Duke took care of business in Manny Diaz’s first game as Head Coach, defeating the Elon Phoenix 26-3 under the lights at Wallace Wade Stadium. Here are the players we felt deserved helmet stickers:
BRIAN’S PICK: VINCENT ANTHONY JR.
I can hear the grill firing up already to prepare for my steak dinner at the end of the year. That is because the guy I picked to lead the team in sacks, did just that on Friday night. My helmet sticker goes to Junior Defensive End Vincent Anthony Jr. who had a fantastic first game of the season.
Along with his 2 sacks, Anthony also racked up 6 tackles, 2 of which were for a loss. While Anthony is on pace for 24 sacks this year (a guy can dream right?) he is showing all Duke fans that last year was only a glimpse of what he could do.
He has already matched his sack total from 2023, and is a third of the way already to matching his tackles (18). Northwestern will be a bigger challenge, but from what VJ showed this past Friday night, he will be ready.
JAMIE’S PICK: ELI PANCOL
My helmet sticker for the Duke/Elon game Friday night goes to graduate WR Eli Pancol.
After being out for the entire 2023 season, Pancol made his return to Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium Friday night against the Elon Phoenix. What a return it was! You could immediately see that Pancol and QB Maalik Murphy had a connection on the field.
Pancol brought in 7 catches for 81 yards for an average of 11.6 yards per reception Friday night. This included a long of 55, and a 7 yard touchdown reception. He always brings the energy, but it was nice to see it translate on to the field with one of the most productive games of his career.
I was really happy for Pancol and his triumphant return for Duke, and this is why I chose him for my helmet sticker this week. I hope to see many more games like this the rest of the year!
JOSH’S PICK: CAM BERGERON
Coach Manny Diaz is well known for his elite work on the defensive side of the ball. And that was on full display this past Friday night in Wallace Wade Stadium. While the team numbers were staggering (8 sacks and 16 tackles for loss), one player stood out in the Duke secondary. And that was STAR (a hybrid of linebacker and nickel) Cameron Bergeron.
Bergeron is filling the shoes of Brandon Johnson, who had himself quite the debut for the Oregon Ducks this past weekend. Needless to say, Bergeron was up to the challenge. He finished Friday night’s game leading the team in tackles with 8, including 2.5 tackles for loss, and was also credited with .5 sacks.
In order for Duke to continue its defensive dominance on more substantial opponents, players like Bergeron will be tested. Look to see him rise to the challenge and make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.
SCOTT’S PICK: MAALIK MURPHY
My helmet sticker for Elon game goes to transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy. In his first start as a Blue Devil, Murphy went 26-40 for 291 yards passing with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He played very well and only made the one overthrow that lead to his interception. We were also able to see his cannon of an arm on display, with at least 3 potential long touchdown passes that were within inches of being caught.
Also of great importance to note: his uniform stayed cleaned without being sacked all night. The new group of offensive linemen did a phenomenal job with Elon’s pass rush. It was a great start to a new season as Murphy lead Duke to its first victory of the Manny Diaz era.