DURHAM – Duke coach David Cutcliffe said he’s not trying to create a kicking controversy, but after watching Friday night’s scrimmage, “there will be competition.”
Returning starter Will Snyderwine made only one of three field goals – making one from 32 yards, but missing from 30 and 38 – while senior Nick Maggio connected from 20 yards out, and missed from 55.
“I’m really disappointed in the kicking game,’’ Cutcliffe said. “[It’s] something that should be, and has been, a strength. We missed three game-winners in those situations, and it can’t happen. We’ll take a look at that. If you’re asking me if that starts a competition at kicker, well, you have to say yes at this point and time. I didn’t start the competition, they do that by performance.”
Cutcliffe said he would also key in on the operation of the kicks: “We’ve got to study the snap, we’ve got to study the hold. If the holder doesn’t hit his spot, then the kick may look bad.”
Starting quarterback Sean Renfree connected on 12 of his 23 passes for 163 yards and a rushing touchdown. Starting receivers Donovan Varner and Austin Kelly remained sidelined because of hamstring injuries, but the team’s third starting wideout, Conner Vernon, caught 4 passes for 43 yards, while Tony Foster posted 4 catches for 47 yards. Tight end Cooper Helfrt injured his right foot on a 49 yard catch; Cutcliffe did not immediately have information on his status.
Cornerbacks Ross Cockrell and Garrett Patterson, both redshirt freshmen, snagged an interception apiece.
Duke will hold its football fan day from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday. Practice is open at Wallace Wade stadium for the first two hours, followed by an autograph session for the final hour.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
