3 Biggest X-Factors For Duke to Take Down NC State

The Duke Blue Devils will be taking on the NC State Wolfpack this week, with the team trying to grab another win.

Duke will enter this game with a record of 6-2 on the season, going 3-2 so far in ACC matchups. The Blue Devils were able to take down Boston College last week, dominating the Eagles at home.

NC State comes into the game with a record of 4-4, with them going 2-3 in ACC play so far. Duke will be trying to keep the winning ways going strong, hoping to put itself in a better spot to win the conference.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Blue Devils to get the win this week:

1. Keep Feeding Nate Sheppard

Sheppard continues to be the engine that drives the Duke offense, and he will be called upon again this week. Due to his performance this season, Sheppard has put himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation, even if he is currently on the outside looking in.

The star running back has game-changing ability, and if he can put together a strong showing against NC State, it would make life easier for the rest of the team. Duke will be counting on him this week, hoping that he can set the tone for the game early on.

2. Avoid the Trap Game Mentality

Each year, teams have letdown games when playing a team just before a massive showdown the following week. For the Blue Devils, the team has a matchup with the top-seeded Miami Hurricanes next week on the road.

Duke has to avoid falling into the mentality of this being a trap game; otherwise, NC State will be able to take full advantage to get the win this week. If the Blue Devils can come in focused, they are talented enough to handle business, setting up a big contest next week against the Hurricanes.

3. Avoid Early Mistakes

Playing any game on the road in college football can be tough, but in this game, Duke has to avoid turning the ball over early on. The last thing that the Blue Devils want or need is for the Wolfpack crowd to get involved in the game, so taking care of business early on will be crucial.

Duke has to execute from the opening kickoff, getting off to a strong start, much like they did last week against Boston College. If this were to happen, it could bode well for the Blue Devils, giving this team a much better chance to come out with a win on the road this week.