Miami at Duke – College Football Predictions
The Game
Yes, guy.
This is a sneaky under-the-radar showdown as YOUR Miami Hurricanes take on the undefeated Duke Blue Devils on FRIDAY night. Miami has only played a pair of games so far due to hurricane-related issues but stand at 2-0. They were down to Toledo at the half last week but ROCKETED to a 52-30 win. The Blue Devils have been really impressive so far and should get more credit for their schedule. Northwestern and UNC and not chopped liver.
You want more interest and INTRIGUE ? The last time these teams hooked up at Duke the Hurricanes overcame cheating refs (kidding. sort of. not really) and won on a miraculous (sketchy ?) 98-lateral kickoff return TD to end the game. The world was united. Duke lost.
What can we expect this week ? Let’s find out !
The Details
MIAMI -6.5 DUKE (56.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Miami -4
Sagarin Ratings – Duke -1
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Miami 31.5 Duke 25
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Miami 30 Duke 23
The Match-Up
Miami offense vs Duke defense
So far so good. But now comes a real test. QB Malik Rozier has looked pretty good so far (6-1 TD to INT ratio) and RB Mark Walton has 352 yards rushing in two games. The offense is ranked #6 in the FBS but keep in mind they had games vs Bethune-Cookman and Toledo (good team, suspect D). Meanwhile the Blue Devils have been rock solid on defense. They have played three decent offenses (NW, Baylor, UNC) and are ranked #11 in the FBS in total defense and #2 in run defense. They have also been remarkable on 3rd down yielding only 14% (!!) conversions. That is NUMERO UNO in the FBS. Miami has ATHLETES on offense and will have a nice run/pass mix. WR Ahmmon Richards and Mark Walton appear ready to go, however, we them struggling to exceed 27-28 points against a stingy Duke stop unit.
Duke offense vs Miami defense
Duke certainly has a KEEPER at QB in Daniel Jones who keeps getting better and better. His passing numbers are not eye-popping BUT he does a great job leading the offense which boasts a PAIR of 300-yard rushers in Shaun Wilson and Brittain Brown (combined 7 rushing TDs). Miami was not an easy team to run against last season but it is hard to gauge how solid they are this season after just two games. Toledo had a lot of success MATRICULATING in the passing game and the Miami secondary needs to improve. The Canes have the speed to hold the mobility of QB Jones in check but they have to respect the Duke RBs AND their sneaky-good passing attack. Miami is ranked #127 in the FBS early on in 3rd down conversion defense.
MEGA-MAZING MUNCHIES
Duke HC David Cutcliffe continues to be one of the most underrated coaches in college football AND a best friend of Duke backers…..FOUR straight winning seasons ATS and this season is off to a great start.
Summary
This seems like a lot of points for Miami to lay on the road vs Duke. The Blue Devils are playing great defense and have a balanced offense. We are high on Miami this season but expect a close game.
Conclusion
No official play. Strong lean to Duke at +6.5. No take on the total although it does seem a bit high. Best play on the game for small potatoes just might be the Miami TT under 30 or better.