Dave Doeren gives initial impressions of Duke

NC State sits at 4-2 following a 48-41 win over Marshall last weekend. Now, the Wolfpack will dive back into ACC play with their third conference matchup and second ranked opponent of the year in No. 17 Duke.

Dave Doeren had a lot of positives to say about the Blue Devils during his press conference on Monday. He started by sharing his high regard for Mike Elko on the opposing sideline and the job he has done to make a great team and program in Durham.

“The first of three in-state games for us in conference and an opportunity to go play a very good Duke football team,” said Doeren. “Mike Elko – I’ve known a long time, have a great amount of respect for, and he has done a great job. They have a really good football team.”

For Doeren, the conversation about Duke certainly starts with their defense. As a top-five unit that’s allowing just 11.2 points per game, he sees a unit that is as sound as they come yet is also dynamic with how they can turn you over if you’re not careful.

“They’re a stout defensive front, they’re very well-coached on defense. They know their system and the ins and outs of it. They do a lot of exotic things on third down – good blitzes, good bluffs of their blitzes,” explained Doeren. “The kids understand what they’re doing and they’re well-coached.”

“They’re one of the better teams in the country at getting the ball back,” Doeren added. “Last year, they led the nation in forced fumbles. So we have to do a great job of taking care of the football, protecting it, and protecting the runners with blocking and the quarterback with protection.”

From there, Doeren also had several good things to say about Duke’s offense. While the health of QB Riley Leonard changes this game, he also sees several other weapons that could give NC State problems.

“Offensively, they’ve been balanced,” Doeren said. “Not sure which quarterback is playing for them and have a tremendous amount of respect for Riley. Man, what a difference he had made in their program.”

“Their tailback, Jordan Waters? Thick, strong, has good balance, vision,” noted Doeren. “Their receivers in the slot, (Jalon) Calhoun, and their outside receivers, Jordan Moore, No. 8, are both really good players. Their offensive line has played well.”

Overall, Doeren just sees a quality opponent that’s going to be a challenge to overcome this weekend. The Wolfpack are ready, though, as he says his teams seems quite ready to hit the road for this one.

“It’s a really good football team. Excited to play, (Elko) has done a great job there,” said Doeren. “I haven’t been to Duke in a long time so I look forward to playing them in their stadium. I know our guys are excited.”