In its ACC opener, Duke used its typical strengths of running back Nate Sheppard, a dominating offensive line and tight end Jeremiah Hasley, along with a strong showing by the Blue Devils’ defense, to start conference play with a 35-7 victory over Stanford.
Here are three quick takeaways:
1. Nate Sheppard is special
I feel like I’m repeating myself each week, but it has to be said: Sheppard is the best running back in the country, and I’m not sure anyone else is close so far this season. He proved it again on Saturday by rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries while also catching a touchdown pass.
His second-quarter touchdown run will be highlighted as Sheppard made a few tacklers miss before turning the jets on.
2. So is Jeremiah Hasley
When Walker Eget needed someone to get open, it was likely the tight end he would find. Hasley ended the game with modest numbers – five catches for 88 yards – but some were critical, including one 4th-and-3 when the Blue Devils decided to go for it.
3. Duke’s defense stands tall
Holding any team to 251 total yards is great. So is holding a team to seven total points. But Stanford isn’t exactly an offensive dynamite right now. Still, the Blue Devils were able to keep the Cardinal and quarterback Davis Warren from getting anything going rhythm-wise, and only the late touchdown in the first half cost Duke the shutout.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke 35, Stanford 7: Three instant takes