Duke rolls into its regular-season finale to take on host Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon at Winston-Salem, N.C.
Duke (8-3, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) has consecutive wins and could bolster its spot in the bowl pecking order with another victory.
There’s also a mythical state championship on the line for the Blue Devils. They’re 3-0 against North Carolina, North Carolina State and non-league foe Elon and could add another checkmark to win the prideful regional prize.
“Winning in our state is something our guys are fully aware of,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said.
Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5) carries a three-game losing streak into Saturday. The Demon Deacons will miss the postseason for the second year in a row and another defeat would secure a second-to-last place finish in the ACC.
“It’s where we are,” Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said. “We’re certainly a lot more competitive than we were a year ago. If you look at this year’s season, we’re a lot more competitive.”
The Demon Deacons are 1-5 in home games, but their last two setbacks came in road outings against North Carolina and nationally ranked Miami. Bookending the season with a home victory is the goal.
“We owe it to our seniors in our program,” Clawson said. “I want those guys walking out with a great memory. We’re going to treat this like a playoff game.”
Duke receiver Eli Pancol is coming off a three-touchdown, 188-yard effort stemming from his five catches in last weekend’s Virginia Tech game. An 86-yard TD reception marked the sixth-longest pass play in team history.
Quarterback Maalik Murphy of Duke threw for three touchdowns and three interceptions last week.
“Murphy has been a good quarterback. He throws a beautiful deep ball,” Clawson said. “And it helps when you guys like (Jordan) Moore and Pancol.”
Duke will need to be attentive in dealing with Wake Forest’s spread-option offense.
“It’s unique in a lot of ways because it’s very hard to practice against,” Diaz said.
Duke has won the last two matchups with Wake Forest, with three-point margins each time.
“I think Manny and his staff have done amazing jobs in Year 1,” Clawson said. “I think Mike (Elko) did a really good job of building the program, and Manny has done a phenomenal job.”
