Kirk Herbstreit explains leaving Mike Elko off top Week 1 coaches list

Week 1 is in the books and ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit decided to honor a few coaches for their team’s performances. He released a list of the top-performing coaches from over the weekend. Colorado’s Deion Sanders was included for getting a win over TCU, taking the top spot. Even Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller got a shoutout for Sunday night’s performance.

But there was a name missing, one Herbstreit has since said he regrets not putting on the ‘Top Performing Coaches of Week 1’ list. Duke got a huge upset win against Clemson in prime time but head coach Mike Elko did not get mentioned by Herbstreit. Something he admits was an oversight.

“COMPLETE oversight,” Herbstreit said via Twitter. “With Monday pm game and it being week 1 out of my normal routine. I apologize profusely. Love Duke this year and wholeheartedly agree he should be 1 or 2.”

Duke may have not played their best game but they sure did make Clemson look uncomfortable. Cade Klubnik was making his first career start in the regular season and struggled for all four quarters. Whether he was getting pressured, making ill-advised throws, or fumbling on a read option inside the red zone — Elko’s defense did a good job of unsettling the young quarterback.

And then the brilliance of quarterback Riley Leonard was the deciding factor for the Blue Devils. His 175 passing yards might not be the most eye-popping stat from the box score. However, rushing for 98 yards — including a 44-yard touchdown — is why ACC opponents are going to fear him this season.

More than anything, Monday night was an extension of the job Elko has already been doing. Last season was a massive success for Duke, getting nine wins. Five wins against ACC opponents were more than the previous three seasons combined. A year later, beating Clemson is undoubtedly the biggest of them all.

Elko now has Duke in a great position to have a historic season. The schedule will get tougher as the weeks fly by but there is a serious chance to be undefeated heading into the Notre Dame game. The Fighting Irish will be fresh off their matchup against Ohio State, potentially setting up for a very important contest in Durham.

If Duke finds itself 5-0 to begin the season, Herbstreit will not have the option of accidentally overlooking Elko on his top performers list. You will see the Blue Devils’ head coach on there.