Duke has been deemed the breakout team of 2013. The Blue Devils took everyone by storm when they reached the ACC Championship game where they eventually lost to Jameis Winston and Florida State. They will put their No. 22 ranking to the test in Atlanta as they set out to face texas A&M and Johnny Manziel.
Duke finished the year 10-3, far better than what most were expecting the team to do. If it were not for Winston, the team would at least be headed to a BCS bowl game. They set a school record for wins. They beat two Top 25 teams. The won the Coastal Division and shut out the Seminoles for one whole quarter. However, they are about to face the original Jameis Winstron as Manziel looks to finish out his college career with a win.
Manziel is going to enter the NFL draft after the Chick-Fil-A bowl. The former Heisman trophy winner did all that he could in two years as a starter breaking all kinds of records as the top dual-threat player in the league. Despite having another year of eligibility left, Manziel will enter the draft and is expected to go in the first round.
Texas A&M's season began with high hopes of a possible BCS national title, but an early loss to Alabama threw off the momentum of the tea as they finished 8-4 and 0-4 against ranked opponents. Beating Manziel and company, would just give Duke one more line on an impressive 2013 resume.
The Blue Devils will be led by quarterback Anthony Boone who suffered his first regular-season loss against Florida State. He struggled in the conference title game, tossing three interceptions, but is looking to bounce back on a bigger stage. Leading rushed Jela Duncan will not be with the team after suffering a suspension. He put up 562 yards and three touchdowns this season.
The Chick-fil-a bowl will be the swan song for Johnny Manziel. The Texas A&M star has announced he will enter the NFL draft alongside wide receiver Mike Evans. One final win would end 2013 on a high note. However, the Duke Blue Devils have been playing upset all season and Texas A&M could be the next on the list.
