CHARLOTTE, NC (WSLS 10 SPORTS) -
The Duke Blue Devils are poised to get the 2016 season started. They ended last season at just 4-4 in the ACC, but earned their first bowl victory since 1961 after defeating Indiana in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. David Cutcliffe's team has also picked up 27 wins over the past three seasons, the most in school history.
Duke did lose 5 starters on both sides of the ball but the biggest question mark is around quarterback Thomas Sirk. He tore his left achillies tendon during conditioning back in February, putting his 2016 season in jeopardy. Last week at the ACC Media Days, Sirk said he's hopeful to start the season opener in September and the injury will not affect his play.
"I don't think that is going to change who I am. I am the quarterback that I am", said Sirk.
"I pride myself on being a hard-nosed football player and if need be me running the football, then I'll continue to do so. If that's part of the game plan for that week I'm not going to change what I do as far as getting outside the pocket and scrambling."
Coach David Cutcliffe says the senior quarterback is a dual threat and a force to be reckoned with.
"Thomas takes care of the ball pretty darn well. He is a threat he's a true dual threat", said Cutcliffe.
"He was one of four quarterbacks that ran for over 800 yards and threw for over 2,600 yards a year ago in the FBS so balance is his forte."
Both UVA and Virginia Tech will travel to Durham this season. The Cavaliers on October 1st and the Hokies will face the Blue Devils on November 5th.