Duke improved to 3-0 with a 35-7 rout of Stanford to open ACC play on Saturday in Wallace Wade Stadium.
The Blue Devils relied on another big game from Nate Sheppard (154 rushing yards, three total touchdowns) and a massive defensive effort to shut down the Cardinal and start their bid to repeat as conference champions.
Here are how the positions graded out:
Quarterback: B+
Walker Eget made some big throws, especially on a third-quarter touchdown drive that helped give Duke a 21-7 lead, but he was still inconsistent at times, completing just 14-of-24 passes. The Blue Devils will need better play from him soon.
Running Backs: A+
Nate Sheppard continued to show why he’s one of the best players in college football, while CJ Campbell came through with some hard-hitting runs in relief.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A
Jeremiah Hasley has become Eget’s favorite target, and for good reason. The tight end caught five passes for 88 yards, including a long reception on 4th down that helped set up a touchdown.
It was nice to see Jared Richardson and Jaivon Solomon catch a few passes.
Offensive Line: A+
No sacks on Eget, and the big guys up front paved the way for 268 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground against a defense that prides itself on stopping the run.
Defensive Line: A
Tyshon Reed had a huge game, recording four tackles, two tackles for a loss and two sacks as the Blue Devils consistently hounded Stanford quarterback Davis Warren.
Kevin O’Connor was everywhere as well, putting up two sacks, two tackles for a loss and forcing a fumble.
Linebackers: A
Nick Morris staying healthy has helped this unit, as he brings leadership and productivity. He recorded five tackles on Saturday, while Kendall Johnson recovered a fumble.
Secondary: B+
Still prone to giving up big plays, although the longest reception for the Cardinal on Saturday was just 22 yards. Dylan Flowers led the Blue Devils with seven tackles.
Special Teams: A
Kade Reynoldson averaged 49.4 yards per punt, with a long of 60 yards. Cosme Salas had an easy day, converting on all five point-after attempts.
Coaching: A+
It would have been easy for the Blue Devils to overlook Stanford following last week’s win at Illinois, but Diaz and his staff had the team ready to play and made sure they came out excited with the surprise onside kick to start the game.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke 35, Stanford 7: Position grades for the Blue Devils
