Duke's Renfree remains starting quarterback

Duke coach David Cutcliffe said on Sunday that Sean Renfree will remain the team's starting quarterback despite his recent woes and a six-turnover performance in a 28-13 loss to Miami on Saturday.

"After looking at it, I still believe that Sean Renfree gives us our best chance to win," Cutcliffe said during a teleconference. "He's our starting quarterback."

Renfree completed 18 of 38 pass attempts for 157 yards and five interceptions. He was sacked twice and fumbled once.

The redshirt sophomore has had 14 passes intercepted this season, including 10 in the past three games. He's hit a frustrating period in his season, struggling with accuracy, after starting the season with some of the best passing numbers in the ACC. 

Cutcliffe said he spoke with Renfree by phone on Saturday night and again in person on Sunday. He said his young quarterback has rushed to release his passes, something he started during the team's 62-13 loss to Alabama on Sept. 18. 

"I think sometimes you forget as a quarterback, the most important thing to be is yourself," Cutcliffe said. "Sean's a technician, he's really smart quarterback. He doesn't have to force and make plays. I think he's gotten  outside of himself a little."

Cutcliffe said his quarterback, a native of Scottsdale, Arizona, is in a "good place mentally" and has a support network to help him respond positively to his recent adversity.   

Renfree has passed for 1,621 yards and 10 TDs this season.

Looking widely at the Blue Devils (1-5, 0-3 ACC), Cutcliffe said the offense, despite its inefficiency on Saturday, still has weapons  – in particular, wide receivers  Austin Kelly, Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon, who all have over 30 receptions this season.

"We're not hanging our head offensively," Cutcliffe said.