The Duke Blue Devils’ defense has been a standout in the 2024 college football season, particularly in their pass defense. Through the first six weeks, opposing quarterbacks averaged just 4.9 yards per attempt, placing Duke among the top defenses nationally. citeturn0search0
Dominant Defensive Metrics
This impressive statistic is part of a broader defensive excellence. The Blue Devils allowed only four passing touchdowns during this stretch, matching the number of interceptions they secured. Their secondary, led by cornerback Chandler Rivers, has been particularly effective. Rivers returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown against Florida State, marking his second consecutive year with a pick-six against the Seminoles. citeturn0search3
Pressure Upfront
The effectiveness of Duke’s pass defense is also attributed to their formidable pass rush. The team accumulated 18 sacks by Week 6, ranking among the top in the Power Four programs. Junior edge rusher Vincent Anthony Jr. led the charge with 3.5 sacks, while transfer linebacker Alex Howard contributed 3.0 sacks. Notably, against Georgia Tech, Duke’s defense recorded their first sack of the season, disrupting an offensive line that had previously remained unscathed. citeturn0search0
Comparative National Standing
Nationally, Duke’s pass defense stood out. According to cfbstats.com, through October 24, 2024, Duke led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with an average of 4.9 yards allowed per pass attempt. In contrast, Virginia Tech, ranked second in the ACC, allowed 7.3 yards per attempt. citeturn0search2
Consistency and Depth
The consistency of Duke’s pass defense is further highlighted by their performance against various opponents. In their game against Middle Tennessee, despite the Blue Devils’ first loss of the season, the defense held the opposing quarterback to just 127 yards on 33 attempts. This marked the fourth consecutive game where Duke limited opposing quarterbacks to under five yards per attempt. citeturn0search1
Overall, the Duke Blue Devils’ defense, characterized by a relentless pass rush and a vigilant secondary, has established itself as one of the premier defensive units in college football for the 2024 season.