Key to Duke ground game

The key to truly opening up the Duke running game, that is still awaiting the return of senior Re'quan Boyette, may be the freshman class.

Duke freshman RB Jay Hollingsworth did a great job for the Blue Devils in the third quarter in the win over Virginia. Hollingsworth ran eight times for 35 yards during a 10-play 55-yard scoring drive and scored on a 10-yard reception from Thaddeus Lewis.

The touchdown put Duke ahead for good. It also loosened everyone up after a tight 3-3 first half where not much went right for the Devils. Also, freshman Tony Jackson got 12 yards on four touches.

It would have been great to talk to Hollingsworth about scoring his first collegiate TD in the Devils' first ACC win in 26 games but Duke coach David Cutcliffe doesn't let his freshman talk to the media.

This season, Hollingsworth and Jackson have combined for 202 yards for Duke's 603 total. Senior Cliff Harris has 231. But it's clear Cutcliffe would have been using a platoon of guys whether Boyette was healthy or not. Hollingsworth was the first RB not named Cliff Harris (three TDs) or Tielor Robinson (two TDs) to find the end zone for Duke this season.

Cutcliffe has high hopes for Hollingsworth with his speed and "great natural lean" to his running style.  Cutcliffe said Sunday another year or two in Duke's conditioning program would yield big results for the Sanford product out of Lee County High.