The SEC is going to drop a bowl game you don’t expect them to lose, and it very well
could be this game. In fact, the ACC has won three of the last four in the Chick-fil-A
Bowl. Of those four games, both teams were ranked twice, and in both instances the
higher-ranked SEC team was defeated by the lower-ranked ACC team.
Coming into the season, very few would have been surprised that Texas A&M and Duke
would combine for 18 wins. However, even fewer would have believed that the team
with 10 wins was the Blue Devils.
Will this game be another Johnny Football show, or will this be the unveiling of the Blue
Devils on a national stage?
Why Duke can win this game
Duke has created balance on the offensive side of the football this year, rushing for 174
yards per game and throwing for 234. Moreover, for the first time in school history,
Duke has posted more than 20 touchdowns through the
air and on the ground.
The Blue Devils have bucked conventional wisdom by
successfully implementing a two-quarterback system that
works. Both Brandon Connette and Anthony Boone have
thrown over 10 touchdown passes.
The Blue Devils did take a hit this weekend when leading
rusher and sophomore Jela Duncan was suspended for a year due to a violation of
university academic policy. However, it shouldn’t be a death sentence, because they
use a running back by committee. Look for Josh Snead and Shaquille Powell to see
their workloads increase for the bowl game.
This balance should bode well for Duke because the Aggies defense is atrocious, and
the Blue Devils should have success moving the football.
Why Texas A&M can win this game
As bad as the Aggies defense has been this season, the Aggies have been competitive
because of the offense. Texas A&M has at least two future first-round draft picks and
the 2012 Heisman trophy winner.
There are a lot of potent offensive duos in college football, but there are none as prolific
as quarterback Johnny Manziel and wide receiver Mike Evans. After watching the ACC
Championship Game, head coach Kevin Sumlin has to be licking his chops.