The anticipation is building as the defending ACC champion Duke Blue Devils prepare to kick off their season against the reigning American Athletic Conference champions, the Tulane Green Wave. This matchup marks the beginning of a new chapter for both teams, with significant changes in their offensive strategies and personnel. As they gear up for Week 1, the focus will be on the two offensive coordinators, Jonathan Brewer of Duke and Russ Callaway of Tulane, and how their respective systems will perform under pressure.
Jonathan Brewer, Duke
Jonathan Brewer joined Duke's coaching staff alongside head coach Manny Diaz in December 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as a senior offensive quality control coach at Miami. Last season, under Brewer's guidance, the Blue Devils' offense achieved remarkable milestones, setting a program record with 63 touchdowns and 484 points scored. Notably, the team became the first in school history to feature a quarterback with over 3,000 passing yards, a 1,000-yard receiver, and a 1,000-yard rusher in the same season.
However, Brewer faces a significant challenge this season with the departure of standout quarterback Darian Mensah, who was instrumental in Duke's offensive success. The Blue Devils will now rely on Walker Eget, a transfer from San Jose State, to lead the offense. Eget has experience as a Division I starter, and Brewer's track record of developing quarterbacks suggests that he could thrive in this new environment. Nevertheless, the team is likely to emphasize its strong running game, particularly with talented running back Nate Sheppard poised to take on a central role.
Despite the loss of key players, Brewer's offensive unit remains formidable, and they will be eager to seek redemption after falling to Tulane in their previous encounter. The Blue Devils will aim to establish their ground game early, setting the tone for the matchup.
Russ Callaway, Tulane
On the other side of the field, Tulane's new offensive coordinator, Russ Callaway, faces his own set of challenges. Hired by first-year head coach Will Hall, Callaway previously served as the offensive coordinator at Florida from 2024 to 2025 but has not called plays in seven years, dating back to his tenure at Samford. His coaching pedigree includes time spent under Nick Saban at Alabama and positions with LSU and the New York Giants in the NFL.
As Callaway steps into this role, he must navigate a roster that has undergone significant turnover. This transition period means that the Green Wave's offense may not be fully developed when they take the field against Duke. To mitigate this, Callaway will likely adopt a simplified offensive strategy to allow his players to settle into their roles, which could play into the hands of Duke's experienced defense.
Both offensive coordinators have a unique opportunity to make their mark in this season opener. Brewer's continuity with the Blue Devils could provide an advantage, while Callaway's fresh perspective with the Green Wave may yield unexpected results. As the two teams prepare to clash, the effectiveness of their offensive strategies will be critical in determining the outcome of this exciting matchup.
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