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3 Biggest X-Factors For Duke to Take Down Boston College
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- 3 Biggest X-Factors For Duke to Take Down Boston College
(Amber Searls-Imagn Images)
The Duke Blue Devils were able to stop the losing streak last week, taking down the Virginia Cavaliers in the process.
Now, the Blue Devils will be taking on the Boston College Eagles this week at home, giving the team a chance to put together a win streak. This team started the year off strong, but some inconsistent play recently derailed the momentum.
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Duke enters the game with a record of 5-2 on the season, going 2-2 in ACC play so far this year. The Blue Devils know that they can still be in the race for the conference, but grabbing games like this will be important.
As for the Eagles, they come in with a record of 4-3 on the year, with the team going 2-2 in ACC games as well. Boston College can be a sneaky offensive team, giving the Blue Devils another challenge to overcome this week.
Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Blue Devils to get another win this week over Boston College:
1. Give Nate Sheppard the Ball
While the Blue Devils did get the win last week, Sheppard only had 15 touches on the ground, and this team needs to give him the ball more. For Duke to be the explosive offensive team that they envisioned to open the year, Sheppard needs to a larger part of the game plan.
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Sheppard has been one of the stronger running backs this season in the country, rushing for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. Against Boston College, Sheppard should get at least 20 carries, if not closer to the 25 mark, giving the Blue Devils a strong chance to put points on the board.
2. Limit the Penalties
Sometimes the difference between winning and losing can be as simple as a team being disciplined in a game. For the Blue Devils this week, the team will need to limit the penalties, not allowing itself to beat themselves in the game.
Duke ranked 115th in the country this year in penalty yards per game, allowing an average of 70.0. This won't get the job done most weeks, and the Blue Devils are going to have to find a way to stay level-headed against the Eagles.
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3. Limit Third Down Opportunities
Duke comes into the game being ranked No. 9 on third down, allowing its opponents at convert at 29.2 percent. If the Blue Devils can limit the third down conversations, it could give them a better chance to win.
Boston College has been shaky in the red zone this year, and Duke will need to keep it that way. The Blue Devils should be able to take the game if they can get after the Eagles quarterback early on.
