Clemson Football: Most overrated and underrated ‘way too early’ teams in the ACC

Underrated: Duke Blue Devils

Hardly anyone thought the Blue Devils would be able to mount much of a fight in 2022. Most people who watch the game still respect former head coach David Cutcliffe. His tenure was a success for Duke. He led them to a Coastal Division championship. While they had ups and downs, the Devils were hardly the doormats they had been for years before Cutcliffe showed up – until the end.

Few thought Cutcliffe forgot how to coach. They just thought the wheels had fallen off for a program that couldn’t shake its reputation for being a cellar dweller. The conclusion many reached was that the team just didn’t have the talent necessary to compete in the ACC.

Most people who watch the game respected Mike Elko as a defensive coordinator, and figured it would just be a matter of time until he took a head coaching job. Few expected it would be Duke that would lure him away from a well-paying spot coordinating Texas A&M’s defense. Most thought Elko would have a long rebuilding job ahead of him in Durham.

Elko made most people who watch the game look silly by taking the Blue Devils to a 9-4 overall record and a tie for second place in the Coastal Division. They defeated UCF in the Military Bowl.

Outside of linebacker Shaka Heyward, the Devils return most of their impact players, including quarterback Riley Leonard, who passed for just shy of 3,000 yards in 2022. He also led the team in rushing.

Nonetheless, Duke just doesn’t get much benefit of the doubt. Their reputation precedes them. The Devils don’t necessarily belong at the top of the ‘way too early’ rankings, but they are going to be competitive in the league. Another nine win season is realistic.

The one drawback for Duke is its schedule. They draw Clemson, Florida State, and rival North Carolina, in addition to a non-conference game against Notre Dame.