Game Preview
The Duke Blue Devils host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a prime-time game, and they’re 4-0 and ranked 17th in the AP poll. After a strong start, Notre Dame was defeated by Ohio State in a low-scoring, physical game played at Ohio State’s home stadium.
With 14 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and 2 rushing scores for the Fighting Irish, Sam Hartman has put himself in the Heisman Trophy discussion after transferring from Wake Forest. Hartman will need to get back on track quickly against an underrated Duke defense after throwing a touchdown pass and not turning the ball over against the Buckeyes.
A closer look reveals that the Blue Devils are fourth in fewest points allowed to opponents this season at 8.8 per game. Including a 28-7 home victory over Clemson in Week 1, they have won three straight games by at least 30 points. Their opponents have included Northwestern and UConn.
Duke’s preferred method of victory is to prevail in the trenches and take control of the line of scrimmage. With second-year head coach Mike Elko at the helm, the Blue Devils have won every game this year. Against Northwestern, they piled up five rushing touchdowns on 40 carries for a 6.7 YPC average.
Riley Leonard, Duke’s starting quarterback, has proven himself to be a capable passer despite having thrown only one touchdown pass. Duke’s run-heavy offensive scheme benefits from Leonard’s speed and agility, as evidenced by his four rushing touchdowns, the most impressive of which came in Week 1 against Clemson, when he evaded several tacklers on his way to a touchdown after he had already beaten them to the punch.
Despite the fact that the Irish’s quarterback is more productive, the Irish’s offensive line is among the finest in college football. Duke’s first concern will be preventing Notre Dame’s Audric Estime from breaking off big plays on the ground.
The matchup between Hartman and Duke’s secondary will be crucial. The Blue Devils have recorded four interceptions and four fumble recoveries through eight games, while he has yet to throw an interception. It seems possible that one team will get out to an early lead in this game, with the score remaining relatively stable as the two sides trade scoring opportunities.
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Notre Dame vs Duke Game Information
- Date: 09/30/2023
- Time: 07:30 PM ET
- Location: Wallace Wade Stadium.
- How to Watch Notre Dame vs Duke: ESPN
- Live Stream: fubo.tv
