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Blue Devils Look for Rebound Victory to Stay in Contention

Blue Devils | QB Maalik Murphy — © Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

On Oct. 18, the Florida State Seminoles (1-5, 1-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) travel to Durham, N.C., to face off against the Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 1-1 ACC) at 7 p.m. Eastern in the 23rd matchup between the two schools. While the Seminoles have dominated the series with a 20-0 record, two victories were vacated in 2006-07. The teams are on opposite sides of the ACC spectrum.

What's on the Line?

For the Blue Devils, it's a chance to rebound after a disappointing loss against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2, 3-2 ACC). Duke wants to remain in the hunt for a shot at the ACC Championship game. Head coach Manny Diaz has the Blue Devils off to one of the school's best starts. The team has relied on a defense that has allowed 17.5 points and 309 yards per game. Both are second in the conference. Duke also will be looking for its first-ever victory over Florida State

For the Seminoles, quarterback Brock Glenn is in his second game as a starter this season. Despite a loss against the Clemson Tigers (5-1, 4-0 ACC), Glenn showed promise. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs gave the Seminoles' offense an energy it was missing earlier this season. Taking a step further in his development could help the Seminoles. Florida State will look to play a spoiler's role against Duke. The Seminoles look to derail Duke's ACC title aspirations.

Who to Watch for the Blue Devils

Offensively, quarterback Maalik Murphy has taken the offensive reigns and shown his athletic ability throughout this season. Murphy has completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,431 yards and 14 TDs. He's thrown to 13 different receivers, led by Jordan Moore and Eli Pancol. Moore leads the team with 443 receiving yards and Pancol leads with 5 touchdowns. Moore and Pancol are disciplined route runners who know how to get open and make the catches in and out of traffic. On defense, linebacker Alex Howard leads the team with 47 tackles and is second with 3 sacks. Although the defense only has 4 interceptions on the season, the secondary has done well to break up opponents' passing attempts led by cornerbacks Chandler Rivers and Joshua Pickett.

Which Seminoles Will be Key?

On offense, it's Glenn's show. He's completed 56 percent of his passes for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns. He's been able to make accurate throws all over the field to his playmakers. True freshman running back Kam Davis will make his first start of the season. Wide receivers Ja'Khi Douglas and Malik Benson will again be favorite targets as they lead the team with 530 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns between them. On defense, safety Shyheim Brown has been a ball hawk, leading the team with 43 tackles. Brown has an ability to play in coverage and against the run. Edge rushers Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr. have stepped up as of late and generated 7 sacks and 1 forced fumble to go with 35 tackles between them.

Blue Devils rebound — © Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Matchup to Watch

Seminoles' defensive front vs. Blue Devils' offensive line

This season, the Blue Devils have allowed 8 sacks on Murphy. Can Payton, Jones and Co. generate the pressure needed to disrupt the offense for the Seminoles to continue their winning streak?