DURHAM — Duke coach David Cutcliffe said he would not back off earlier statements that his team should be a bowl team this season.
He said the Blue Devils (0-1) have the talent to win enough games to become eligible, but they must give a better effort than they did on Saturday in losing to Richmond. He believes they have the capability to become a bowl team, though they will need to compete at a higher level to achieve such lofty heights.
He changed the conversation from what happened to what needs to happen going forward.
Cutcliffe said it was most important to clearly communicate to his team why they were defeated and start to make the corrections as they head on the road against Army.
He identified specific areas of improvement he stressed to his staff and team after the team's 24-16 loss to Richmond.
He said the Devils:
- Must win the kicking game, though he would say if he would make changes among his kicking personnel. On Saturday, juniors Nick Maggio and Will Syderwine shared kicking duties, with the Devils missing two field goal attempts and having a punt blocked.
- Must get more physical with opponents.
- Must be more consistent on offensive in third down conversion situations.
- Must be more consitent in execution, playing faster with few let ups.
"I don't want to get too technical with them," he said. "I want them to work. I want them to sweat."
Edward joined the News & Observer staff in 2004. He is a graduate of American University and Johns Hopkins University. He covers Wake Forest football and women's college basketball for the N&O. Edward is a native of Washington, D.C. He can be reached at 829-4781 or 
