Is this the year Duke finally does?  Qualifies for its first bowl since 1994?  With 13 starters coming back, this may be David Cutcliffe’s best Duke team.

Offense: Cutcliffe is known as a quarterback guru, so as senior Sean Renfree enters his third year as starting quarterback, it’s safe to assume, this should be his best year.  While it’s no secret that Renfree has a strong arm, it has been his lack of a running game that has held him back,  Despite throwing for nearly 2,900 yards and 14 touchdowns, Renfree has usually been replaced in the red zone by quarterbacks who are more mobile. That may be the case again this year, as Duke struggles to find a go-to running back.  Last years leading returning rusher had only 457 yards rushing on 110 carries.

When the team does decide to pass, Renfree has reliable Conner Vernon returning.  Vernon caught 70 balls, or a quarter of Renfree’s completions, for 956 yards and six touchdowns.  The other wide receivers are inexperienced, but Jamison Crowder and Blair Holliday, both sophomores, could surprise some people this year.

Defense: Unlike many teams, Duke plays a 4-2-5, so for the defense to be successful, they need to get good play from its secondary.  With starting cornerback Ross Cockrell and safety Walt Canty returning, the defensive backfield is in good hands.  Canty had 87 tackles last season.

The rest of the defense, however, is somewhat spotty, because there have always been depth issues and/or health problems.  The depth will be better, but that doesn’t always equate to a better defense.  Defensive end Kenny Anunike returns after racking up four sacks.  The team lost top linebacker Kelby Brown to another ACL injury, but his brother Kyler, is looking to breakout this year.

Recruiting: Duke does bring in some intriguing prospects, including a couple running backs who might play right away.  Shaquille Powell, a Parade All-America and Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year, rushed for 2,458 yards and 44 touchdowns as a senior  Instate back Jela Duncan rushed for 2,307 yards and 30 scores.  Defensive lineman A.J. Wolf wrapped up 98 opponents last season.

Schedule: For the Blue Devils to get back to a bowl, a lot has to go right, but looking at the schedule, there’s a chance.  Three nonconference games (FIU, N.C. Central and Memphis) are winnable.  After a game against Wake, it’s possible Duke could be 4-1.  Miami, Clemson, UNC and Virginia come to Durham.  Win one or two or those and pull an upset over FSU, Georgia Tech or Va. Tech on the road and Duke could be bowling. A lot of if’s, but if it is going to happen, this is the year.