The Blue Devils will head to Murfreesboro to take on Middle Tennessee in their first road game of the season. The Blue Zone gives you a key player to watch from each team on Saturday:
Duke: Josh Blackwell
In Saturday’s competition, Duke’s defense may be tested as Middle Tennessee boasts a new but reliable quarterback and fifth year slot receiver Ty Lee. Cornerback Josh Blackwell will be a key factor to look for on defense this weekend as he will be matched up with Lee. Blackwell had five starts last season and has moved up into the number one cornerback role with Mark Gilbert injured. The Georgia native had 28 total tackles last season and is ready to be a big part of Duke’s secondary against the Blue Raiders and beyond.
Blackwell hasn’t had much of a chance to show his abilities against a team near the Blue Devils' caliber yet this year, but this weekend’s game should be a good indicator of how he will fare the rest of the season.
Middle Tennessee: Ty Lee
This weekend’s opponent holds several similarities to Duke, as Middle Tennessee also had to replace one of its best quarterbacks in program history. Sophomore Asher O’Hara is taking over this season with Brent Stockstill graduating this past Spring. Alongside O'Hara, the Blue Raiders have their star receiver Lee in their arsenal. Lee enters this season as the NCAA’s active leader in career receptions. The Georgia native is fast and productive, leading his team with 116 yards on nine catches through two games. Lee also took charge last season with 901 total yards to lead Middle Tennessee to a 7-1 Conference USA record.
If the 5-foot-9 and 186-pound receiver can hold up his end of the matchup against Blackwell, the Blue Raiders may have a chance to pull off the upset against the Blue Devils.
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