Mike Elko evaluates Riley Leonard's first-half performance after return from injury

Duke got a big boost on Saturday in a marquee matchup against Florida State as starting quarterback Riley Leonard returned from an ankle injury. Leonard missed just one game due to the injury this past week after going down against Notre Dame in Week 5 and also having a bye week to recover.

The Blue Devils mainly leaned on the run game in the first half as Leonard went just 3-of-11 passing for 37 yards and also threw an interception. However, the QB did break free for a 13-yard run of his own, which Duke coach Mike Elko saw as a good sign of his health.

With the Blue Devils leading 20-17 heading into halftime, Elko spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe on what he saw out of Leonard.

“It’s good. He’s our leader,” the coach said. “Obviously, we’re relying pretty heavy on the run game. We’ve gotta get the passing game going a little bit. I think he looks good. He looks healthy. He’s moving around the way we want him to. Gotta go out and have a big second half.”

Duke ran the ball 20 times in the first half to finish with 144 yards as Jaquez Moore led the way with 100 yards and a touchdown. It managed to stay in the game not only due to the run, but also thanks to a stellar defensive effort.

The Blue Devils forced just one turnover in the first half, but it was a big one as Chandler Rivers returned it 13 yards for a touchdown. That gave Duke a 17-7 lead to start the second quarter.

Additionally, the Blue Devils also came up with fourth-down stops on the first two offensive drives for the Seminoles. If they can keep playing like that, Elko likes his team’s chances to win.

“I think we keep battling,” he said. “Obviously they’re extremely explosive and very talented. I think we’re fighting them all the way. It’s gonna be a huge 30 minutes. It’s what we wanted. It’s right where we want to be.”

Riley Leonard led Duke to a 4-0 record to start the season before suffering the injury in the first loss of the season to Notre Dame. So far this season he has thrown for 912 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Most of his impact came on the ground as he managed 326 yards rushing and four touchdowns, so it will be interesting to keep an eye on how the injury affects his mobility.

The Blue Devils get the ball to start the first half leading 20-17.