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Northwestern football aims to keep momentum going vs. Duke

By Dana Becker

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats passes against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats passes against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Both Duke and Northwestern football are quickly becoming more than just academic schools as they enter Week 2 following victories last weekend.

The Wildcats scored a key Big Ten triumph over Purdue on the road, improving to a perfect 9-0 over their last nine games dating back to last season. The Blue Devils, meanwhile, scored 30-plus points for the fourth consecutive time — all wins — in a victory over Army.

Now, someone will lose their “0” when the two collide in Evanston, Ill., this week.

Northwestern showed it is a capable team even with all-conference quarterback Clayton Thorson injured. Thorson started, completing 16-of-26 for 172 yards, but T.J. Green — the son of former NFL standout Trent Green — was more than ready to play, completing 7-of-11 passes for 63 yards.

They also replaced Justin Jackson with Jeremy Larkin, as he racked up 143 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns.

In the win for Duke, Daniel Jones was 13-for-17 passing for 197 yards and a score, hitting Aaron Young four times for 114 yards and the touchdown. The Blue Devils also received a strong game from Brittain Brown, as he had 75 yards rushing and a score.

Here’s how you can watch Duke at Northwestern on Saturday:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 8
Time: Noon ET
Location: Evanston, Ill.
Venue: Ryan Field
TV: ESPNU
Live Stream: WatchESPN or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

For as capable of a fill-in as Green was, the Northwestern offense looked much more potent with Thorson at the controls. If the future NFL draftee is ready to go for four quarters, the Blue Devils will be in trouble.

Mix in a healthy dose of Larkin out of the backfield, and Northwestern shouldn’t have any troubles stretching that win streak to an incredible 10 games in a row.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of OddsShark

Point Spread: Northwestern -3
Over/Under: 48.5

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Prediction

Thorson, Larkin and Flynn Nagel should all have little trouble exposing the Duke defense which allowed 365 yards last week to Army. And after having issues with Purdue in Week 1, the Wildcats should show improvement on defense this week.

Final Score: Northwestern 24, Duke 20

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