Two games into the 2025 college football season, and the Duke defense is still looking for its first takeaway.

While it might seem unusual for a Blue Devils unit that finished second nationally in fumbles recovered (14) in 2024, seventh in turnovers gained (27), and 24th in turnover margin (+0.62), it’s not the first time a Manny Diaz-led defense has started slowly when it comes to generating takeaways. Cue the 2017 season at Miami, when Diaz was defensive coordinator and introduced the “Turnover Chain,” sparking a surge in takeaways for his unit after what he called a very slow start in the turnover category.

Duke 's defense hasn’t gone without its chances, either. Against Illinois, Caleb Weaver forced a fumble in the first quarter that was overturned on review. A few tipped passes and

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