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Michigan State football: Power ranking head coaching candidates after Week 7

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 14, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko runs out before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko runs out before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 14, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /

Here we are at the No. 1 option on the list yet again. Mike Elko is becoming a staple at No. 1 on these lists because he continues to out-perform his colleagues.

After getting a much-needed bye following the Notre Dame loss, Duke returned to action in Week 7, hosting NC State without star quarterback Riley Leonard. That didn’t matter for the Blue Devils as they had their way with the Wolfpack, winning 24-3 even with backup quarterback Henry Belin IV completing just four passes. That’s right, four completions and a win.

Belin IV did have over 100 yards and two touchdowns on those four completions, but it was the defense and the run game (194 rushing yards) that stole the show.

Shocker, an Elko-coached team smothered an opponent defensively for a win. The Wolfpack did throw for 193 yards, but it took 40 pass attempts (4.8 per attempt) to get there. They also ran for 112 yards on 30 carries. And they never crossed the goal line.

Overall, a great showing for Elko’s defense as well as running back Jordan Waters who had 123 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

Elite defense and a strong running game? Sounds like classic Michigan State football to me.

Next. 5 candidates to replace Mel Tucker as head coach. dark

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