While racking up more tackles for losses than any other Division I college football team this season, Duke has naturally been tough to run the ball against.
That could be challenged on Saturday night at Wallace Wade Stadium when the Blue Devils play Connecticut at 6 p.m.
While Duke hammered UConn, 41-7, last season, Blue Devils coach Manny Diaz pointed out the Huskies have turned over their roster via the transfer portal and they run an offense that makes stopping the run difficult.
“They were one of the best last year and, in the first few games of this year, they’re one of the best outside zone running teams in the country,” Diaz said. “That’s always a concern for a defense. Outside zone is very hard to replicate with your scout teams. It’s a play you have to run a lot to really master it and they have. They have done it. So that’s a challenge.”
Duke (2-0), with 27 tackles for losses during its wins over Elon and Northwestern, has allowed 79.5 rushing yards per game. The 2.18 rushing yards Duke has allowed per carry is second in the ACC.
UConn (1-1) averages 5.23 rushing yards per game.
Since last season, the Huskies added running back Durell Robinson, a transfer from Charlotte who has gained 128 yards on 17 carries. That’s 7.5 yards per carry.
“The way we’ve defended the run game the last couple weeks,” Diaz said, “we have to continue to do a really good job. And everyone’s got to handle their responsibility. If there’s a cutback lane and the guy’s got a cut back, we’ve got to handle that. We got to set edges and just the fundamentals of what it takes to stop the run.”
Meanwhile, Duke’s rushing offense situation is complicated by Jaquez Moore’s health situation. The Blue Devils’ starting running back left last Friday’s 26-20 double-overtime win with a lower body injury and was wearing a boot. Diaz said Moore has been limited in practice this week but is making progress so he’s not been ruled out yet.
“We’re still hopeful to have him for for Saturday,” Diaz said. “If he keeps improving the way he has through the course of the week, then that’s a distinct possibility.”
Kickoff time + TV channel for UConn at Duke
The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday with ACC Network Extra/ESPN+ televising. That means it will not be available on major cable and satellite services. But it’s available to stream on ESPN+ by logging in with a cable or satellite subscription.
Streaming options for Blue Devils-Huskies matchup
In addition to ESPN+, options to watch Saturday’s Duke-UConn game include fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV.
Betting odds
Duke is a 16.5-point favorite. The over-under total is 47.5 points.
UConn at Duke game and TV info
Teams: Duke Blue Devils (2-0) vs UConn Huskies (1-1)
Where: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14
Time: 6 p.m.
TV: ACC Network Extra/ESPN+
Stream: DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, SlingTV
Series history: This will be the fourth football game between Duke and UConn, with the Huskies leading the series, 2-1. Duke won 41-7 last year at East Hartford, Connecticut.
Pregame reading
With Duke starting RB Jaquez Moore injured, can Blue Devils run the ball and keep winning?
Bruised, battered, but still unbeaten: Three takeaways from Duke’s OT win at Northwestern
Duke starts Diaz era with a win: Three takeaways from Blue Devils’ victory over Elon
Duke adds new wrinkle to its football depth chart: What in the world is a ‘vyper’?
Duke football, under new head coach Manny Diaz, decides on its starting quarterback
Duke TE Nicky Dalmolin said goodbye to football, but he’s back. Why he changed his mind
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