While it took until early in the fourth quarter for the Duke Blue Devils to take the lead for good, they proved why they are the class of the ACC Coastal division. Currently at 8-1 and 4-1 in the division, they look primed and ready for a clash with FSU in the ACC Championship (assuming they both stay the course).
By: Michael Vahey
The real story of this game, and through this season, is the big play ability of Jamison Crowder the resident star of the Duke Football team. With 12:45 left to play, Crowder took a Syracuse punt back 52 yards for a touchdown that gave them the lead for good. Crowder continues to make big plays when it matters, using his talents in the passing game, the running game, and the return game, showing he has special traits that could be used at the next level.
Crowder has a diminutive frame that reminds of Dri Archer, however he showed grit and toughness over the middle of the field, absorbing hits and coming back for more. Archer is a legitimate big play threat with top notch lateral agility and superb stop start ability. Crowder has the “wiggle” ability to make defenders miss, as proved on several punt returns, and his short area burst helps him create separation on bigger defenders.
What I was particularly impressed with in this game was his route running ability. He’s sharp in and out of his breaks, showing fluid ability to change directions and explode. Showing veteran savvy, Crowder was able to on several occasions find the soft spots in zones for easy completions. He’s able to beat press coverage with his acceleration and quick moves off the line.
Crowder is sure handed, showing competitiveness to go up in a crowd and come down with contested balls. He’s a sure handed player who attacks the ball at its highest point, and appears comfortable in traffic. Crowder is an ideal slot receiver who can provide a big-play threat to an NFL team. Already producing at a high level and possessing athleticism that should translate well to the NFL, I can only expect Crowder to climb on draft boards as the year progresses.
Other Notes
Duke vs Syracuse
#7 Anthony Boone, QB – Boone is a very solid athlete at the quarterback position, showing the ability to pull the ball and run when needed. While lacking ideal height, he shows good ability to maneuver within the pocket, and is aided by his experience within the system. He showed good command of the offense and has some natural arm talent; however, his accuracy and decision making left a lot to be desired in this game.
#77 Laken Tomlinson, G – Came away impressed with Tomlinson’s combination of size, strength, and quickness. What’s most impressive about his game is his run blocking ability, showing great power at the point of attack and getting consistent movement. Tomlinson showed good mobility on his pulls in this game, delivering crushing blocks on several of them. He has ability to get to the second level, but appears may be a better fit in a man blocking scheme at this point. May struggle with speed on the interior, but improved technique will help this.
#47 David Helton, LB – Helton is a highly productive player, averaging 11 tackles a game. He plays with high energy, running to the ball from sideline to sideline. However, doesn’t possess any elite traits, produces do to hustle and effort. He missed several open field tackles, looks to be a bit stiff and has a hard time breaking down and finishing.
Georgia Tech vs NC State
#10 Synjyn Days, RB: Days has been incredibly impressive the past few weeks as his number has been continually called as the primary carrier in Georgia Techs run heavy offense. He reached the century mark against NC State this past weekend, gaining 157 yards on 19 carriers. He is a big back at 6’2’’ and 231 pounds. He showed impressive speed as he broke free on a 53 yard touchdown run. Days shows great vision playing in Georgia Techs “B” Back, which would be a FB in other offenses, having to hit the hole quick and being able to make cuts quickly. Being such a big back he never seems to lose yards and is gaining momentum as the season goes on.
#53 Qushawn Nealy, LB: Another productive game for the senior Linebacker, who continually finds his way to the football. Tallying 6 tackles in the game, what was most impressive was how he was continually around the football. He had an interception on the 2 yard line and returned in 71 yards. He then later found himself recovering a fumble and returning it 43 yards for a touchdown. Nealy is putting up good numbers during this season and shows good speed, which could be seen in his two returns.
#1 Isaiah Johnson, S: Johnson shows to be a very physical Safety who seems to be at home playing the Free Safety and providing over the top defense. He is not afraid to play fast and physical and will go for the big hit when he can. This gets him in trouble as he will miss tackles and not wrap and bring the hips on every tackle. He does a good job closing on routes and providing over the top help.
#70 Shaquille Mason, OG: The lone senior on the offensive line, and is the typical Georgia Tech offensive lineman. With average size, 6’1’’ and 300 pounds, he plays with a mean streak and is very aggressive off the line of scrimmage. He will play to the whistle and shows good athleticism, pulling out on outside runs and being the lead blocker. Once he has his hands on defenders he showed that he can open holes and run his feet. What gets him into trouble is his aggressiveness; he will duck his head and fall off blocks.
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