Duke Blue Devils
In the ever-evolving world of college football, the Duke Blue Devils are a team to watch in the 2024 season. With Manny Diaz at the helm as the new head coach, Duke is looking to make a statement and exceed expectations. Despite facing some skepticism from oddsmakers, Duke has the pieces in place to potentially reach the over on their win total of 5.5 games.
Diaz, known for his defensive expertise, inherits a team that showed promise on that side of the ball in the previous season. The Duke defense allowed only 19 points per game, showcasing their ability to keep opponents in check. With key returners like linebacker Tre Freeman and additions like FCS All-American Ozzie Nicholas, the defense is poised to be a strong suit for the Blue Devils.
On the offensive side, Duke will be led by a new starting quarterback in 2024. With a mix of experience and talent, the offense will look to find its rhythm under Diaz’s guidance. A pivotal early-season matchup against Northwestern could set the tone for Duke’s season, as they aim to build momentum heading into conference play.
James Madison Dukes
The James Madison Dukes are a team on the rise in college football, making waves in just their second season of FBS competition. With a successful 2023 campaign that saw them start the season 10-0, the Dukes have quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Bob Chesney, James Madison is looking to build on their recent success and compete for a Sun Belt championship.
Chesney, known for his offensive prowess, brings a track record of success to the Dukes. With a focus on finding playmakers through the transfer portal, Chesney has bolstered the roster with experienced newcomers like linebacker Jacob Dobbs and quarterback Dylan Morris. These additions, along with the return of key players, give James Madison a solid foundation to build upon in the 2024 season.
As the Dukes navigate their way through a competitive conference schedule, including matchups against Appalachian State and Marshall, they will rely on their potent offense to lead the way. With an average of 34.1 points per game in the previous season, James Madison has the firepower to compete with the best in the Sun Belt and make a run at double-digit wins.
Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies are gearing up for an exciting 2024 season under new head coach Jedd Fisch. After a remarkable turnaround at Arizona, where Fisch led the Wildcats to an 11-3 record and an Alamo Bowl victory, he now sets his sights on guiding the Huskies to success in the College Football Playoff. With the addition of quarterback Will Rogers, a proven talent with over 12,000 career passing yards, Washington is poised to make a statement in the Big Ten.
Fisch’s experience and strategic acumen have already made an impact on the Huskies, as he looks to build on their strong foundation. With key transfers like running back Jonah Coleman and a talented supporting cast, Washington’s offense has the potential to be explosive under Fisch’s guidance. Rogers, in particular, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the quarterback position, giving the Huskies a reliable playmaker to rely on.
Despite facing a challenging conference schedule, including tough matchups against Rutgers, Iowa, and Penn State, Washington has the talent and depth to compete at a high level. The first month of the season will be crucial for setting the tone, as the Huskies look to establish themselves as contenders in the Big Ten. With a mix of proven veterans and promising newcomers, Washington is primed for success in the 2024 season.