some sleepwalking against a vastly less talented opponent.
But for Duke, the sentiment seemingly hasn’t changed. Tight end Jeremiah Hasley said after the team’s win over Stanford that he and his teammates don’t care what logo the opponent has on their helmet.
“It doesn't matter who the opponent is," Hasley said. "We know we have to approach each and every day, regardless
of who the opponent is. We didn't play our best (against Stanford) on offense or defense, and the chip on our shoulder is we need to do better, and it starts with William and Mary.”
Will Sheppard’s stats balloon?
Running back Nate Sheppard has taken the sport by storm with his play in 2026, leading the nation in carries and rushing yards through the first three weeks of the season.
While stat-padding is likely the last thing the sophomore cares about, he has an opportunity to absolutely eat against a unit that ranks 122nd in the entire FCS in rushing defense.
With Sheppard’s name even starting to pop up in early Heisman Trophy discussions, an obliteration of the Tribe could continue to inflate his stats, making him an even more appealing candidate.
How long will we see the starters for?
While fans may want to see Sheppard chasing records and clout, they may very well see an abbreviated afternoon for him and his fellow starters if things go well for the Blue Devils on Saturday.
Duke has some depth issues throughout the roster, so it wouldn’t be a shocker in the slightest to see some guys get relieved of their duties early if the Blue Devils jump all of W&M from the get-go.
Turnovers
What the Tribe lacks in run defense, it makes up for in forced turnovers. The team’s 11 takeaways ranks tied for second in the FCS, meaning the Blue Devil offense will need to be vigilant in that department despite the talent gap.
The good news for Duke fans is their team’s offense has given the ball away just twice a quarter of the way through the season.
Losing the turnover battle shouldn’t be a concern in this game, but with a statistic that can sometimes be random, head coach Manny Diaz would be wise to increase his squad’s sense of urgency with regard to ball security this week in practice.
Dan Mahan
Dan Mahan, a freshman and former No. 24-ranked quarterback in the North Carolina high school ranks, could get his best opportunity for extended playing time this week, which is critical in determining what the team might do at the position next season.
Mahan played sparingly through three weeks, going 0/2 on his passing attempts, while carrying the ball five times for 36 yards, flashing a little mobility out of the youngster.
In an era when a team can import a new starter year-to-year out of the portal, this week could be a major opportunity for the former three-star to put some solid film on tape, should Duke go up big early in the contest.
This week’s game is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and can be streamed on ACC Network Extra from inside Wallace Wade Stadium.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke vs. William & Mary: 5 keys to the Blue Devils, Tribe matchup
