Duke Blue Devils (5-5, 4-3-1 ATS) at No. 20 Miami Hurricanes (7-3, 5-4 ATS)
Land Shark Stadium Miami, F.L. Saturday November 21st, 12:00PM Eastern
By Jay Horne of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Duke +17.5/Miami -17.5
Over/Under: 56
The No. 20 Miami Hurricanes had never won in Kenan Stadium when they took on North Carolina last week and it was proved that sometimes history is hard to change. Miami QB Jacory Harris threw 4 interceptions as the Hurricanes fell to North Carolina 33-24. Miami has to now refocus and regroup this Saturday as they will host the 5-5 Duke Blue Devils. Duke jumped out 10-0 over no. 7 Georgia Tech last weekend, but the Yellow Jackets rallied back bombing 49 unanswered points to blow out the Blue Devils. Duke who was seeking that 6th victory that would make them bowl eligible for the first time since 1994. The Blue Devils are still in search of that 6th victory and they hope to be able to pull off that feat against Miami this Saturday.
The Blue Devils defense has been the Achilles heel this season allowing 26 points per contest. The Duke defense shut down Georgia Tech the first few possessions last week, before the Yellow Jackets ran wild to post over 500 yards of total offense. The Duke secondary has pretty solid numbers against the pass holding opponents to just 186 yards per game. The Duke pass defense will be the key to keeping them in the game this Saturday as they go against the heavily unbalanced passing attack of the Hurricanes. The big thing to look out for Saturday is if the Blue Devils can force an early interception. It has been said that Miami QB Jacory Harris is the most unflustered quarterback in the conference. However, after throwing 4 picks against North Carolina it will be very interesting to see how he performs if he gets off on the wrong foot again this Saturday.
Surprisingly the Blue Devils offense is very good. Who would have thought entering the season that Duke would lead the ACC in pass offense averaging 297 yards per game? However, that is exactly what has happened behind senior Thaddeus Lewis. Lewis has completed 62% for 2,640 yards and 16 touchdowns. Lewis should be able to make some plays against a vulnerable Miami pass defense. Wide receivers Donovan Varner, Conner Vernon, and Austin Kelly all have over 40 catches a piece. Lewis has had no problems spreading out the football and that should be the case again this Saturday. The Blue Devils are very similar to the Miami offense as they favor the pass heavily and rarely run the football. I have little doubt Duke will have success throwing the football, but really question how the defense will stack up against a dangerous Miami offense.
BET MIAMI HURRICANES GAMES USING YOUR CREDIT CARD AND TO GET A GENEROUS SIGNUP BONUS AT BETUS
In the Hurricanes 3 losses on the year, Harris has thrown 3 touchdowns and 8 picks. When Miami holds onto the football they are very dangerous because they simply know how to move the football down the field. Harris has thrown 19 touchdowns with 16 interceptions on the season, but he has been much more impressive than some of those numbers may indicate. The Hurricanes have the ability to score quickly and often. Wide outs Leonard Hankerson and Travis Benjamin have been big contributors to the offenses success.
Hankerson leads the team with 34 catches for 609 yards and 4 scores. Benjamin the speedster is averaging 18 yards per catch with an additional 4 scores. The Duke pass defense has played pretty well this season, but this will likely be the best passing offense they have seen to date. Miami was able to rack up 49 points in last year's 49-31 scoring shootout and Harris was able to post career high 5 touchdowns in that contest. Expect the same type of similar high scoring affair as both passing offenses will provide some quick scores. Unless Duke can force a lot of turnovers like North Carolina, Miami should be the victor. However, the over total may be the safest play rather than the 17.5 point betting line.
Jay's Pick - I'm staying away from the points, and considering a play on the over.
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
