updated: 5:15 p.m.

DURHAM – It took Duke more than 2 ½ quarters to record a rush of more than 3 yards Saturday – and quarterback Sean Renfree’s 7-yard scramble only managed to push the Blue Devils’ running total back to “zero” at that point.

It was that kind of day for the Blue Devils, who snapped their two-game winning streak – and thwarted any bowl hopes that may have arisen from that two-game winning streak – by losing to Boston College 21-16 at Wallace Wade Stadium.

“I told our team after the ballgame, ‘We prepared really well, we were emotionally ready to play, we competed,’” coach David Cutcliffe said. “[But] we didn’t do the fundamental things it takes to win the game. When you don’t, in close football games, it ends up biting you.”

DURHAM - If there were any thoughts that No. 1-ranked Duke is invincible, they were erased Thursday night.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski invited Cal Poly Pomona, the 2010 NCAA Division II champion, to meet the reigning Division I champions from Duke in an exhibition game.

Eventually seniors Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith combined with freshman Kyrie Irving in the second half to spark the Blue Devils to an 81-60 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

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."

Duke coach David Cutcliffe wanted Sean Renfree to be relaxed but excited, confident but not too confident.

And, more than anything, a winner in his first career start at quarterback.

Renfree more than did his part Saturday in the Blue Devils' season-opener against Elon, going 31-of-39 passing for 350 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-27 victory over the Phoenix.

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.

DURHAM – Sophomore Conner Vernon said he thinks Duke’s wide receiving corps can be the best in the ACC.

But it needs to get healthy, first.

Although Vernon and All-ACC wideout Donovan Varner returned to limited practice Tuesday morning, Austin Kelly – the third starting receiver in the group – sat out. Kelly and Vernon sustained hamstring injuries during Monday night’s scrimmage, while Varner sat out the scrimmage because of a hurt hamstring, as well.

See photos from Duke's first football practice of the 2009 season from their practice facility on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.