2009 College Football Odds: Blue Devils Head Coach David Cutcliffe enters his second season at Duke after guiding the team to a 4-8 record last season. While the four wins may not seem all that great, it was the most the school has had since 2003. Cutcliffe, however, may be looking at darker days this year as the team returns just 11 starters and 33 lettermen from the 2008 squad. Duke Blue Devils 2009 College Football Odds – BCS Odds 2010 at BetUS.com have Duke listed at +6500 odds to win the ACC conference championship.
The Blue Devils offense struggled to put points on the board last season, averaging a meager 20.1 per contest. The yardage totals were not anymore impressive, especially the ground game, as the team churned out an average of 304 yards per game while averaging just 3.0 yards per carry.
Six starters are back from that unit, and depsite the poor numbers, the coaching staff has to be pleased that quarterback Thaddeus Lewis is still under center. Lewis was the biggest weapon for Cutcliffe in 2008, throwing for 2171 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Along with Lewis, the offense also returns leading rusher Jay Hollingsworth (399 yards, one touchdown). Top receiver Eron Riley, who had 61 receptions and eight touchdowns last year, is gone as are three starting offensive linemen.
The Duke defense, which was the strength of the team last season, welcomes back just five starters from a unit that held teams to 23.4 points and 357 yards per game. In spite of the losses, which include leading tackler Michael Tauiliili (140/ four interceptions), the defense should, once again, be the strong point of the Blue Devils team.
The group will be anchored by defensive end Vince Oghobaase and linebacker Vincent Rey. Oghobaase is an NFL talent who recorded 51 tackles and six sacks in his junior campaign while Rey racked up 109 tackles and two sacks a season ago.
Duke opens up the season with a home game against Richmond. The Blue Devils first ACC game takes places on October 3rd when they host the Virginia Tech Hokies.
BetUS.com Duke Blue Devils 2009 College Football Odds – BCS Odds 2010
Duke Blue Devils Odds to Win the ACC Coastal Division:
+2200
Duke Blue Devils Odds to Win the ACC Conference Championship:
+6500
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