In 2013, our defense declined tremendously from allowing 390.2 yards (59th) and 21.77 (26th) points per game the previous year to 475.8 yards (109th) and 32.23 points (96th) per game. That horrible defensive performance crippled us and costed us at least one win. We gave up 31+ points eight times and 41+ four times. We scored 42 points against Alabama and 41 against Auburn, but we lost both home games because our defense could not stop either team when it mattered. Even in our 10-point victory over Mississippi State in JFF's last home game, we gave up 41 points. With just an average defense, we would have at least beaten Auburn, finished 5-3 in SEC games, and 10-3.
In this game, our defense allowed 661 total yards (427 passing yards and 234 rushing yards) and 48 points, but we returned an interception to put us up ahead 52-48 and came up with another to seal the win. The 2013 Duke Blue Devils were the ACC Coastal Division champions, who went 10-2 during the regular season. They were blown out by the eventual national champion Florida State Seminoles 45-7 in the ACC Championship Game.