Blue Devil Country

Duke Football at Florida State: Jon Scheyer Will Be Watching

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer sounds like a sincere Duke football and Mike Elko enthusiast.

Matt Giles

In this story:

It feels unprecedented for Duke basketball's annual Countdown to Craziness, an introduction of the Blue Devils to the fanbase in Cameron Indoor Stadium, to play second fiddle to a Duke football game in the eyes of the Blue Devil faithful. But some would argue that's the case this weekend.

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Mike Elko's No. 16 Blue Devils (5-1, 2-0 ACC), boasting the program's highest ranking since Duke sat in the same spot in October 1994 before a 59-20 loss at then-No. 9 Florida State, are in Tallahassee for a primetime battle against the No. 4 Seminoles (6-0, 4-0 ACC) at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday (ABC).

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Meanwhile, second-year Duke basketball head coach and 2010 Blue Devil national champ Jon Scheyer (27-9 as a head coach), who last season became the first head coach in history to win an ACC Tournament after winning one as a player (he won two: 2009, 2010), has the No. 2 team in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll.

So, following the Blue-White intrasquad scrimmage at Countdown to Craziness, Blue Devil Country on SI.com asked Scheyer to discuss the parallel success of second-year Duke football head coach and reigning ACC Coach of the Year Mike Elko (14-5 overall record).

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Does Scheyer plan to tune in for what would be the football program's all-time statement victory?

Scheyer's complete response:

"Am I going to watch the game? Of course, I am going to watch the game. Well, we have — I don't know what I'm allowed to say or not — but we have some stuff going on this weekend as well.

"But it's fun for me. You mentioned basketball and football. I came in; Mike and I started together. We were both new coaches — different perspectives, different situations — but we've developed a really close bond. We were texting today.

"The job he has done with football has been incredible. I've seen almost 20 seasons of Duke football. And the team we've had this year — the fight, the defense — they're just a fun team to root for. But I think it's a reflection of Mike and his staff and the job that he's done.

"And I'll be watching tomorrow night. I'll find a way, and obviously rooting for him like crazy. But it's been a lot of fun to see.

"I will say, by the way, Mike thinks he's a basketball player, too, a little bit. He can shoot. He can shoot. I don't know about anything else. I don't know if he can defend...He's reliable at the free-throw line. I'm sure he can stand in the corner and make an open shot. I probably think, in some twisted way, I can play football in another life.

"But he's a great guy. I'm so happy for him."

Blue Devils Opt for 'Iced Out' Look at Florida State

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke football and basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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