It is game day, folks! Wow. A week really flew by and our favorite team is about to take the field. Let's think about what we can expect from our boys tonight.
1) What do you expect to see as far as defensive sets against the Citadel?
- WallStreetNole: I would think you will see 1 on 1 coverage on the outside (obvious) and an emphasis to stack the box. This is certainly a more applicable team to stand the D ends up and should be a great opportunity for our LB's to make plays. We may get out of the 4-2-5 and play some young guys in different sets. 4-5 DB's or Safeties in on every play is just not necessary against this team.
- Duke: The Citadel doesn't have one player that poses a real threat to our team. I see a plain vanilla defense today, but I will be curious to see if they mix-and-match different formations and players. Last year, Pruitt experimented with a few players in a few positions and he eventually found the right mix. I'm curious whether Charles has the capacity to perform such an experiment and whether we will see more variability than we saw last week.
2) In a smaller game like this who are looking to have a breakout game?
- WallStreetNole: I'll be excited to see the receivers with BoBo coming back. You would also expect to see Rudolph in with the 1's and at some point Ermon Lane. Either of these 3 could easily put on a show. As far as a breakout game though, I'm hoping for Demarcus Walker and Derrick Mitchel to really step up. This could be a great confidence boost if they are able to make plays and defend the run.
- Duke: Sean Maguire (with a little help from his friends Lane, Rudolph, Wilson). We saw Maguire in limited action last year and he looked pretty decent. I'm guessing he is going to have plenty of time to play and when given the chance, he will prove how far he has come along. I am anxiously waiting to see Maguire.
3) With Clemson lurking, what kind of play calling and offensive agenda do you expect to see?
- WallStreetNole: Bland but it will still be an air raid. I can almost guarantee that Jameis will be looking for big plays against a soft Defense. As far as the running plays you may see more east to west play calling like pitches and sweeps to get Los going.
- Duke: For the love of Gene Deckerhoff, can we see Jameis throw the ball to the other receivers? I watched the Oklahoma State game and I don't get the trust issues with the receivers. I saw receivers running clean routes and getting open. I saw Jameis targeting Rashad Greene through his entire route. That's not going to cut it. I just want to see us go back to the basics from last year... not forcing things. We weren't overly fancy last year, just effective. I want to see us pick up the crumbs.
Prediction:
- WallStreetNole: Noles roll, 56-3.
- Duke: Jameis and Maguire throw for a combined 8 TDs, Noles have some fun... 70-3.
Photo Credit: Melina Vastola
Comments? Questions? Kudos?