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Virginia Cavaliers at Duke Blue Devils
Line: Duke by 2.5
Welcome to a match-up between two ACC teams known for not playing football but now among the best in the conference. Virginia has played very well this year under Mike London, particularly on defense, and that has to be the key in this game. Duke is obviously a well-coached team that won’t make too many mistakes, so Virginia has to focus on playing straight-up defense. They won’t be able to force a bunch of turnovers to win. On offense, Kevin Parks needs to be the focus. London will want to run the ball heavily, move the chains, and have efficient passing from whomever is starting at quarterback. Limiting turnovers gives them a chance.
Duke, meanwhile, got back on track with a huge win against Georgia Tech last week. That win had to be a huge confidence-boost as well because the Yellow Jackets had been a tough team to beat for a while. Like Virginia, the Blue Devils need to focus more on a heavy rushing attack. Shaun Wilson and Josh Snead have both shown they can lead their teams to victory, but it was Snead, the senior, who came through in the biggest win of the year last week. Cutcliffe should know to focus on those two backs, and Anthony Boone is going to have to still make plays at quarterback when called upon, which he has proven that he is more than capable of doing.
Prediction
Duke is back on a roll, and they’re not going to slip up here. Virginia deserves credit for what they’ve done so far, and they are certainly a very good team, but it won’t show on Saturday. The Blue Devils move the ball and have a better rushing attack, and the Cavaliers will have a couple of turnovers.
Duke: 27 Virginia: 17