DURHAM — Duke football head coach David Cutcliffe will begin his first season with one thing going for him: the schedule is somewhat friendly, at least to start with.

 

They begin with four straight home games, and don’t hit the road until October. In fact, five of their first six games are at Wallace Wade Stadium, and in the first eight weeks of the season, Duke has only one road trip (October 4^th in Atlanta versus Georgia Tech). Two of those weeks are byes, which could be helpful for a new coach and a young team.

 

The Blue Devils kick off the 2008 season at home versus James Madison on August 30. After home games with Northwestern (Sept. 6) and Navy (Sept. 13) along with an open date on September 20, the Blue Devils open ACC action at home against Virginia on September 27.

 

Duke s first road game comes on October 4 in Atlanta versus Georgia Tech. Another open date lands on October 11 before Miami visits Wallace Wade Stadium one week later.

 

Consecutive road tilts against Vanderbilt (Oct. 25) and Wake Forest (Nov. 1) precede the Blue Devils first game against N.C. State since 2003 on November 8 at Wallace Wade Stadium. After trips to Clemson (Nov. 15) and Virginia Tech (Nov. 22), Duke concludes the regular season at home against North Carolina on November 29.

 

A year ago, Duke’s 12 opponents combined for an 82-63 (.566) overall record while six teams — Clemson, Georgia Tech, Navy, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest – participated in bowl games. Two schools – Virginia Tech (9^th) and Clemson (21^st) – finished the year ranked in the AP final poll while two more – Wake and Virginia – were among others receiving votes. In addition, James Madison posted and 8-4 mark, advanced to the Football Championship Series playoffs, and was ranked seventh in their final poll.