Duke uses lessons learned from Clemson loss against Alabama
Posted August 27, 2019 2:16 p.m. EDT
Updated August 27, 2019 6:57 p.m. EDT
Durham, N.C. — While most would think Duke is nervous to take on No. 2 Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to open the 2019 season, the Blue Devils actually feel quite the opposite.
"I think all of us on the team, we're ready to show we can hang with anybody," Duke defensive end Tre Cornbuckle said. "We're really excited for this game. A lot of us are from Georgia, so they're ready to play in front of their families."
The game is personal for several Blue Devils. Head coach David Cutcliffe is a Birmingham, Ala., native and former member of the Crimson Tide.
"Alabama, not only the university but growing up there, shapes your passion for college football," Cutcliffe said.
It doesn't stop there. Duke offensive lineman Rakavius Chambers is an Alabama native who was raised as an Auburn fan.
"This is like the Super Bowl for me," said Chambers. "This is why I came to Duke, this game right here. These guys have always been the big dogs in Alabama. I think it's a good opportunity for me to go show what I have."
The biggest hurdle for Duke? Slowing down Heisman trophy finalist Tua Tagovailoa.
"If he has time, he's going to be accurate and he's going to be deadly with the ball down the field," said Cutcliffe. "You've got to to mix up coverage. You've got to do a great job of making it as hard as you can for him."
The Blue Devils hung with last year's national championship team, Clemson, up until the second half. Now that they have a shot at redemption against Alabama.
"Clemson's defensive line last year was stellar," Chambers said. "I think they had three first-rounders in that defensive line, so I think that playing against them, playing in that stadium, playing in that environment, really prepared us for this game."
