ISD Game Predictions: Duke

It’s Friday again, and that means game prediction time!  The Irish are trying to rebound after a crushing loss last week.  Duke is certainly hot after a big win against Clemson to start the season, and brings an undefeated record and College Game Day to the Blue Devil campus.  Which team will come out on top?  

Mike Frank

This will be a frustrating game to watch for awhile.  I expect ND to struggle a bit to contain a talented QB, and to get off the field on third down at times.  

But the Irish leadership will push this team to a win.  It will be ugly at times, but ND will respond each time they’re challenged in this game and pull away late in the 3rd quarter.

Duke gives their best shot, but Notre Dame is just too talented to not take advantage of their physical superiority.  

ND’s run game leads them to eclipse 30 points again this weekend.  

Notre Dame 33, Duke 19

Jamie Uyeyama

I think the best thing for Notre Dame after a disappointing loss is to have a game like this after. This isn't a team that is sneaking up on them. The Irish are well aware that Duke is good. College Gameday wouldn't be there if they weren't. 

They've seen the film. They know Mike Elko has a good football team and the most critical part is that they won't beat themselves. If the Irish want to get a win on the road, they'll have to earn it.

I think that's exactly what they'll do. Riley Leonard will have some success running the football, but not when it matters most. With Duke forced to execute long drives, they'll end up settling for field goals against Notre Dame's defense.

I just don't think Duke's defense matches up that great with Notre Dame. They're fast and small and the linebackers are average at best. I see the Irish playing heavy and having a lot of success running the football. Audric Estime has over 150 yards and the Irish pull away in the second half.

Notre Dame 31, Duke 20

Greg Flammang

I’m more concerned about this game than I was a week ago. Not because Notre Dame lost to Ohio State, but the manner in which they approached the game. Not that it was wrong, but their style will lead to close games against teams like Duke, who also wants to brawl. And Notre Dame is likely down starting wide receiver Jayden Thomas. 

There is a huge chance Riley Leonard simply wills his team to victory. Whatever last week was for Notre Dame, it is this week for Duke. And the Blue Devils will suffer a similar fate. 

The better team will win because they are better. I don’t believe Notre Dame is an 8-4 caliber team, which is the path they’d be heading down if they lost this game. 

I like the Irish to take a close one, and save their season. 

Notre Dame 27, Duke 20

Christian McCollum

The Irish certainly come out ready to show they aren't going to let last week's finish beat them this week, but the Blue Devils show once again that they're more than formidible.

Notre Dame comes out hot on the arm of Sam Hartman and the legs of Jeremiyah Love, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, but the offense sputters for the rest of the half.

Meanwhile, the Duke offense doesn't get going until late in the first half, but quarterback Riley Leonard takes advantage of the stage to make a name for himself.

In the end, it's a team effort for the Irish who are able to control the clock - and the game - in the fourth quarter.

Notre Dame 28, Duke 20

Matt Freeman

Saturday night is no longer a trap game as it's now a must-win game for Notre Dame. Duke is a lot better than most think and the Blue Devils have earned respect with its win over Clemson. 

Mike Elko is one of the best minds in college football and a win would give Duke even more respect. That said, Notre Dame's defense matches up well, but they'll need to be locked in following an emotional game against Ohio State. Expect a heavy dose of Audric Estime as Clemson ran for 213 yards and 5.3 ypc. Notre Dame will also need to finish drives as they failed to do so against Ohio State and Duke made multiple red zone stops against Clemson to seal the deal. 

Notre Dame 27, Duke 21

Andrew Mentock

In the preseason, I had Notre Dame losing to Duke, but I think the key will be the Irish run game. The Blue Devils allow 3.8 yards per carry (65th out of 133 FBS teams) and gave up 179 yards on 28 carries to Clemson running backs Phil Mafah and Will Shipley behind an average offensive line.

The Irish run for 200+ yards on Saturday, Sam Hartman picks up a few big plays in the passing game and Notre Dame gets a much-needed bounce-back victory. 

Notre Dame 34, Duke 25