There are a few exciting games on paper this week, but the primetime meeting between Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Duke Blue Devils has a chance to be one of the best. The Blue Devils, which enter with a 4-0 record and their highest ranking in the AP Poll in nearly 30 years, will take the field as home underdogs.
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On the heels of an emotional, hard-fought football game against Ohio State one week ago that ended in a heartbreaking defeat for Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish find themselves preparing for what should be another tough one. Are they up for the challenge?
The series history says yes — Notre Dame has won five of the seven all-time matchups with Duke, although the Blue Devils did win in South Bend in 2016. This Duke team isn’t like many before it though. Notre Dame will face a rowdy atmosphere that did in Clemson in the season opener.
Notre Dame is more than a brand name this season. The Fighting Irish have an actual on-field product this year, and even one week removed from a disappointing finish, Marcus Freeman’s team is expected to take care of business this Saturday.
Quarterback Sam Hartman is doing an admirable job thus far in his first season in South Bend. He has thrown 14 touchdowns and still doesn’t have an interception. Meanwhile, the nation’s leading rusher, Audric Estime, is as tough to slow down as any back in college football.
However, let’s not make the mistake of writing off this Duke team. It has done nothing but impress all season long, starting with a statement made in the season opener vs. Clemson when the defense held the Tigers in check in a 28-7 victory. That unit hasn’t let up more than 14 points to any opponent yet.
If Duke’s offense finds itself needing to keep up with Notre Dame, they’re well-equipped to do so. Quarterback Riley Leonard has the talent to play at the next level and a strong showing against this opponent and on this stage could be what propels both himself and the Duke program in the national spotlight.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for College Football tickets? Find them here.
What is the spread for Notre Dame at Duke?
Expert picks against the spread
How to watch and stream Notre Dame at Duke
Duke-Notre Dame is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. The game will air on ABC and be streamed on the ESPN app.
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Pregame reading
Is Notre Dame football’s sky falling? Are we confident in Freeman? How to view Irish 5 games in
What we learned in CFB Week 4: Crowded CFP chase, Duke in demand, Marcus Freeman’s mistake
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(Photo of Audric Estime: Joseph Weiser / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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