Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Duke
By Chase Eyrich
Duke rushes for 200+ yards
It’s been the trend all season. Duke is amongst the handful of teams that will face the Irish with an extra week of preparation thanks to a helpful bye.
This sets up the Blue Devils well to create a game plan centered around their strengths — not that running necessarily is one of those. Duke is averaging just 166 yards rushing per game.
Their strength comes from having a dual-threat quarterback that can change the dynamic of the game.
If there is anyone who knows the system and what is expected out of it, it’s Quentin Harris. In his fifth season with the Blue Devils, he has already racked up 1,500 passing yards and has made his presence known on the ground with over 400 rushing yards.
Twice this season he has been able to post 100-yard rushing games, which also happened to be his two most consistent passing games as well.
This is where the extra week of preparation is going to become a heavy advantage for the Blue Devils.
Finding passing gaps are what will kill Notre Dame with Duke having a dual-threat quarterback like Harris.
Duke will be able to find the tendencies that Notre Dame’s defense has struggled with this season and likely expose them. Harris can make reads by either running or using his running ability.
If Harris is able to do this and utilize his receivers just enough on short passes, he can then go to Duke’s next option, Deon Jackson.
Jackson is the top running back with 487 yards on 124 attempts.