Here is an article that suggests Coach K is pushing the right buttons for Team USA. 

Junior forward notches three goals and an assist in two games.   Continue

Nether Duke nor Virginia were satisfied with this past weekends results where both dropped games by large margins.   The two square off in Charlottesville with the kickoff slated just after noon.  One team will gain momentum while the other will continue to search for the right mix.

The Blue Devils had a lackluster effort versus UConn on the offensive side of the ball.   UVA didn't fare much better.  In fact they gained less yards than did Duke and had but six yards rushing.

Despite two paltry efforts, the Wahoos are still a 17 point favorite and you can bet Groh hopes they can turn things around at home. 

Duke may be what the doctor ordered in that they have had little success versus the Hoos of late and hold the nations longest losing streak.  On paper it looks as if Duke can compete, but keep in mind that Duke went scoreless in a lopsided loss last season and that UVA has ten starters back from that defense.

"You can look at that (returning starters for UVA) from a negative standpoint or in a positive sense.  The positive sense is that we have seen those guys play and I know exactly what to expect, so I see it as a positive thing for us," said Zach Maurides.

"It's time to learn to be a man and an adult," said senior offensive lineman Maurides.  He went on, "you can't let it screw up the rest of your season."  This was in reference to the disappointing loss to UConn.

During the UConn game, I saw Zach attempt to get the crowd into the game by waving a towel about.  When asked of this he stated, "That just comes from the heart.  When I want to get fans jacked up for the defense, that's what I do or feel."

Duke will need more players to buy into the emotion in that some admitted they were disheartened with the way they lost.

One of the bright spots for Duke was the play of LB Vincent Rey who had 4 solo tackle to go along with 13 assists and 1.5 sacks.

Like Maurides, Rey wanted to look forward to the UVA game in today's press conference.  "We have another game this week and I can correct the mistakes," said Rey.

Rey will have help this weekend in that Michael Tauiliili will return to the middle while he switches to the outside.  "He (Tauilliili) encouraged me 100%," said Rey. 

Duke hopes that the addition of MT and the experience gained by Alfred Williams and Tim Ball will help them stop a Cavalier offense that will look to rebound.

More importantly though will be the offensive lines ability to open holes and the secondary needs to play tighter.  UConn stuffed the Devils be it inside or out and seemed to know their every move in the second half.

Duke is also looking for a punter.  Coach Roof said that the 29 yard average is unacceptable and rumors have it that they are looking to the student body for help.

All in all, Duke will have to get better in several facets of the game to get a much needed win.  "We've had two good days of practice and the players were ready to go on Monday," said Coach Roof.

While there is plenty of gloom surrounding the program from a fans standpoint, it seems as if Duke will try to gather the pieces in an effort to right the ship.

Some claim the team quit on Saturday while others point to the offensive line, in that they kept the defense on the field all day.  This Saturday should go a long ways towards finding out if Duke is resilient enough to put a bad loss behind them.

I will have quotes (Ted Roof) from today's press conference up by morning.