It's pretty much a given that a coaching change will instill new life into a football program.

And the change of attitude at Duke, where David Cutcliffe took over as coach when Ted Roof produced only six victories in four-plus seasons, was evident in the spring.

The players spoke of the renewed emphasis on strength and conditioning in assessing their first workouts under their new coaches.

"This staff is very energetic, and energy is contagious," junior defensive lineman Vince Oghobaase said. "It's going to make us a better team—a better defense."

The goal now, of course, will be to translate that energy into victories.

Duke hasn't had a winning season since 1994, when the Blue Devils were 8-4 and played in their last bowl game. ...More