Most observers agree that Duke coach David Cutcliffe has upgraded the program’s talent and depth, and that the Blue Devils are on the verge of breaking through. However, they’ve posted back-to-back 3-9 records. Here’s a look at the best and worst cases for the Blue Devils in 2012:
Best case: Cutcliffe has promised to get his six best offensive playmakers on the field, regardless of what position is listed next to their name on the roster. The mixing and matching will make it tough for defensive coordinators to game plan. The team needs to avoid injuries and learn how to win close games. If so, the Blue Devils can go 3-1 in non-conference and finally beat pesky ACC rival Wake Forest after frustrating losses in recent seasons. An ambush of North Carolina in October and a season-closing win over Miami sends them to their first bowl since the 1994 season.
Worst case: Injuries mount on the offensive and defensive lines. QB Sean Renfree takes too many hits, and Cutcliffe’s plan of shuffling backup QBs onto the field in other positions creates a controversy for the starting job. A season-opening loss to Florida International means the team’s bowl dream takes a major hit in the first game for the second straight year, and the Blue Devils have a winless conference season.
Last year's best case: Just like this year, a 3-1 non-conference record and a few ACC upsets would have put the Devils in a bowl game. Instead, Duke suffered a season-crippling loss to Richmond in the opener and finished the season on a seven-game losing streak.
Last year's worst case: A winless season was an outside possibility, especially after the loss to Richmond. Renfree managed to stay in the lineup despite injuries across the offensive line that had him take too many hits. The Blue Devils were able to win a close game at Boston College and a shootout against Florida International.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.