Although Franks has little to show in the win column, he does have experience returning, with 16 starters from the 2000 debacle back in the fold.
Leading the offense is junior quarterback D. Bryant, who completed 50 percent of his passes and tossed for 1,448 yards last year. However, he threw twice as many interceptions (10) as he did touchdown passes (5).
Behind Bryant is tailback Chris Douglas, who surprised many in 2000. As a freshman, Douglas averaged more all-purpose yards per game than any other freshman in the nation with 131.1 a contest.
Also in the offensive mix is receiver Reggie Love, who, when not suiting up for the basketball team, will look to build on his eight-catch, 101-yard effort in 2001.
"I think Reggie Love will have a big year," Franks said. "We've got him to shorten his stride to make him a little bit quicker."
Defensively, the Blue Devils return seven starters, most notably linebacker Ryan Fowler, who led Duke in tackles, tackles for a loss and sacks.
Joining Fowler on defense is B.J. Hill, a former Blue Devil running back who was moved back to his high school posi-tion of strong safety. His defense will be needed for Duke, who allowed an average 272.4 passing yards a game in 2000.
"(With) the move from offense to defense, the biggest challenge will be switching moves, thinking,"
Hill said. "Defense you are reacting; offense you are trying to make the defense miss."
However, it's unlikely Duke will miss another frustrating season, especially early in the season. The Blue Devils open at home against Florida State and travel to Rice and Clemson.
In fact, the Blue Devils won't face a team with a losing record in 2000 until their Oct. 13th tilt against Wake Forest.
Another 0-11 campaign could be a reality.
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