Duke at UVAWho would have thought that almost halfway through the season we would be breaking down UVA/Duke as a key matchup in the ACC. But both teams are off to a great start, absolutely ripping through their non conference schedules. Duke looked nothing short of legit, dismantling B1G’s Northwestern early in the season 41-7, then winning by double digits against Baylor, only to follow it up by beating UNC in their conference opener by double digits. Statistically, on defense, Duke has been a monster. With the 2nd best 3rd down defensive 3rd down stop rate in the country at an astounding 82.3% clip. They're also good for 17th in the nation in total yards allowed, giving up only 299 yards per game. Duke is boasting a top 10 run defense as well, only allowing 88 yards per game. You look at this game and you think, with this defense clicking on all cylinders, they're definitely a run away winner against a UVA team that went just 2-10 last year.Duke looked great up until the Miami game, where they were absolutely embarrassed on their home field in a nationally televised game, losing 31-6. In a game where Miami was very successful in throwing the ball to move up the field. Malik Rosier challenged Duke’s secondary and easily moved the ball up the field to the tune of 270 yards on 15-26 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. With that said, expect UVA Sr. QB Kurt Benkert to have just as much, if not more success against this thin Duke secondary than Rosier did. Through four games Benkert has looked nothing short of incredible. The gunslinger from Florida has completed 66% of his passes on the season, while accumulating over 1200 passing yards, as well as throwing 10 touchdowns and only one interception. He has plenty of weapons to get the ball out too as well. 5’8 WR Olamide Zaccheaus is a play maker, after watching film on this kid, he's nothing short of a game changer. As good as Zaccheaus has been this season, Sr. WR Andre Levrone has been even more impressive. This kid is one of the biggest deep ball threats in the ACC. He was rewarded the ACC receiver of the week award for his performance against Boise State, where he recorded 141 receiving yards on 5 catches.As good as Duke has looked defensively, their offense often stalls on drives, only converting on 3rd down at a 40% clip, good for 62nd in the nation. UVA’s 3rd down defense is not far off from Duke’s as they are ranked 9th in the country, stopping opponents 75% of the time. For Duke, this game will be decided on crucial third downs. Will QB Daniel Jones be able to convert on 3rd down vs a team that is 14th in the nation in sacks per game? Let’s not forget this UVA defense returns 8 starters from a unit that intercepted Daniel Jones 5 times last season.This will be UVA’s conference opener and they will be playing against a Duke team that was recently punched in the mouth by ACC powerhouse Miami. I feel as though Miami wrote the perfect blueprint for UVA’s Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall to beat Duke, in convincing fashion!UVA ML +100
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Nice write up.Comment -
Great write up.. I'm on same side as you but line has moved -3.5 towards duke this morn and in thinking I'm on wrong sideComment -
Hey chosen4th. TRUST THE PROCESS!Comment -
I hope but now duke -2
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Duke was the play.. UVA is trashComment -
UVA a little complacent, not used to having winning record I guess.Comment -
Never doubted it picksix
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Killer return.. game was doneComment -
Wish I saw this earlier. Lol. Duke still has a chance but Va looks much better.Comment -
Trust the process!Comment
