Stanford DB May Have Provided Extra Motivation for Duke

With a 2-0 record and two wins over non-conference opponents, the Duke Blue Devils are off to a hot start this college football season. As Duke continues to receive votes in both the Coaches and AP polls, a 3-0 start could help improve their chances moving forward.

But next up for Duke is their first Atlantic Coast Conference game of the season. 

Duke welcomes in Stanford to Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday, hoping to get their ACC schedule off to a great start. Stanford is 1-1 on the year, getting a early home win over Hawai'i in Week 0 before a blowout loss to Miami at home in Week 1. 

Stanford isn't expected to be very good again this season so this is a game that Duke needs to win and make sure they take care of business. Led by Nate Sheppard, Duke's offense could be the key in this game.

And they may have some extra motivation thanks to Stanford DB Brandon Nicholson.

"Obviously, watching those past two games, their running attack has been heavy, a lot of handoffs, and their running back, I believe, is one of the top rushers in the country over these past two games,” Nicholson said. “So knowing that's going to be a focus for them as a defense.”

He wasn't done.

Nicholson then offered a challenge to his defense in the game, praising his team's run defense up front. 

“Nobody's going to run against our defense,” Nicholson said.

Sheppard has been fantastic for Duke this season, rushing for 374 yards on 59 carries this season. He also has three rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. Sheppard single-handedly won the Blue Devils the game against Tulane in Week 1 and then turned in another impressive showing in Week 2 against Illinois.

The key for Duke could be at quarterback. After a tough Week 1 showing, Walker Eget bounced back against Illinois and it was everything that Manny Diaz had envisioned from his quarterback when he named him the starter.

Duke and Stanford kickoff at 4 pm on Saturday with the game broadcast on The CW.