What Duke’s Defense Must Do to Stop UConn

Duke's defense may have the toughest assignment of slowing down the Huskies' offense. Here is a look at keys to the game from the Blue Devils defense's perspective.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) rushes the ball while breaking the tackle of Duke Blue Devils defensive tackle Josiah Green (4) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Duke Blue Devils are entering a potential barnburner matchup against the Connecticut Huskies this weekend.

Following last week's experience, the Blue Devils' defense does not want to replicate that type of performance. Against the Clemson Tigers, Duke's defense allowed 45 points and over 500 yards of total offense.

Clemson Tigers running back Gideon Davidson (9) is tackled by Duke Blue Devils linebacker Jaiden Francois (2) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It proved that the Blue Devils are capable of winning a shootout, but that cannot become the norm for this defense.

With that being said, here are a couple of keys and factors that will play a major role in Duke's defensive success against Connecticut.

Force Turnovers

Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) rushes the ball Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Huskies may have three losses on the season, but the offense is not going to provide opportunities for the opposing defense to take the ball away.

Head coach Manny Diaz mentioned this point during his press conference on Monday.

Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz high-fives players Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

• "The easy thing to think is, you're out of conference now against Connecticut," Diaz said. "You put the film on Connecticut; they jump off the tape. You look at the numbers for Connecticut, and it jumps off the sheet."

• "You talk about a team that has turned the ball over one time all season and is undefeated at home. They only have one loss at home over the last two years and are already bowl eligible. They have not lost a game in regulation this year and have beaten an ACC team (Boston College)."

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano (2) throws a pass against the UAB Blazers in the first half at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

When those opportunities arise for the Blue Devils, they must take advantage because those will come far and few between with a veteran quarterback, who does everything right with the football.

Everything Starts at the Line of Scrimmage

Oct 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano (2) hands off to running back Cam Edwards (0) during the first quarter against the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Connecticut's offense is a well-oiled operation, as the running and passing games complement each other perfectly. The ability to build the passing attack off the establishment of running the football is the main reason the Huskies have only turned over the ball once this season. Keeping opposing defenses on their heels does not allow cornerbacks and safeties to jump passing lanes.

Sep 3, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils helmet during pregame activities before the start against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke pointed this out during his press conference earlier this week.

• "Kudos to their head coach and their staff. Obviously, they preach the same as our program with the football," Patke said. "They take care of the ball, they run the ball really well, they can control the game with their run game. The thing that they are doing at a high level is throwing the ball. It's one of the best offenses that we will see this year, statistically speaking."

Duke Blue Devils safety Ma'Khi Jones (26) goes to tackle Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Duke's defense has struggled during the last two games - specifically in the second half - to limit production on the ground. If the Huskies are able to lean on the run game, the passing game is going to become that much harder to defend.

As always, make sure you stay up to date with all Duke content by following us on Facebook, by clicking HERE and following us on X (formerly Twitter) HERE