December 31st 8:30 PM (Eastern)
Atlanta, Georgia (Georgia Dome)
Duke Review
The Blue Devils finished their season 10-3 going 6-2 in the ACC, marking it the first time in program history where the team reached the ten win mark. As nice as the double-digit win season was, the national recognition and respect that came along with it may have been even sweeter.
During their Cinderella season Duke ended up 22nd in the polls after beating two top-25 teams, while winning their first Coastal Division title, and held Florida State scoreless after the first quarter of play, the only team to do so (eventually lost 45-7).
The Blue Devils defense punched their one way ticket to success as they were the heart and soul of the team allowing just 24.7 points per game helping them win eight games in a row, but did show weaknesses when facing dual-threat quarterbacks. Duke quarterback Anthony Boone didn't put up great statistics (10 touchdowns 11 interceptions) however, he always found a way to win losing just his first game against the Seminoles late in the season.
All in all on offense Duke struggled to find much consistency running and passing the ball and relied on their defense to win their games.
Who's kidding who though, a 10-3 season and division title for a program like Duke is nothing short of a miracle. Head coach David Cutcliffe has done a remarkable job, going 26-2 when leading after the third quarter in his career and have outscored their opponents by 76 points in the fourth quarter this season.
Texas A&M Review
I'l try my best not to fill this paragraph with Johnny Football quotes, stats, and facts; but inevitably he is the identity of who the Aggies are. Predicted to compete for a National Championship before the season Texas A&M came out with a unimpressive 8-4 record including an 0-4 record against ranked opponents, and they are coming off consecutive losses to LSU and Missouri.
That wasn't from a lack of points though as the Aggies ranked sixth in points scored with 43.6 and fourth in most yards with 538.2. The numbers Johnny put up are even more incredible throwing for 3,732 yards and 33 touchdowns while adding 686 yards and eight scores on the ground as he fell just short of his second Heisman trophy in as many years.
Manziel will most likely announce that he will be declaring for the NFL draft along with his biggest target and teammate Mike Evans.
Love him or hate him, Manziel will go down as one of the most prolific players in college football both on and off the field as their has never been a player as captivating as him in such a short career. After a sour ending to his season Johnny will look to go out in Johnny-like fashion, with the spotlight shining on him as bright as can be as he suits up in a college uniform for the last time.
Game Matchup
Things don't look good on paper for the Blue Devils as they are given the task to find a way to stop Johnny Manziel as he likely laces up his Texas A&M cleats one last time.
Manziel will have an awfully big chip on his shoulder as he looks to shake off the nay-sayers a final time after losing his previous two games in an uncharacteristic fashion.
Duke was destroyed by Florida State and Jameis Winston a dual-threat signal caller and will undoubtedly have their own troubles with the scrambling king, Johnny Football.
Even with a stingy defense led by linebacker David Helton who had an ACC best 122 tackles and Manziel under center, the Aggies offense is one of the most dangerous in the country.
Although you think scrambling when you think Manziel, it's his passing ability that has made their offense succeed as he's averaged 350.9 yards per game through the air becoming one of the most consistent passers in the nation.
On top of the they have also averaged 187.3 yards on the ground per game leaving opponents with an impossible task to contain both facets of their offense, but more of a "pick your poison" type game plan.
However, it seems the Aggies offense has stolen the magic and talent away from the entire team as the defense has been putrid. Allowing 460.3 yards per game ranking 105th in the FBS the defense seemingly can't stop anyone.
As the Aggies put up points at will, Boone will be forced to pass and should have success.
Keep your eye on receiver Jamison Crowder who set the school record with 96 receptions and 1,187 yards in 2013 for Duke. With A&M allowing 28 passing touchdowns Crowder could have a monster day. In the end though, I expect Manziel to put on a final Heisman like performance with the Chick-Fil-A trophy in hand.
Draft Impact
Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans are most likely to enter the 2014 draft, and if so will both be considered near the top of the rankings in their respective positions.
Starting with Evans who is a big bodied wide out, who was known for bailing out Manziel in jump ball situations.
Evans coming down with the ball in his hands even with defenders draped all over him.
Evans put up monster numbers on the season including almost 300 yards against an Alabama defense that was known for being the best of the best. Evans must work on his route running to take the next step in the NFL. His route tree in college was very limited and scouts will want to see his footwork and agility when running more precise routes on top of the mental capacity to retain all the new information that will be thrown his way.
As of now, Evans is a red-zone threat "go-up and get it" type receiver who has boom or bust potential. Being so big at such a young age Evans has the frame to reach 240 pounds which is unrealistic at the next level. Keeping his weight down and staying in shape for the next five months will be another sign if he is mature enough for a team to use a first round pick on him. If so, don't be surprised to see Evans selected in the first 20-picks.
Then there's Mr. Football. Love him or hate him Johnny wowed on the field as an improvisational master with his scrambling ability outside of the pocket. His numbers prove he can sit in the pocket as well and throw the ball accurately while reading defenses accordingly.
A true dual-threat in every sense of the word Johnny is next in line to help adapt the NFL into a run-option league as we've seen with Russell Wilson, RG3, and Colin Kaepernick. Johnny has all the potential and raw ability in the world to succeed and the next level. However, there is plenty to be wary about when thinking about his style of play and how it translates to the NFL.
First off, like most smaller quarterbacks his size will scare many teams as he measures in a just 6'0" 200 pounds soaking wet and will be exposed to hits he has never taken before. Can he withstand the punishment at the next level and pop back up from the turf time and time again?
Durability is a huge factor in todays league, as the best quarterbacks in the league are always on the field (Mannings, Brady, Brees, etc.). Still, in a quarterback needy league Johnny's talents will be to savory to pass up and should find himself drafted in the first 15-picks.
Offensive Tackle Jake Matthews, son of hall of fame center Bruce Matthews, and cousin to Clay Matthews is on track to be the first offensive lineman taken in next years draft. Will loads of talent and thick NFL bloodlines Matthews will line up at left tackle the most valuable position of the offensive line increasing his value two fold.
Matthews can do it all from run blocking to pass protections with his giant frame and quick feet. He has all the tools to be the next great lineman in the league with proper coaching.
I don't see many scenarios where Matthews falls past the first five teams including a team like St. Louis who is desperate for a franchise left tackle. One of the safest picks in the draft, Matthews is the definition of a blue-chip prospect.