Duke coach David Cutcliffe is calling all Duke students — actually, he’s calling them out.

“I was disappointed in the homecoming crowd. I thought North Carolina Central had more students at the game than we did,” Cutcliffe said. “The loyal ones that were out there, they were wet and they were long, and they’re extremely appreciated. But just like our football team, we can all do better.

“We need that student section full. It makes a huge difference.”

It could, however, be a tough sell for Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech. Duke students began fall break today, and students aren’t known for their punctuality for noon kickoffs.

Tickets still remain for the game — for Duke and Virginia Tech fans alike — at the Duke ticket office, by calling 681-2583 or by visiting www.GoDuke.com/tickets.

“I hear all these stories about Blacksburg not being that far away, and all the Virginia Tech people will be here,” Cutcliffe said, “but we need our Duke students in a big way and need our Duke fans to show up wearing blue.”

— BRYAN STRICKLAND