Duke-Tulane preview & prediction: Two champs enter 2026 with new rosters
- Duke's offensive plan against Tulane was framed around Nate Sheppard and CJ Campbell establishing the run behind an offensive line with interior continuity and transfer tackles.
- Duke quarterback Walker Eget was expected to benefit from play action if the run works, but the article flagged turnover risk if Tulane forces him into pressure and long-yardage passing downs.
- Tulane quarterback Zeon Chriss-Gremillion's rushing ability was identified as the primary problem for Duke's defense because designed runs, options, and scrambles could alter coverage structure.
- The preview leaned Duke 31-23 because Duke had the more stable staff, the established back in Sheppard, home field, and a deeper defense attacking Tulane's rebuilt offensive line.
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Duke will face a Green Wave in a heat wave with depth chart questions on Saturday
- Duke enters the Tulane opener with substantial turnover at several key positions, relying on a mix of experienced transfers and young in-house replacements in its first live work against another team.
- A projected heat index near 100 degrees and high humidity are expected to force Duke into broad rotation across the defensive line, linebackers, running backs, receivers and secondary.
- Manny Diaz said substitutions will respond to drive length and game conditions rather than a fixed schedule, but Tulane's recent success means Duke plans to lean on known commodities instead of extended experimentation.
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