CNN/SI - 1999 College Football Conference Previews - CNN/SI's Duke team preview

Devil's Advocate

Duke (’98: 4-7, 2-6 ACC)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:12 PM

The Plot

An inability to win key games cost Fred Goldsmith his job, and in his place is former Duke player and Steve Spurrier disciple Carl Franks. Franks promises to have a more wide-open offense, a la Florida. He inherits quite the cupboard, with the Blue Devils returning 19 starters. Don't be surprised to see them end up in a bowl at season's end if they get consistent production from the quarterback spot.

The Director

Carl Franks -- first season

Starring

WR Scottie Montgomery -- He'd be all-conference at his position if not for Peter Warrick and Dez White.
DE Chris Combs -- When healthy, one of the best pass rushers in the ACC.

Co-starring

RB B.J. Hill -- Converted defensive back rushed for nearly 800 yards as a freshman.
DT Gannon Shepherd -- Quarterbacks have trouble throwing over the middle with his tall frame disrupting things.
WR Richmond Flowers -- Combined with Montgomery for 108 catches and seven TDs last year.
SS Darius Clark -- Four-year starter anchors ACC's most experienced secondary.

And introducing

Coach Carl Franks -- Returns to alma mater with belief he can make Duke a consistent winner.

Why it will work

Hungry returning players follow Franks lead and don't fold in season's final contests.

Why it won't

Questions at quarterback could doom Duke, and brutal midseason stretch of Florida State, Virginia and Georgia Tech could lead to tailspin.

Our critics' review:

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