Giving out helmet stickers after a loss can be a challenge; however, there were several players who separated themselves in this game. Duke ultimately fell to the Yellow Jackets 23-20 in OT. Here are this week’s helmet sticker winners.
BRIAN’S PICK: CHARLIE HAM
My helmet sticker this week goes to junior kicker Charlie Ham. I get it, he missed the 53 yarder in overtime to extend the game, but give the guy a break. The 53 yarder would have been a career high for Ham, and I believe he was kicking INTO the wind. He had the distance, but was just off a bit. OK, back to why I picked Ham. Duke only had 6 points entering the 4th quarter against Georgia Tech. Those 6 points came from Ham after he made a 45 yarder in the first quarter and a 28 yarder in the third quarter. Had Ham not made those 2 field goals, Duke would not have had the chance to come back like they did. Also, don’t forget the extra points Ham made in the fourth quarter to get Duke back within 7 points with 5:55 to play and then tying the game 8 seconds left in regulation. Charlie is going to be a key piece in this offense moving forward in the season.
JAMIE’S PICK: DEWAYNE CARTER
My helmet sticker this week goes to DeWayne Carter. The defense got some timely stops late in the game that helped force OT. They really showed one off the characteristics I love about this particular Duke team: a no-quit attitude. One of the team captains, DeWayne Carter, was a huge part of that. As we’ve known for quite some time, Carter has a non-stop motor. He had 9 tackles, including 1 tackle for loss. 9 tackles is a HUGE number for a defensive tackle, but that should come as no surprise for Duke fans, because he constantly shows his non-stop motor each and every week. Carter continues to show leadership for this Duke team on and off the field, so this week he gets my helmet sticker.
JOSH’S PICK: SAHMIR HAGANS
The most obvious helmet sticker this week goes to redshirt freshman wide receiver and punt returner Sahmir Hagans. Hagans is a promising prospect at receiver for Duke; in fact, he was one guy we told fans to watch out for after having a very productive fall camp. He has also been in the backup role as punt returner, as senior Jalon Calhoun has been fielding punts so far this season. However, Calhoun left the game with a first half upper-body injury, opening the door for Hagans. And Hagans blew the door off its hinges.
With Duke trailing 20-6 with 6:00 to go in the 4th quarter, Hagans ignited the team with an 81 yard punt return for a TD. It wasn’t one of those Moses returns either (where the Red Sea parts in front of him). He had to work for it, and then outrun everyone to the end zone. His return ignited a comeback for Duke. After forcing Georgia Tech into another punt, Hagans then returned this one for 40 yards, setting the offense up for a short field. Hagans also was the recipient of the 4th down pass from Riley Leonard that was ultimately ruled offensive pass interference. No further comment needed. There is no question that every time Sahmir Hagans gets opportunities, he shows flashes of his quickness and athleticism that Duke fans will get used to over the next couple of seasons.
SCOTT’S PICK: CAM DILLON
My helmet sticker this week goes linebacker Cam Dillon, the senior graduate transfer from Columbia. During this week’s game, the “Next Man Up” motto became truth with many players unable to play due to injuries (and at linebacker specifically, a targeting disqualification). Dillon started game with Dorian Mausi being limited, and was in the game almost every down in the second half. He led team along with Dewayne Carter with 9 total tackles, 2 being solo. You could see #35 in white flying all over the field. The defensive play in the seconnd half was one of the biggest reasons Duke had to chance to tie or win in OT. The team may have come up a little short, but you have to love the fight of these players.