Duke Blue Devils vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Sparked by sophomore quarterback Justin Thomas and senior running Zack Laskey, the 22nd ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets look for an 11th straight win over a Duke Blue Devils squad that travels to Bobby Dodd Stadium having sputtered on both sides of the ball in the last two weeks.
Georgia Tech averages 297 yards per game on the ground, which could pose a serious issue for the Duke defense, which has allowed 212 yards per game in their last two contests. A Yellow Jackets win could give them a clear path to remain undefeated leading into a November 1 date against Virginia, which, like Georgia Tech, is 2-0 in the ACC Coastal division.
Details for Saturday’s game are below:
Date: October 11
Start Time: 12:30 pm, Eastern
Location: Atlanta, GA
Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium
TV Info: ESPN3, ESPN Gameplan
Live Stream: WatchESPN.com
Radio: Duke: Blue Devil IMG Sports Network; Georgia Tech: Ramblinwreck.com
Ticket information: For Georgia Tech ticket info click here. For Duke ticket info click here.
Keys to Victory
Yes, the Yellow Jackets can run the ball, but the Blue Devils get too focused on defending the run, Thomas will go up top to wide receiver DeAndre Smelter, who has caught 14 passes for 339 yards and four touchdowns. Duke, which is ranked 25th in the nation in running the ball, had no idea who their lead back would be heading into fall practice, but true freshman Shun Wilson outplayed everyone and earned the starting job. He has gone beyond expectations, as Wilson averages 12.1 yards per carry while leading the Blue Devils with 435 yards and four touchdowns.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Georgia Tech, -3
Moneyline: Duke +158, Georgia Tech -179
O/U: 58
Prediction
Plain and simple, Duke has to hold on to the ball, as the Blue Devils have committed five turnovers in the last two games. They can also ill afford to fall behind early, because it plays right into the hands of Georgia Tech’s ball control attack and a defense that has been smothering in ACC wins over Virginia Tech and Miami (Fla.). This looks like a game where Thomas and his option wizardry will weave enough magic to keep the Yellowjackets undefeated.
Final Score: Georgia Tech: 23, Duke: 13