WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maryland and Virginia were both listed in the top five best states for teachers, according to a study.

The survey assessed various metrics to determine the ranking, including average salary, income growth potential, average pension, and more. According to the report, Virginia is ranked as the third-best state for teachers and also has the highest income growth potential in the country. The average starting salary for teachers in Virginia is $45,141 and ranks 13th in the nation. 

New York is ranked as the best state for teachers and Washington is the second-best. According to the analysis, New York is also the highest average annual salary for public school teachers after adjusting for the cost of living, at $82,571.

Washington, D.C. landed at 46 on the list with the second highest student-teacher ratio. The district fell at the tail end of the list, with Maine being listed as one of the worst states for teachers at 51. 

At 7-3, the Duke Blue Devils could build upon an already impressive 2024 football season over the final two games. The first of those chances comes on Saturday night when they face the Virginia Tech Hokies.

The Blue Devils’ defense has been their strength so far this season, specifically the secondary. However, their run defense hasn’t been the greatest, which could make for a poor matchup with the Hokies.

Duke has allowed 149.3 yards per game on the ground this season, 71st among FBS teams. The Blue Devils improve on a per-play basis, moving up to 44th at 3.83 yards allowed per carry, and they’ve only given up 10 rushing touchdowns in 10 games, but it’s a far cry from their pass defense (12th in yards per attempt).

On the flip side, the Virginia Tech rushing offense ranks 36th in the nation with 185.3 yards per game. The Hokies are one of five ACC teams averaging more than five yards per attempt, and that is mostly carried by running back Bhayshul Tuten.

On the season, Tuten amassed 951 yards and 12 touchdowns on 146 attempts, an average of 6.51 yards per tote. He’s eclipsed 100 yards five times, including a 266-yard performance against Boston College that included three trips to the end zone.

Quarterback Kyron Drones also deserves attention for the Hokies’ offense on the ground. The redshirt junior has added 336 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Those two have more than 69% of the team’s rushing production in 2024. If Duke is to win this game, the key will be limiting Tuten and Drones.