My confidence is high: No. 17 Duke football's win against N.C. State shows that the Blue Devils are set for the future

Duke football team embraces "next-man-up" mentality after injuries to key players, proves future is bright with win.

Duke entered this season with a lot of hype surrounding their talented returning players. However, as we all know, things can change quickly in sports, and unexpected injuries can derail a team's season. The Blue Devils have experienced this firsthand, with injuries to quarterback Riley Leonard and tight end Nicky Dalmolin in recent weeks. Despite these setbacks, Duke refused to let it define them and instead embraced a "next-man-up" mentality.

In their game against N.C. State, Duke proved that their future is bright by dismantling their opponent with a 24-3 victory. With Leonard sidelined due to a high ankle sprain, redshirt freshman Henry Belin IV stepped in as the quarterback. Although he threw an interception early on, Belin quickly settled in and made some impressive plays. He connected with tight end Jeremiah Hasley for a touchdown and later threw a deep pass to wideout Jalon Calhoun for a 69-yard touchdown, the longest completion of the season for Duke.

Belin only completed four passes in the game, but two of them resulted in touchdowns. The coaching staff showed confidence in him by calling several long pass plays, even if they didn't connect. Belin expressed satisfaction with his performance and the team's execution.

Duke has typically relied on a strong defense and a running game under head coach Mike Elko. However, Belin's performance suggests that he could be the talented quarterback they need for the future. In addition to Leonard, the team also missed tight end Nicky Dalmolin due to injury. Hasley and Cole Finney stepped up in his absence, with Hasley making significant contributions to the offense.

Looking ahead, Duke faces a crucial matchup against Florida State, a presumed ACC favorite. They hope to have Leonard back on the field, but Belin has proven that he can handle the game if needed. The team's ability to adapt and embrace the "next-man-up" mentality will be crucial for the rest of the season and the future under Elko's leadership.

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