Before Duke played Miami, we said that we thought the defense had been very good all year, which was true, but the offense had been shaky (also true) and that both sides would have to play very well to beat the ‘Canes on the road.

Surprisingly, the offense did quite well after going down 14-0, putting on a 28-3 run and going up 11 before Miami kicked things into high gear.

How high?

The ‘Canes closed with a 36-3 run of their own, including two fourth-quarter touchdowns that blew the lead from a manageable eight points to 22, winning 53-31.

It was an impressive response to a spirited challenge by an underdog. Not every team deals with that sort of pressure as well as Miami did Saturday.

Duke came close to taking the #5 team in the country down to the wire. It’s not much consolation but it’s still something to take pride in. So is the offense coming to life.

Next up for Duke, now 6-3, is a neighborhood brawl with the Wolfpack over in Raleigh, followed by Virginia Tech at home and then Wake Forest on the road. If things break just right, Duke could finish 9-3 which would be an amazing first season for Manny Diaz.

No matter what happens though, Duke is already bowl-eligible and not many people expect that this season.