Duke’s defense wasted no time making its presence felt in the opener, and Pro Football Focus’ Week 1 grades back up what showed up on the field in a 17-3 win over Tulane on Sept. 5 at Wallace Wade Stadium.
The Blue Devils held Tulane out of the end zone, marking the first time the Green Wave had been shut out in that way since 2019. On the other side, Nate Sheppard powered the offense with a career-best 227 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
PFF gave Duke an overall grade of 74.5 for the game. The offense came in at 64.3, while the defense checked in at 80.9 - a number that topped every defensive grade Duke posted last season.
The defensive breakdown was especially strong in the run game and pass rush. Duke earned an 83.6 in run defense, a 79.2 in pass rush and a 71.1 in coverage. Tackling, though, was a much shakier 50.6.
Among the Blue Devils’ top-graded defenders, Tyshon Reed Jr. led the way at defensive end with an 88.8 grade. He played 34 snaps and finished with two tackles, one QB hurry, one PBU and 0.5 TFL. His breakdown included a 62.1 in run defense, 75.2 in tackling, 84.9 in pass rush and 65.3 in coverage.
Kobe Smith also turned in a strong showing at defensive end, earning an 83.2 grade. He logged 20 snaps and recorded one tackle. His split grades were 69.9 in run defense, 71.1 in tackling, 80.5 in pass rush and 60 in coverage.
Bryce Davis was also listed among Duke’s highest-graded defenders.
On offense, Matt Craycraft, Nate Sheppard and Jeremiah Hasley were Duke’s highest-graded players against Tulane.
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