Duke Blue Devils Aim To Overcome Leonard Injury, Cover Spread Against Virginia Cavaliers
The Duke Blue Devils are attempting to finish the regular season strongly after a tough double-overtime road loss against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Freshman quarterback
Game outlook
The Duke Blue Devils are attempting to finish the regular season strongly after a tough double-overtime road loss against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Freshman quarterback Grayson Loftis has stepped up in the wake of Riley Leonard's injury and performed decently. The Virginia Cavaliers are facing a three-game losing streak and their freshman QB Anthony Colandrea posted steady numbers in the passing and running games against the Louisville Cardinals last Thursday. The Duke Blue Devils are the betting favorite in this matchup, opening at -4 and currently sitting at -3.5.
Game Info
When: Saturday, 11/18/2023 @ 3:00pm EST
Where: David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium Stadium Betting Odds Moneyline: Blue Devils -182 | Cavaliers +155
Spread: Blue Devils -3.5 (-110) | Cavaliers +3.5 (-110)
Total: Over/Under 47 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Duke will win straight-up is 65%.
Duke Blue Devils
QB Riley Leonard (3-3 TD-INT ratio, 70.1 QBR, 1,102 passing yards) and RB Jordan Waters (12 rushing touchdowns, 677 rushing yards, 67.7 yards per game) are their two standout players. In their last game, the defense allowed 13-of-21 conversions on third/fourth down, although Henry Belin IV and Riley Leonard are both questionable for their next game with upper and toe injuries respectively. The Duke Blue Devils have had a strong season, boasting a 6-4 (5-5 ATS) record and a 40th power ranking. With a defense allowing an average of 15.67 points to be scored against them per game, they remain the third-best defensive team in their conference, with linebacker Tre Freeman leading the team in tackles (85) and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles having 3.0 sacks. On offense, Quarterback Riley Leonard (3-3 TD-INT ratio, 70.1 QBR, 1,102 passing yards) and Running back Jordan Waters (12 rushing touchdowns, 677 rushing yards, 67.7 yards per game) are the standout players, with Waters averaging 67.7 yards per game and scoring 12 total touchdowns. Despite their success, injuries have hampered the team with Quarterback Henry Belin IV and Riley Leonard both listed as questionable with upper and toe injuries respectively.