 We’re back with Week 6 bowl projections from Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk and myself, Freddie Hodges of Duke Report. Freddie Hodges – Duke Report Duke picked up a statement road win this past Saturday, knocking off Syracuse 38–3 in front of a sold-out JMA Wireless Dome. The Orange had just come off a convincing win at Clemson, but the Blue Devils never blinked. Nate Sheppard powered the offense with 168 yards on the ground, while the defense locked down Syracuse from start to finish. It was the kind of balanced, complete performance Duke fans have been waiting for—even after early setbacks against Tulane and Illinois, this team feels like it’s waking up. And at 2–0 in ACC play, things are definitely trending upward. Now comes the cross-country trip to face Cal in a late-night “ACC After Dark” showdown. East Coast fans, kickoff is at 10:30 PM—so stock up on caffeine. The Golden Bears are 4–1, led by freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who’s already topped 1,200 passing yards and 8 touchdowns in just five games. His poise and big-play flair have made him one of the nation’s most exciting young QBs. On the other side, Duke’s Darian Mensah is putting together a breakout season of his own with 1,573 yards and 13 touchdowns, giving the Blue Devils plenty of firepower. With both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard, this matchup has all the makings of a shootout. FanDuel lists Duke as a narrow 2.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 56.5. Around the ACC: Even though the Coastal Division is gone, “Coastal Chaos” is alive and well. Virginia stunned Florida State on Friday night to move to 4–1, Louisville took care of Pitt in a close one, Georgia Tech survived Wake Forest in overtime, and NC State stumbled against a Virginia Tech team still trying to find its footing after a midseason coaching change. My Bowl Projection: Call me stubborn, but for the sixth straight week—and since the start of the season—I’m sticking with the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Think of me like the guy who bought Apple stock years ago and refuses to sell (lol)—I’m holding steady. But here’s the deal: if Duke beats Cal on Saturday night (well, early Sunday morning), I promise I’ll finally change my projection. Stay tuned, because this team looks ready to make a statement. Now let’s get the win. Go Duke!  Brian Kennedy - Duke Football Talk Duke fans, it would appear that things are back on track. This past Saturday's game was the performance we have been waiting all season for as Duke handled Syracuse 38-3. The offense was clicking, the defense was winning in the trenches, and special teams performed when needed. With the win, Duke is now 2-0 in ACC play, and hitting all marks when it matters most. Duke is heading out west to play a Cal team who is on the verge of having their best start in 10 years. Some would say it is due to the opponents they have faced, but wins are all that matters at the end of the day. If Duke can get the job done after hours in Berkeley, things could get very interesting heading into the Georgia Tech game. Speaking of Tech, they are currently tied for first in the ACC with Virginia and Duke. This is exactly what everyone predicted would happen pre-season, right....RIGHT?!?!? All jokes aside, the ACC still appears to be wide open. That could change after this weekend with Virginia playing Louisville, and Miami playing FSU. More than likely we will get answers instead of questions, but with this being the year of Atlantic Coastal Chaos, who knows. As far as my bowl predictions, I am making a change. I am moving Duke but not for the reason you might think. While Duke did win, and move to 3-2 on the season, I am moving them out of Charlotte because of a certain team in South Carolina who has stumbled some. In the grand scheme of things, if it came down to say an 8-4 Duke team and an 8-4 Clemson team, the Tigers would most definitely be selected. Because of this factor, I am moving Duke to the land of Cameron North and the Pinstripe Bowl.  Stay tuned — Brian and I will be updating projections every week right here at Blue Devils Blog. See you at Wallace Wade. 
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 The Jon Scheyer era of Duke Basketball charges into its fourth season with the 2025 Countdown to Craziness on October 3rd. More than just a preseason scrimmage, this annual event has become a high-energy showcase that blends music, pageantry, and tradition with the passion of the Cameron Crazies. Since its debut in 2009, Countdown to Craziness (CTC) has grown into one of the signature nights on Duke’s basketball calendar. From dramatic curtain drops to championship banner raisings, from unforgettable player intros to moments of pure emotion, the event has provided memories that still echo inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. I’ve been lucky enough to attend every CTC, except for the last two in 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2008 Blue-White Scrimmage that set the stage. Each year has offered something unique. Here’s a look back at the highlights. 2008: The Prelude The year before CTC officially launched, Duke’s Blue-White Scrimmage brought plenty of excitement. Gerald Henderson, Kyle Singler, and Jon Scheyer powered the White team to a decisive victory in the first game, while Nolan Smith led the Blue squad to a win in the second. What made the night stand out, though, was a crossover moment: first-year football coach David Cutcliffe led his team into Cameron for a ceremonial handshake with Coach K and the basketball squad. It was a powerful symbol of unity, foreshadowing the rise of Duke football under Cutcliffe. 2009: The Dawn of Countdown to Craziness Duke elevated its annual scrimmage into something far more. The first Countdown to Craziness began in Krzyzewskiville with live music, games, and face painting before fans even stepped inside. Once the doors opened, Cameron buzzed with contests, video presentations, and the debut of the team poster. The dunk contest quickly became a crowd favorite at that time, with jaw-dropping slams that had the crowd on its feet. It was clear from night one—CTC wasn’t just a basketball event; it was a celebration. 2010: A Banner Year  Photo via Duke Basketball Few moments compare to seeing a national championship banner raised inside Cameron Indoor. In 2010, Duke lifted its fourth, capping the magical run of the previous season. The roar was deafening. That night also gave us Kyrie Irving’s unforgettable dunk contest moment, when he threw down a slam so spectacular that judge Jason Williams nearly fell out of his seat. I captured it on video, and it has since racked up more than 463,000 views on YouTube—thrilling fans from Duke to the NBA. 2011: The Spectacular Banner Reveal  The signature moment of 2011 was the dramatic unveiling of the “Duke Basketball Never Stops” banner. Starting mid-court, staff sprinted to stretch it across the entire floor as the crowd erupted. The spectacle was pure energy, and it remains one of my all-time favorite CTC memories. I even bought a canvas wrap of the scene, which still hangs in my home today. 2012: Behind the Curtain  This year brought another innovation: a massive white curtain stretching from ceiling to floor, decorated with Duke players and program highlights. After the intros concluded, the curtain dropped and the team stormed out, sending Cameron into a frenzy. 2013: Coach K Court Comes to Life  For the first time, Duke turned the hardwood itself into a giant video screen. Player introductions and highlights played across Coach K Court, creating a surreal and futuristic effect that had fans talking long after the event ended.  2014: Surprise Entrances  The biggest surprise came when players emerged from the upper-level entrances of Cameron instead of the court tunnel, sending fans spinning in every direction to catch a glimpse of their favorite Blue Devils making grand entrances. The video footage on the court, which highlighted the four national championship banners, added to the excitement and made the event truly unforgettable. 2015: DE5TINY  A moment of destiny: Duke raised its fifth national championship banner into the rafters, a proud and emotional moment for players, coaches, and fans alike. Coach K Court again lit up with graphics and the team poster, but the night was defined by the banner ceremony.  2016: Lights, Horns, and Bottle Flips  Just when it seemed like CTC couldn’t top itself, the intros featured glow-in-the-dark Blue Devil horns given to fans. When the lights went out, Cameron lit up in a dazzling display. Then came Chase Jeter’s viral moment—he nailed a perfect bottle flip during his intro, sending players and fans into chaos. 2017: Everytime We Touch  The horns returned, but Grayson Allen stole the night. The senior entered to Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch,” a Cameron anthem, and the Crazies responded with deafening energy. The moment captured everything CTC is about: tradition, hype, and pure fun. 2018: The Zion Effect  In 2018, one of the standout moments was Duke Basketball’s use of a four-sided jumbo curtain at center court, reminiscent of the 2012 setup. The curtain showcased impressive images of players, coaches, and memorable Duke Basketball highlights. The other highlight was the ‘Zion Effect.’ Zion Williamson led the White team to victory over the Blue team, finishing with 7-of-11 shooting and five highlight-reel dunks. Fans got a thrilling preview of a season where Zion consistently wowed with his gravity-defying plays.  2019: Brotherhood on Display  The four-sided curtain returned, this time branded with “The Brotherhood.” Legendary Duke voices echoed with statements like “Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil,” before shifting to the current roster. The most emotional moment came when Tre Jones introduced his mother, Debbie, to the crowd. Having triumphed over cancer earlier that year, her presence was deeply meaningful to the Duke family. 2021: Coach K’s Last Ride  After a year without fans due to the pandemic, Cameron roared back to life for Coach K’s farewell season. The curtain chronicled his legendary career, but the moment that defined the night was simpler: the Crazies singing “Everytime We Touch” together, celebrating not just Coach K, but being back together inside Cameron. 2022: A New Era Begins  Jon Scheyer took the reins as head coach, introduced to thunderous applause. The event featured the drop-down curtain once more, showcasing a dynamic array of graphics that included iconic plays, Coach K, the Blue Devil, and current players, tying together Duke’s past, present, and future. The most talked-about moment was Stanley Borden’s introduction. Wearing a trench coat, he revealed a saxophone and played ‘Careless Whisper’ to the delight of the crowd. Scheyer closed the night with a message to the Crazies: ‘We’re in this together'.   2023: A Fresh Twist This year marked the first Countdown to Craziness I couldn’t attend in person. Fortunately, my buddy, an OG Duke fan we call ‘Show,’ filled me in on the highlights. Check out his Duke Blue Brotherhood message board for diehard fan insights dating back to the pre-Coach K era: Duke Blue Brotherhood. One standout change was the team introduction, which used a four-curtain format at each corner of the court. Despite the new setup, the family atmosphere remained, with Show’s daughter even getting to high-five players as they exited Cameron Indoor Stadium—another example of what makes CTC so memorable. 2024: The Cooper Flagg Showcase  Photo via Duke Basketball I missed my second CTC in person in 2024, but watching online didn’t disappoint. The player introductions were shuffled again, with Coach K Court glowing under several Duke Basketball logos. Players made their dramatic entrance via a ramp from one of the baselines, keeping fans on their toes. Stanley Borden returned with his musical flair, this time delivering a keyboard rendition of “Clarity.” Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype, dazzling with his playmaking and setting the tone for what became a memorable Final Four season for Duke Basketball. 2025 and Beyond If history has taught us anything, it’s that Countdown to Craziness will always find a way to surprise. Whether through championship banners, jaw-dropping dunks, or emotional tributes, the event captures the magic of Duke Basketball year after year. As the Blue Devils enter another season under Jon Scheyer, the anticipation for this year’s Countdown is already building. One thing is certain: Cameron Indoor Stadium will once again be buzzing, as the Cameron Crazies help usher in a new season of Duke Basketball.   We’re back with Week 5 bowl projections from Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk and myself, Freddie Hodges of Duke Report. Freddie Hodges – Duke Report Duke got back in the win column this past Saturday at Wallace Wade, taking down NC State 45–33. This one was a roller coaster. The Blue Devils trailed 20–7 before exploding for three touchdowns in just 3:50 of game time, spanning the end of the second quarter and the start of the third. It wasn’t always pretty, but a win is a win—and now Duke sits at 2–2, turning the page with some much-needed momentum. Next up: a road trip to New York to face Syracuse in a noon kickoff. The Orange will be without starting QB Steve Angeli, but the Dome will still be rocking. Syracuse has sold out the JMA Wireless Dome, and FanDuel currently has Duke as a 5.5-point favorite. If the Blue Devils want to keep the good vibes rolling, they’ll need to bring their A-game against a fired-up home crowd. Around the ACC, Clemson took another hit—this time falling to Syracuse. A team many (myself included) penciled into the playoff or even the title game now looks far from that level. Meanwhile, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Miami, and Florida State stayed unbeaten, and Cal and the Calgorithm finally came back to earth after a hot 3–0 start. As for my bowl projection… call me stubborn, but for the fifth straight week I’m sticking with the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Until Duke strings together a few more wins, I’m holding steady like an investor who never sells. If the Blue Devils keep building, I may finally move them up in my projections—but for now, all eyes are on Syracuse. Brian Kennedy - Duke Football Talk Well Duke fans, I step away for a week—and the team gets back on track. Should I just stay on a cruise ship until the season ends? No seriously, I wouldn't mind that at all. All jokes aside, what a performance by Duke against NC State. While the start was far from perfect getting down 20-7 early, the team made the necessary adjustments and delivered when it mattered most. Offense, defense, and special teams all stepped up and executed across the board. With their win, it is the first time since 1983-1985 that Duke has won 3 straight against the Wolfpack. This week, Duke hits the road for the first time since Tulane, facing a Syracuse squad that’s missing a key weapon in quarterback Steve Angeli. Even with that in mind, Duke should be able to notch their second straight win and remain undefeated in ACC play. As for my bowl projection—I'm still keeping Duke in Charlotte for now in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. The ACC standings are shifting constantly, with teams moving up and down like weights on a rack. Miami and Florida State are clearly leading the pack, with Georgia Tech and Louisville not far behind. After that however, things are up for grabs, and the coming weeks could help clear things up. If Duke can string together wins against Syracuse and Cal next week, I might just have to move the bus to a new destination. Here's to another win in New York this weekend and GO DUKE! Stay tuned — Brian and I will be updating projections every week right here at Blue Devils Blog. See you at Wallace Wade.   Duke basketball held its annual Media Day yesterday, giving reporters a chance to hear from the coaches and players while also catching about 20 minutes of practice. With Countdown to Craziness set for next Friday, October 3rd, the 2025–26 season is right around the corner. Below are some videos and photos from Media Day—just a small preview of what’s to come. The college basketball season is almost here, and Duke basketball is ready to get things rolling!  QUICK THOUGHTS Duke hosts NC State this Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium with a 4:00 PM kickoff. The Wolfpack come in at 3-0 for the first time since the 2022 season with wins over East Carolina, Virginia, and Wake Forest. For Duke, this matchup comes at a critical point in the season. After a 1-2 start, including two losses to potential playoff-caliber teams, the Blue Devils are looking to right the ship. NC State will be hungry too, aiming to snap a two-game losing streak against Duke, which only raises the stakes even higher. WHY THIS GAME MATTERS This isn’t just another conference matchup—it’s an in-state rivalry with plenty on the line. NC State wants to snap a two-game losing streak to Duke, while the Blue Devils are desperate to right the ship and get back in the win column as ACC play begins. For Duke, this feels like a potential turning point. A win would steady the season and build momentum, but another loss could make the road ahead even tougher. With both teams hungry and plenty of pride at stake, expect a hard-fought battle that could define the direction of the Blue Devils’ year. FINAL PREDICTION FanDuel has the line at -3.5 in favor of Duke, with the over/under set at 58.5 points. Expect a competitive, back-and-forth battle at Wallace Wade. NC State will try to control the tempo and test Duke’s defense, but the Blue Devils’ playmakers on both sides of the ball should come up with enough key moments to secure the win. One big factor—the crowd. I fully expect NC State fans to show up in full force, making the easy drive to Durham. That means Duke fans need to pack Wallace Wade and give the Blue Devils the energy they’ll need down the stretch. Barely taking the under feels like the right call. Duke 31 NC State 27 We’re back with Week 4 bowl projections from yours truly, Freddie Hodges of Duke Report. Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk usually joins me for these updates, but this week he’s somewhere on a boat, soaking up tropical vibes. Don’t worry—he’ll be back with his picks for Week 5. Freddie Hodges – Duke Report Last weekend, I was on a quick trip to Charleston and didn’t get to watch Duke’s game live, but I kept up with the updates. Honestly, I’m kind of glad I didn’t watch—it seems Duke dug itself a hole early and never fully recovered. This one stings for Duke fans. Let’s be real: Tulane had this game circled on their calendar once Darian Mensah left for Duke. Now, Duke finds itself with two consecutive losses, both to teams that could very well be College Football Playoff contenders. Sure, these are “quality” losses, but sitting at 1–2, Duke faces a hungry NC State squad this Saturday. Remember, NC State lost to Duke at home in Raleigh in 2024 and on the road at Duke in 2023, so the Wolfpack will be looking for revenge. This game is a must-win for Duke. The outcome could very well set the tone for the rest of the season. Around the ACC, Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning upset over Clemson, proving they’re a team to watch. Miami silenced an upset-minded South Florida squad with a 49–12 blowout. And yes, California remains undefeated—a surprise no one could have predicted back in August. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, 0–2, somehow still sits at #24 in the AP Poll. Clever, AP—trying to keep ND in the playoff conversation without making it too obvious. Back in August, I had penciled in a win for Duke over Tulane. At the time, I expected Duke to have only one loss by now. With two losses on the board, you might think my bowl projection would shift north of Charlotte—but nope. For the fourth consecutive week, I’m still projecting Duke to land in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. I see the NC State game as a pivotal moment for the program—a win here could set Duke back on the right path. Next up, Duke faces its in-state rival NC State with a 4:00 PM kickoff. It’s simple: this is a must-win for Duke if they want to regain momentum. Stay tuned — Brian and I will be updating projections every week right here at Blue Devils Blog. See you at Wallace Wade.   QUICK THOUGHTS Duke heads to New Orleans this Saturday night for a showdown with Tulane, a program that’s earned plenty of respect in recent years. The Green Wave have built a reputation as one of the toughest Group of Five teams in the country, fueled by physical defense and a balanced offensive attack. For Duke, the trip comes at an important time. After some early-season ups and downs, the Blue Devils have a chance to prove themselves on the road against a disciplined, well-coached team. It won’t be easy in what’s sure to be a charged-up atmosphere at Yulman Stadium, but it’s the kind of test that tells you a lot about where a team is headed. WHY THIS GAME MATTERS This isn’t just another non-conference matchup—it’s a measuring-stick game. Tulane has knocked off big-name opponents before, and a road win here would be a solid one for the Blue Devils resume. For Duke, it’s all about bouncing back. The loss to Illinois stung, but knocking off Tulane on the road would be the perfect response heading into ACC play. Add in Darian Mensah’s much-anticipated return to his old program, and the storyline writes itself—the stakes couldn’t be bigger. FINAL PREDICTION Tulane will bring the energy and look to control the tempo, but Duke’s defense should be up to the challenge, and Mensah has the weapons to keep the offense rolling. Expect a back-and-forth battle under the lights, with the Blue Devils making the key plays late to seal it. Duke 31 Tulane 21 We’re back with Week 3 bowl projections from Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk and myself, Freddie Hodges of Duke Report. Freddie Hodges – Duke Report Duke took its first loss of the season last Saturday against Illinois, and let’s be honest—it was turnover city in Durham. The Blue Devils handed the ball over too many times, and a competitive Illinois squad took full advantage. The 45–19 final looks lopsided, but the game stayed close until the fourth quarter before it slipped away. This one stings for Duke fans, no doubt. An upset of the No. 11 Illini would’ve been a statement win, but instead Duke is left wondering what could have been. Around the ACC, things are already looking crowded at the top. SMU dropped a game to Baylor, Clemson got a win but still doesn’t look like a playoff team, and Florida State hung a basketball score on East Texas A&M—77–3. With wins from Miami, Georgia Tech, Louisville, NC State, and others, the picture right now might point to a possible scenario: the ACC may end up with just one playoff team and a traffic jam of contenders fighting for those top-tier bowl slots. Still... it's only Week 3. Back in August, I penciled in a Duke loss to Illinois in my preseason game-by-game projections. Last week, I switched it up and called for the upset in my weekly score prediction. Duke didn’t deliver, but the good news is my bowl projection stays steady: I’ve still got the Blue Devils headed to Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. That’s three straight weeks of sticking with the Mayo. Next up is Tulane, and that one has some extra juice. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah makes his return to New Orleans to face his former team, and you can bet both fan bases have had this one circled. It’s another high-stakes test for the Blue Devils, and depending on how it plays out, it could be the week that finally shakes up my bowl projection. Time will tell. Brian Kennedy - Duke Football Talk Well Duke fans, the outcome of the Illinois game was NOT what anyone had hoped. What made things worse, was that Duke was in control of their own destiny before self-inflicted mistakes took away their chances of going 2-0. And don't get me wrong, Illinois is a decent team, and did their part to make sure they left Durham with a win. There were still some bright notes coming out of this game. Andrel Anthony has arrived, and showed that he still has plenty in the tank. VJ Anthony has shined the first 2 weeks of the season and had 3 sacks against Illinois. With that being said, another test awaits the Blue Devils this weekend in Tulane. The Green Wave are 2-0, and looking to exact a type of revenge on Darian Mensah for coming to Durham. Tulane has wins against Northwestern and South Alabama, and is bringing in the 18th best offense in the country to the game. A win for Duke, and things get back on track. A loss? Questions will most certainly start being asked. But enough about game analysis, we are here to give bowl projections. This loss did affect where I have Duke. Had the Blue Devils, I would have flirted with having them on the border of the CFP. With the loss however, I am having to knock Duke down a peg. The first 2 weeks I had Duke in Orlando for the Pop Tarts Bowl. This week, I am moving the Blue Devils back up north and playing in Charlotte for the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Here's to things getting back on track this week....GO DUKE!" Stay tuned — Brian and I will be updating projections every week right here at Blue Devils Blog. See you at Wallace Wade.   QUICK THOUGHTS Duke welcomes #11 Illinois to Durham this Saturday for a noon kickoff at Wallace Wade Stadium. Unlike last week’s sluggish first half against Elon, Duke will need to come out firing on all cylinders—offense, defense, and special teams—to compete with an Illinois squad that may have their eyes set on the College Football Playoff. Both teams finished last season with 9 wins, but unlike Duke, Illinois won their bowl game, defeating South Carolina 21–17 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. This matchup will be a true test of where Duke stands against top-tier competition. WHY THIS GAME MATTERS Why does this game matter? Simple. It’s a big-time home matchup against a top Big Ten team. Duke fans need to show up early—coffee in hand—for this noon kickoff. A home win against the #11 ranked team in the country could go a long way in setting Duke football up for an epic season. Momentum, confidence, and national attention are all on the line in this one. FINAL PREDICTION I originally had Duke losing this game in my preseason predictions, but after racking my brain and letting the fan in me weigh in, I’m going with Duke winning a close one. Duke 27 Illinois 24 Manny Diaz has Duke ready, and Darian Mensah continues to shine. The Duke defense holds strong in a hard-fought victory at Wallace Wade, even as the 90-degree heat adds an extra challenge. |
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