That’s why this weekend’s 13-10 victory over #13 ranked Virginia Tech has this Duke fan over the moon. It may not have always been pretty, but the victory makes Duke bowl eligible in consecutive years for the first time in school history. It marked our first shellacking of a ranked team since 1994 (back when I was there!) – plus Duke’s first on the road in over 40 years!
To see Duke Football enjoy this kind of resurgence two years in a row both defies – and inspires – belief.
Head coach, David Cutcliffe, has done what can only be described as an incredible job of putting the once proud (back in the days of the single wing) program back on the map. Let’s not forget: Cutcliffe also mentored both Mannings AND that the The Bills’ current Quarterback, Thad Lewis, is a Cutcliffe-coached Duke alum.
If Cutcliffe has contract demands, Mr. Athletic Director, GIVE INTO THEM. Actually, screw that – give him more. You might as well build the statue and rename the stadium while you’re at it.
In the end, it all comes down to this: Duke is now bowl-eligible again and should win at least a couple more games this season. I made it to Charlotte last year and it was a blast – a thrilling game even though Duke ended up losing to Cincinnati in a heartbreaker. Barring something unforeseen, horrible and profoundly unfair, I’ll absolutely be back in the stands this time – and yelling even louder.
Hell, at this rate, Coaches K and Danowski may have to compete for resources and attention…