Where Duke's Defense Ranks Nationally After Week 7

The Blue Devils' defense will need to step up in a big way to challenge Georgia Tech this weekend.

Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Chandler Rivers (0), linebacker Jaiden Francois (2) and cornerback Kimari Robinson (5) celebrate a tackle by defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr.'s (7) against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Total defense, passing defense, rushing defense, sacks, turnovers

The Duke defense has been up-and-down so far in 2025. Hosting a run-heavy offense like No. 12 Georgia Tech this weekend will be one of its biggest tasks to date.

The numbers for the Blue Devils are mostly in the middle of the pack in year two under coach Manny Diaz and defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke. The highs are dominating showings against Syracuse, where they allowed just three points.

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

The lowest of lows has come at the hands of Illinois and Duke, both losses for the Blue Devils. While the Duke offense did them no favors with a combined six turnovers in those games, the defensive unit has struggled to contain quarterbacks downfield.

The Blue Devils have surrendered 25.5 points per game so far this season, 78th in the nation. However, similar to their offensive output, the defense has improved greatly since conference play began. Duke is giving up just 19 points per game in ACC play, second-best in the league.

Where Duke Ranks

Patke's group is also middle of the pack in total defense this season, allowing 375 yards per game, 79th in the country, and nearly six yards per play.

Sep 20, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive end Kevin O'Connor (15) celebrates a NC State Wolfpack penalty during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Most of that yardage comes through the air, where the Blue Devils' secondary has had a hard time keeping up. They allow 252.7 passing yards per contest. In all but one game, the opposing quarterbacks have topped 220 passing yards, with NC State's CJ Bailey holding the high-water mark at 364 yards.

Something that has helped the Blue Devils stay in games despite their pass defense has been the pass rush. Vincent Anthony Jr. is currently sixth in the country with 6.5 sacks this season, leading a unit that has 17 sacks total, tied for 19th in the nation.

Oct 4, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr. (7) celebrates his sack of California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The Blue Devils are also top 20 in turnover margin, currently with five more takeaways than turnovers. They've generated eight interceptions and four fumbles this season. Against a Yellow Jackets offense that wants to put the ball on the ground, pulling the ball loose has to be an emphasis this week.

Speaking of the run defense, that is an area the Duke defense can be happy about. They are 42nd in the country by allowing 123.2 yards per game. It's not a glowing number, but it does mean the Blue Devils can be more aggressive on the ground this week against Georgia Tech.

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