On August 30th, Duke will open its 2008 football season with a home game against James Madison. Duke, led by new head coach David Cutcliffe, will play seven of its 12 games this season at Wallace Wade Stadium. Recently, Cutcliffe addressed a range of topics, including changing Duke's football culture and seeing his face on the side of Durham buses.
Q: Since you arrived in Durham, you've been busy drumming up interest in Duke football. What are you telling folks and how's that been going?
A: It's been fun. I want people to understand that Duke is taking football seriously. I have also done this: I have taken the time to make sure that they understand this culture change is not just about the players. We've got to change the fans' culture. We told them a great story about the players and their commitment and their weight loss and the body fat loss and the conditioning level of this team. -- (Now) we want to challenge the community. We want to be Durham's team.
Q: From a fan's perspective, is there something different we should expect to see on the field this year?
A: Well, I think the first thing you're going to see is a team that competes every second. -- So you will see a team that's faster. You'll see a team that's more lean. You're going to see a very aggressive defensive system.
Q: So what's it like seeing your face on the side of a bus?
A: That's a little humbling. I guess if I liked my face a little bit more, it wouldn't be so bad. But it is a fun thing and my family gets a kick out of it.
Q: You recently had your players picking up trash on campus. Why?
A: I just think it's a pride thing, leaving a place better than you found it. I think that we all have a responsibility on earth, but our responsibility -- not to get too philosophical -- is to make Duke a better football program than it was when we got here, and also have a positive impact on the campus community and on Durham.
Q: There's not an ounce of doubt that you're going to turn this into a winning program?
A: I have no doubt. Whatsoever. None. This is a staff with unbelievable ability. -- (And) you've got to remember that we've got a lot of guys on our team that have played a lot of football. They haven't won much football -- but there is absolutely a different mindset on this football team right now than there was when we came in, in January.