With the Blue Devils in danger of finishing the season winless and morale low, team leaders are working hard to rally the troops to end the season on a high note over the final three weeks.
Duke travels to face No. 22 Boston College and No. 19 Georgia Tech in its next two games-meaning the Blue Devils' best chance of securing their first win will most likely come at home against an equally hapless 1-8 North Carolina team in the season finale.
"This is when it gets really hard," linebacker Jeramy Edwards said. "It's getting down to the last games, and we're still trying to build this program up. This is when leadership steps in. This is when we have to keep our ship tight and keep everything going forward."
Throughout the majority of the season, the Blue Devils have struggled starting games strong. But the team experienced palpable improvement in near-comebacks against Miami and Vanderbilt.
Duke thought it had finally turned its luck around when it took a 6-0 lead against the Midshipmen but allowed 38 points before ever scoring again.
"Certainly, there's disappointment," head coach Ted Roof said. "But right now, those are facts, and there's nothing that we can do about that other than use that to motivate us and learn from our mistakes and move forward."
Roof said he stresses taking it one day at a time and insists the team focuses on "winning" each practice before moving onto the next. He said the Blue Devils have had successful practices throughout the season, but the stark difference on game day has taken its toll on the squad's morale.
"You question your abilities, and you question your teammates' abilities," wideout Jomar Wright said. "With all the time and work we put in the off-season and during the regular season, you might as well keep fighting for [your teammates] because they're fighting for you."
With the freshman class yet to win a collegiate contest and in need of veteran support, Eli Nichols, Casey Camero, Matt Rumsey and Edwards have been Duke's biggest leaders and exhibited both an ability to lead vocally and by example, Roof said.
"People can criticize a lot of things," he said. "But the leadership within our football team, that's one area that's been fantastic. I've been very proud of them and expect that to continue."
A win may propel the team into the off-season with a sense of momentum, but Roof said the team is still focused on this year's campaign, and a victory would help show all the hard work has been worth it.
"It's good for a reward, a return on your investment," Roof said. "We're desperate for a win."
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