#4 Florida State vs. #16 Duke Game Preview and Predictions

Duke’s Resilience:

Duke's season commenced on a high note with four consecutive blowout wins, showcasing a balanced team that can both score and stymie opponents. However, they met their match against Notre Dame, suffering a narrow 21-14 defeat. Despite this hiccup, the Blue Devils bounced back with a convincing 24-3 win against NC State, even without their starting QB Riley Leonard due to injury. Backup QB Henry Belin stepped up, throwing for two scores, while Jordan Waters and Jalon Calhoun contributed significantly to the win​.

Florida State’s Offensive Juggernaut:

On the other end, Florida State has been nothing short of impressive. Their offense, led by QB Jordan Travis, has been firing on all cylinders, ranking 6th among FBS teams for points per game. The Seminoles have triumphed in close encounters and blowout games alike, as seen in their recent 41-3 trouncing of Syracuse. The versatility of their offense, with multiple players capable of scoring, makes them a formidable foe​.

Key Matchups:

The battle between Duke's 4th ranked defense against FSU's high-octane offense is the one to watch. Additionally, how Duke's offense fares against FSU's defense, which has been overshadowed by their offense, could be a defining factor in the game.

Prediction: FSU 31, Duke 24

Bet to Take: Duke +14

With Duke's ability to cover the spread, especially against conference foes, and FSU's offensive prowess, this ACC clash is gearing up to be a nail-biter. It's not just about the win or loss; it's about making a statement in a conference where every game counts.