Assessing Duke Football Heading into Week 9

Head coach Manny Diaz is ready for his team to get back on the field and show that they have made the adjustments to get back on track. Diaz was not too worried about how his team would respond after last week's loss. Diaz has confidence in this group of players and in his coaching staff to make sure they put their players in the best position to be successful in Week 9.

Duke's Outlook heading to Week 9

"Heading into this season, Duke football had a clear goal: make it to the College Football Playoff," said Anna Snyder of The Fayetteville Observer.

"Now in their second idle week, sitting at 4-3 overall and 3-1 in ACC play, the Blue Devils are coming off a 27-18 loss to then No. 12-ranked Georgia Tech for their first conference loss of the season."

The loss narrowed Duke's path to the ACC championship come December, with the Blue Devils needing to win the remainder of their conference games for a spot, not including how the race between other teams in the league could play out. Ahead of Week 9, three teams in the league remain undefeated in conference play: Georgia Tech (4-0), Virginia (3-0) and SMU (3-0).

Duke still has four conference matchups remaining: Clemson (Nov. 1), Virginia (Nov. 15), North Carolina (Nov. 22) and Wake Forest (Nov. 29).

Beyond the ACC title race, Duke is looking to earn its fourth straight and 18th overall bowl appearance. The Blue Devils are coming off a trip to the Gator Bowl last season, with Manny Diaz becoming the third first-year head coach at Duke with a bowl appearance. To earn bowl eligibility, teams must earn six wins with a .500 winning percentage.

They still have a chance to do it and it will start by bouncing back this week and showing that they are the best team in the ACC this season.

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