Duke and coach Mike Elko sees big opportunity in opener vs. No. 9 Clemson, the ACC’s perennial power

Duke’s head coach, Mike Elko, envisions the upcoming match against No. 9 Clemson as an opportunity, albeit not a straightforward one. Following a pleasantly surprising 9-4 season in Elko’s inaugural year, the Blue Devils aim for further success, commencing with their Monday night season opener at home, thereby concluding a prolonged Week 1 of college football. Triumphing over this top-10 adversary, who is both the reigning Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) champion and a favored contender for this year’s title, would undoubtedly launch their campaign on a favorable note.

Elko aptly acknowledges the Tigers’ prowess, having amassed an impressive 11-3 record in the preceding season. With proficient athletes on both offense and defense, such as the all-ACC tailback Will Shipley and the promising starting quarterback Cade Klubnik, who orchestrated the Tigers’ seventh ACC championship in eight years, Clemson stands as a formidable adversary.

The Tiger’s defense boasts potential All-Americans, including linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and defensive tackle Tyler Davis. These athletes are fueled by a burning desire to reestablish Clemson’s presence in the College Football Playoff, adding another layer of intensity to the upcoming clash.

Assuredly, Elko asserts that his team is prepared for the challenge that lies ahead. He expresses confidence that they will deliver their utmost performance on the forthcoming Monday, with the outcome yet to unfold.

Duke has managed to retain eight starters on both offense and defense, and quarterback Riley Leonard, following a successful tenure as the full-time starter, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their campaign.

Clemson’s eagerness to initiate their season is palpable. Fifth-year tackle Tyler Davis, alongside veteran linemates like Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll, consciously chose to postpone pursuing professional careers to actively contribute to the Tiger’s pursuit of championship glory. The goal is to create a dominant defense that can propel them to a national title.

Head coach Dabo Swinney emphasizes the urgency of the situation, reminding his players that the last national championship victory dates back to 2018, and none among them have experienced such triumph. Consequently, facing Duke assumes an additional significance, representing a litmus test for the Tigers as they endeavor to recapture the spotlight.

A notable statistic lingers in the backdrop: Duke has encountered a 28-game losing streak against opponents ranked within the top 10 of The Big Big News college football poll. The last victory against such an opponent was achieved when Steve Spurrier led the Blue Devils to a victory over then-No. 7 Clemson in September 1989, marking their path to the ACC title.

Garrett Riley, Clemson’s new offensive coordinator, underscores the significance of film study as a shared trait among exceptional players. Quarterback Cade Klubnik’s enthusiasm for dissecting game tape has resonated with the team, leading to collaborative film study sessions across various positions, which now extend beyond the purview of coaches.

As the season unfolds, all eyes are on Duke’s quarterback Riley Leonard. Emerging from a season with only one career start, Leonard surpassed expectations by throwing for 20 touchdowns and rushing for an additional 13. His precision in completing nearly two-thirds of his passes, combined with a mere six interceptions, contributed to Duke’s impressive performance—committing just 10 turnovers throughout the entire season.

An interesting facet arises in the form of the ACC’s scheduling dynamics, which have seldom brought Duke and Clemson into contention over the years. Consequently, this upcoming match will mark Clemson’s first appearance in Durham since 2012. Furthermore, Duke’s last victory over Clemson dates back to 2004 when they secured a 16-13 win courtesy of Matt Brooks’ remarkable 53-yard field goal as the game clock expired.

A historical milestone also beckons. Howard’s Rock, an emblem of Clemson’s football legacy, holds significance for the program’s history. Coach Howard, at the helm of Clemson for an impressive 30 seasons spanning from 1940 to 1969, garnered six ACC titles during his tenure.

In conclusion, the forthcoming contest between Duke and Clemson holds immense weight. The clash on the national stage promises to be both riveting and a pivotal indicator of the teams’ potential for the season ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about College Football Opener

More about College Football Opener

• College Football Opener Preview
• ACC Top Contenders
• Duke Football
• Clemson Football
• ACC Football
• College Football Playoff
• Duke vs. Clemson Rivalry
• ACC Football Championships
• Duke Football News
• [Clemson Football Updates](https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/ Clemson/clemson-tigers)