Duke's Manny Diaz discusses struggles of early season games

In the changing landscape of college football due to the transfer portal, Duke and Tulane face a different dynamic for their upcoming matchups. Head coach Manny Diaz acknowledges the significant personnel changes on both sides, noting that the players from last year's game are drastically different. The Blue Devils lost starting quarterback Darian Mensah and star receiver Cooper Barkate to Miami, while Tulane welcomed a new head coach in Will Hall, replacing Jon Sumrall who moved to Florida to coach the Gators.

Tulane also had to secure a new quarterback after Jake Retzlaff led them to the College Football Playoff the previous season. For Diaz, the early part of the season now revolves around discovering his team's strengths and weaknesses rather than focusing on the challenges the opponent may bring. He emphasizes that early college games are about assembling the best possible team and presenting their best version, as there are no exhibition or preseason games to prepare for this season.