The Duke Blue Devils host the Northwestern Wildcats in a matchup of unbeaten teams. We review the angles below in the Northwestern vs. Duke prediction and game preview.

Northwestern vs. Duke Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 12:30 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

No. 23 Northwestern travels to Duke in one of five Big Ten-ACC pairings this weekend. Both schools are 2-0, so this game could serve as a launching point for the winner. The Wildcats have already silenced then-ranked Stanford in one of the biggest surprises of the month so far. For the Blue Devils, who’ve feasted on Tulane and N.C. Central, this game with Northwestern represents their chance to pick up a first quality win of 2015.

Why Northwestern Will Win

The defense has been outstanding, and figures to stay there throughout the fall. The Wildcats have been developed in head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s image—tough, indefatigable and fundamentally sound. Spearheaded by LB Anthony Walker, Northwestern has yet to allow a touchdown through eight quarters. And the D has been a brick wall on third downs.

Why Duke Will Win

The Wildcats have just one dimension on offense, RB Justin Jackson, a situation that won’t change this weekend. QB Clayton Thorson won’t have any success throwing into the teeth of a very good Blue Devil secondary. Duke, though, can bank on more production from the passing game now that Thomas Sirk is at the controls. Sirk leads the team in rushing, yet has also thrown five touchdown passes and no interceptions.

Player Who Matters

This is one of those that games that Duke might really miss LB Kelby Brown, whose college career was cut short by knee injuries. The Blue Devils are a little less dynamic on the second level, a concern when Jackson is handling the ball. The staff will lean on the safety trio of Jeremy Cash, DeVon Edwards and Deondre Singleton to step up and seal off lanes on Jackson.

What’s Going To Happen?

This is a legitimate toss-up game that could go in either direction. Take the team with the better quarterback and home-field advantage. Sirk gives the Blue Devils the slightest of edges against a Northwestern D that’s the real deal. The quarterback will put Duke on his shoulders, if needed, grinding out a victory to make its own statement for Top 25 consideration.

Northwestern vs. Duke Score Prediction

Final: Duke 24, Northwestern 20, Line: Duke -3.5, o/u: 49

Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 2.5

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