Jacob Monk’s first college test came on Saturday afternoon. It was third down and 7. The true freshman was about to face his first pass rush as Duke’s starting right tackle. Standing across from him was Alabama’s Anfernee Jennings, the preseason All-SEC senior linebacker.



The result: Jennings overwhelmed him with his power and his speed and swiftly shoved Monk out of his way.



“That’s a pretty big baptism,” Duke offensive line coach Jim Bridge said.



But Bridge loved how Monk responded. The freshman moved past it. He kept fighting. So did the Blue Devils’ new left tackle, redshirt freshman Casey Holman. Their first career starts came on a massive stage, contending with future NFL pass rushers in a nationally televised showdown with the No. 2 Crimson Tide inside an NFL stadium.



One small silver lining from that 42-3 loss? Neither freshman surrendered a sack, and the Tide’s fearsome front finished with just...