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Not my best podcast but there's just so much unknown about this team as of now
This feels like a doorstep team. Hang around 6-6 this year, largely because of a tough schedule, but an actually good team the following year.
That said, I think Cut screwed up the scheduling. This is not 2012 anymore, and while Duke is more talented, the ACC is a much better and deeper conference than it was back then, largely due to better coaching. So we're getting enough tough tests in the conference schedule that we don't need to schedule top tier teams outside of the conference. Scheduling Baylor or Alabama makes sense for a team that would like to bolster its CFP resume. We're nowhere near that level. We should be striving for 9 win seasons and solid bowl games like Sun, Russell Athletic, etc.
I feel that the four non-conference opponents should be two easy ones (NCCU and then the Tulane/Army level is fine) and two mid-tiers that we can generally expect to split with in an average year (Northwestern seems like the right level here even though we can't seem to beat them). We don't need to be playing top 10 teams. Especially as FSU and Clemson are coming up in the rotation.
Otherwise we could be looking at some 5-7 type years with teams that are probably the same or better quality as we were in '13 and '14 when we were winning 9 and 10.
This feels like a doorstep team. Hang around 6-6 this year, largely because of a tough schedule, but an actually good team the following year.
That said, I think Cut screwed up the scheduling. This is not 2012 anymore, and while Duke is more talented, the ACC is a much better and deeper conference than it was back then, largely due to better coaching. So we're getting enough tough tests in the conference schedule that we don't need to schedule top tier teams outside of the conference. Scheduling Baylor or Alabama makes sense for a team that would like to bolster its CFP resume. We're nowhere near that level. We should be striving for 9 win seasons and solid bowl games like Sun, Russell Athletic, etc.
I feel that the four non-conference opponents should be two easy ones (NCCU and then the Tulane/Army level is fine) and two mid-tiers that we can generally expect to split with in an average year (Northwestern seems like the right level here even though we can't seem to beat them). We don't need to be playing top 10 teams. Especially as FSU and Clemson are coming up in the rotation.
Otherwise we could be looking at some 5-7 type years with teams that are probably the same or better quality as we were in '13 and '14 when we were winning 9 and 10.
I don't think avoiding great programs is a viable option. If we want Duke to compete in football, we have to schedule tougher opponents. Eventually Duke has to beat somebody they shouldn't have any business beating. Duke had Texas A&M and Johnny Manziel beat and let it go. They had Arizona State beaten and did the same thing with a KO run back costing them the game. If Cut could ever beat a Florida State or Alabama, or just some program of that stature then recruiting becomes so much easier. And he will get a 5-star at some point. Before you say there's no way, remember when Duke had the no-win season and where they are now. Duke is mentioned as a final list of schools all over the place now. Just think what he could do if he starts getting 5-stars.
Arkansas probably would have beaten Duke's ass the last couple of years, but they'll suck for at least two or three seasons with the new coach once Bielema gets canned.