Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Duke Football vs Texas A&M: 48-52

I like Johnny Football, but not for this night.

The refs must have missed a pass interference on Duke's first offense play, but it didn't matter.  Duke scored the first points of the game.

Duke's defense gave up yards on their first two times on the field, but held strong and allowed Texas A&M only three points. 

On Duke's second offensive series, Johnny Football didn't look too happy about his defense.  Connette came in near the goal line and scored the second touchdown.

A blocked punt almost led to another touchdown if a Duke player could have caught the blocked ball.  Duke offense took the field and Boone ran for a touchdown.  If Connette did it, why not Boone -- though I'm not sure he should have stretched like he did with the ball in the open. 

That blocked punt inspired Manziel.  He tore up Duke's defense when Texas A&M got the ball back.

Boone goes long again for Crowder and this time they connected perfectly.

In Duke's final offensive series of the 1st half, they went for it twice on 4th down.  I loved the communication between Sneed and Crowder.  As Sneed was running, I saw Crowder pointing for Sneed to come round him as Crowder blocker the nearest Texas A&M guy.

Actually, it wasn't the final series.  Duke did an onside kick and recovered the ball.  They got 3 on it.

First half ended 38-17.

Duke got the ball first in the 2nd half and tried to go for first again on the forth, but luck ran out.

Manziel then just took Texas A&M down the field with his arm and legs.  Manziel threw a touchdown after bouncing off one of his front line guys.  Ouch.

Duke had a long run, but had to settle for a field goal that went wide left.  Ouch.

Texas A&M's offense was just too much for Duke.  38-31.

Duke drove down the field, converting an important 3rd down in Texas A&M territory, but then had to settle for a field goal near the goal line.  This, after a spectacular catch in the red zone. 

The 4th quarter started with two off-setting scores.  Texas A&M scored quick, 3 minutes.  Duke's Reeves tip tapped his way to a touchdown.  Duke also ate up 6 minutes of clock time.

Texas A&M struck quick and then Duke's Boone threw an interception returned for a TD. Ouch.

In Duke's final drive, Boone threw another interception under pressure.  After being burned in the first half, the Texas A&M defense held strong in the second half.



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