Its the last game and the last chance we will have to look at the keys to the game for the Blue Devils. This time the game is personal. Duke taking on their bitter rivals North Carolina and hoping to stop a seven game slide and win for only the second time this century.
Most importantly it is a chance to send the seniors off on a winning note and give the returning players some momentum heading into the off season and spring.
So without further ado:
Prevent big plays from Geo Bernard
If the Tar Heels featured back gets 100-plus yards so be it. What Duke cannot allow is the swift of foot back to get into the Blue Devil secondary with only one man to beat.
Big plays have killed Duke all year. It isn't likely that the Blue Devils will be able to bottle him up but as long as they can avoid allowing huge chunks of yards they should be okay. Let him get his yards, just don't let him kill you with a 60-yard run
Get pressure on Bryn Renner
Renner can be deadly accurate and if he has time to throw he has some targets to throw to. The Blue Devils, who are beat up on the defensive line have to be able to get pressure on the Tar Heel quarterback.
If Renner has shown a weakness it is throwing under pressure. He has 11 interceptions on the season. Duke's secondary isn't scaring anybody so if he has time to throw he will likely pick it apart.
So it is imperative that some amount of pressure be put on him to ease the pressure on the Blue Devil's secondary and force Renner into bad decisions.
Protect Sean Renfree, somehow
North Carolina's front seven on defense is very good, as usual. Much like Renner, Duke quarterback Sean Renfree hasn't handled pressure well this season.
Duke's offensive line has to give him time to throw to avoid overthrows and interceptions which have plagued him all season long. If they can't keep Renfree off his back it could be a very long day for the Blue Devils.
Run the ball just enough
Everyone knows Duke wants to throw the ball but they need to try and run the ball at least some to keep the Tar Heels defense honest.
Now that isn't to say bring out the three yards and a cloud of dust offense that has peered its ugly head at times this year but a few runs mixed in here and there will help Renfree and the rest of the offense.
Keep the offensive play book open
The last few weeks Duke offense coordinator, Kurt Roper, has opened up the playbook a little bit. He needs to continue to do so against North Carolilna.
There is no real point at keeping those secret plays secret. With no chance at a bowl this is it for Duke so the Blue Devil offense which has struggled a lot this season might as well throw everything they have at North Carolina.
Hold nothing back
And that brings me to the final key to the game for Duke. Don't hold anything back. I expect injured guys who might not otherwise play to play.
I expect all kinds of risk taking by coaches on both sides of the ball and special teams. That isn't to say go for it on fourth down in the shadow of your own endzone, but take your chances, fake a punt or a field goal and keep the Tar Heels guessing..
Also come out with the intensity that comes with the rivalry. Come out smack the Tar Heels in the mouth and make them play on their heels. Use the emotions to your advantage and end the year on a high note and have a year's worth of bragging rights to go along with it.
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