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Duke's standout sophomore running back Nate Sheppard has amassed 1,189 rushing yards this season, a total that places him second among all Football Bowl Subdivision players. His 17 rushing touchdowns also rank third nationally, underscoring his critical role in the Blue Devils' offense.
That production will be put to the test on Saturday when Duke travels to face Miami, which boasts the best rushing defense in the FBS. The Hurricanes have surrendered just 579 rushing yards over nine games and have allowed only five touchdowns on the ground all year. The unit, under defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, is designed to stop the run and force opponents into one-dimensional play.
Sheppard's decision to remain with the Duke program while other teammates departed has been a storyline in itself, and it has kept the Blue Devils' offense rolling. Duke currently holds a 7-2 overall record and a 4-2 mark in ACC play.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal is well aware of the challenge Sheppard presents. Speaking during Monday's media availability, Cristobal highlighted the unique threat: "He's very different from the rest [of the running backs faced against]," Cristobal said. He added that Sheppard runs with very underrated power and called him one of the best players in college football.
Those comments are more than just praise; they serve as a warning about a player who averages 3.96 yards after contact. Sheppard has forced 29 missed tackles this season, recording at least three missed tackles in seven different games. He has also logged 20 breakaways, defined as rushing gains of at least 15 yards. His 191 carries this season exceed the number of passes completed by Duke quarterback Walker Eget, who has 155 completions. This heavy reliance on the run game puts the ball directly in the hands of a player who thrives in traffic.
Key Analysis
Miami enters the matchup looking to rebound from a 31-24 loss to Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, last Saturday, a game that exposed cracks in an otherwise dominant defense. The contest will be televised on ABC, bringing national attention to South Florida. For Duke head coach Manny Diaz, this game marks his second return to the Coral Gables program since being let go. He faces a Miami team that leads the Atlantic Coast Conference and is ranked No. 7 in the nation. The pressure is high for Diaz to prove his team can handle its biggest test of the year.
Originally reported by yahoo.