Head Coach Manny Diaz Previews Georgia Tech Matchup

The Duke Blue Devils return from their bye with a home matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Wallace Wade Stadium.

While speaking with the media on Monday during the press conference availability, head coach Manny Diaz explained how Georgia Tech could attempt to make life difficult for Duke.

Sep 27, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz on the sidelines in the second quarter game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

What Diaz Said

Diaz explained how Georgia Tech's offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner, does a good job of mixing up and disguising his plays, presenting illusions to an opposing defense.

Oct 11, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

"The way that they dress up plays that they run, and one certainty is how they did it last week is not the way they're going to present it to you this week," Diaz said. "Whether you're a young linebacker, an older linebacker, safety or whatever, it's just very jarring that what you practice against all week, you're really not going to see."

Georgia Tech has made it evident that it values the run game and wants to utilize that feature of the offense as much as possible. Diaz explained the importance of staying disciplined and patient against the run.

Nov 30, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz leads his team onto the field against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

"Their numbers are the way their numbers are because of their commitment to run the football. [Georgia Tech] will run it on second-and-long, on third down, so you can never get tired of stopping the run, and you have to stay patient," Diaz explained.

"They will go on long drives, and you can lose your patience as a play-caller, you can lose your patience as a player. Run defense, more than anything, is just about discipline. You have to get your numbers right, and you have to stay disciplined to be where you're supposed to be."

Oct 11, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (1) runs the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Diaz continued to emphasize the importance of stopping Georgia Tech's rushing attack because of the Yellow Jackets' ability to open up the passing game by gashing defenses on the ground.

"[Georgia Tech's] yards per completion are one of the highest in the country, which makes sense because when they do throw [the ball], they can throw for big shots because you're so worried about stopping the run."

Oct 11, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) throws a pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Yellow Jackets present several issues for an opposing defense, but Diaz clearly feels that the primary strategy is to limit Georgia Tech's rushing attack. The Yellow Jackets' ability to consistently run the football is the engine of their offense and opens up the rest of the playbook.

Duke's defense will have its hands full with one of the most unique and creative offenses in the nation.

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