The Duke Blue Devils return home to Wallace Wade Stadium for a crucial ACC test against Georgia Tech, aiming to reestablish their footing after a turbulent stretch of the season that has tested their depth and consistency. Under head coach Manny Diaz, Duke continues to embody a disciplined, detail-oriented approach built around balance, physicality, and smart situational football. Quarterback Riley Leonard remains the engine of the offense, showcasing his trademark poise and dual-threat ability that keeps defenses guessing on every snap. Leonard’s command of the offense allows Duke to operate with efficiency and rhythm — he’s completing over 65% of his passes and making smart reads against pressure while still being a legitimate threat to escape the pocket and move the chains with his legs. His chemistry with wide receiver Jordan Moore has become a key component of Duke’s aerial attack, with Moore thriving on deep crossers and quick-hitting routes that take advantage of defensive mismatches. The running game, led by Jordan Waters and Jaquez Moore, gives Duke the balance necessary to stay ahead of the chains, and both backs excel at finishing runs with power and patience. Against Georgia Tech’s aggressive defensive front, Duke’s offensive line will face one of its toughest assignments of the year — containing edge rushers like Kyle Efford and maintaining interior protection against disruptive tackles such as Zeek Biggers. Defensively, the Blue Devils’ identity remains rooted in pressure and discipline. Led by defensive lineman RJ Oben and linebacker Cam Dillon, Duke has built a unit capable of generating havoc while maintaining sound gap integrity.

The secondary, anchored by Chandler Rivers and Jeremiah Lewis, is athletic and instinctive, excelling in man coverage and minimizing explosive plays — something that will be crucial against Georgia Tech’s vertical passing game. Expect defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci to mix up zone blitzes and disguised coverages in an effort to confuse quarterback Haynes King and limit his deep shot opportunities. Duke’s red-zone defense has been particularly impressive, holding opponents to field goals on over 60% of drives inside the 20, and that bend-but-don’t-break mentality could be pivotal in slowing Georgia Tech’s up-tempo offense. Offensively, Duke will look to control time of possession by sustaining long drives and wearing down Tech’s front seven with a steady diet of RPOs and short, efficient throws. The Blue Devils thrive in games where they dictate pace and minimize turnovers, and Leonard’s decision-making will play a major role in achieving that balance. Special teams could also factor heavily — kicker Todd Pelino has been reliable in clutch situations, and Duke’s coverage units rank among the ACC’s best. If Duke can establish control early, limit explosive plays, and capitalize on its home-field advantage, it has the defensive toughness and offensive versatility to frustrate Georgia Tech and pull off the upset. The margin for error will be slim, but with Leonard’s leadership, a disciplined defensive approach, and a raucous home crowd behind them, the Blue Devils are poised to make this a gritty, four-quarter battle that could redefine their season trajectory in the ACC race.