After four weeks of college football, there is a Friday night contest between two undefeated. The Miami Hurricanes are currently the 14th best team in the country according to the AP poll and boast a 2-0 record. Miami entered the season with hopes of capturing an ACC championship and a victory against Duke will definitely help them on their quest. Duke, on the other hand, was expected to be slightly above average going into the season but have started off the season 4-0. However, Duke now has to play a top 25 opponent. A victory here would be huge for the Blue Devil’s season as well as the university as a whole.
The Miami Hurricanes entered the season with several question marks. The largest issue was the departure of starting quarterback Brad Kaaya. Kaaya, in his college career, had 69 touchdown passes and over 9,000 yards passing. Replacing him was going to be extremely difficult for the Hurricanes until they stumbled upon junior quarterback Malik Rosier. So far this season, Rosier has seven touchdown and only one interception. His mobility and throwing accuracy are a lethal combo that helps keep defenses on their toes whenever he touches the ball. If Miami plans on winning this difficult road game, Rosier will need to have a big game. This game is especially important for Miami considering the fact that they still have to play Florida State and Virginia Tech this season. With those two extremely difficult games, Miami cannot afford to drop this game.
The Duke Blue Devils entered this season with hopes of rebounding from their 4-8 record in 2016. Duke was expected to have a respond extremely well this season but not too many people thought that the Blue Devils would have already matched last season’s win total in only four games. Last week, Duke managed to upset state-rival North Carolina 27-17 due to 14 points in the fourth quarter. Duke also impressively dismantled Northwestern earlier this season and won 41-17.
Duke’s success is due to its balance on the offensive side of the ball. At the helm is sophomore quarterback Daniel Jones who has eight touchdowns and only two interceptions. Despite the team’s struggles last season, Jones was a bright spot on the roster as he threw for over 2,800 yards along with 16 touchdowns. Jones has kept the hype train rolling and has looked remarkably comfortable for a true sophomore under center.
However, Jones’ success is also due to the amazing running game that the Blue Devils possess. Duke currently has two running backs with at least 300 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Both running backs, Shaun Wilson and Brittain Brown are also averaging over 5.8 yards per carry. Both backs are also extremely skilled pass catchers and are very viable targets for Jones. With two all-around backs on the roster, Duke has the ability to substitute each back constantly so both backs will not get fatigued. If Duke plans on pulling off the upset, both backs will need to keep the chains to keep Miami’s potent offense on the sidelines.
As for my prediction, I am gonna side with the Blue Devils. Miami has only played two games compared to Duke’s four due to various hurricanes which postponed two separate games. I think this hurts Miami because it has prevented the team from maintaining any type of momentum. Meanwhile, Duke is off of a huge win against North Carolina and should have a huge home crowd in attendance. I think that home crowd generates enough of a boost to propel Duke to a victory.
I see Duke successfully moving the chains on crucial third downs and dominating the time of possession in this contest. I see Duke winning by a field goal.
Miami vs. Duke: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: Miami vs. Duke
Date: Friday, September 29, 2017
Start Time: 7:00 P.M. EST
Location: Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, NC
Broadcast: ESPN
How To Watch Miami vs. Duke Online & Mobile
ESPN App
Mobile user can watch the game using the ESPN app (iTunes Store | Google Play Store | Amazon Store| Windows). You’ll need a cable subscription though, like you would watching it on your desktop.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a service that allows subscribers to watch live and on-demand TV channels on TVs, computer or mobile device. It’s just like a cable or satellite TV service, except it’s delivered over the internet. You can sign up for Sling TV’s free 7-day trial. If you cancel your subscription within seven days, you will not be charged. Once signed up, simply download the app for your computer or mobile device to start watching.
