Notre Dame Football vs. Duke Score Predictions

Here’s how some of our writers see the Notre Dame football game against Duke shaking out tonight.

Notre Dame football will play another road night game tonight as they face the Duke Blue Devils. Here’s how our staff sees the game unfolding.

Carlee North

Notre Dame gained some momentum after last week’s come from behind victory at home. With two starters now down on the offensive line, I’m still not sure what offense will show up for the Irish. I can’t imagine the run game being any better than the last few outings, so I’d expect this game to be in Book’s hands again. The defense should hold Duke down majority of the game and limit any big plays.
But if Ian Book and the offense come out sharp and he’s firing it around with authority and confidence the Irish should pull away on the road against an average Duke team. To an extent I think that’s what ends up happening Saturday night, with the Irish winning 34-23 and moving on to the next one at 7-2.

Connor McJunkin

I wasn’t very confident ND would bounce back big last week, and they certainly didn’t. I still can’t find myself having any confidence that this offense can stay consistent, although I do think Book might play slightly better after last week’s game-winning touchdown drive. Some shuffling along the o-line could be a bigger storyline that many aren’t talking about. As long as the defense plays well, Notre Dame should pull away later than most might like. Irish get it done 30-17.

Jack Leniart

Predicting a final score for this game has proven to be difficult. Notre Dame has not looked great the past two weeks. Coincidentally, neither has Duke. The spread for this game has hung around a touchdown in favor of the Irish. If I was a betting man, I would probably take Duke and the points. Notre Dame has scored a total of 31 points in their last two road games, which leads me to believe this will be a one-possession game. Coming off of a bye week, I expect Duke to play well. However, I think the Notre Dame defense will come up with a couple more key stops and turnovers. Notre Dame 27, Duke 20.

Mason Plummer

Notre Dame battles it out in another close game but comes away with the win. Chase Claypool and Cole Kmet continue to lead the offense and bounce back games for Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem give ND the ‘W’. Don’t be surprised if Duke comes out and takes an early lead, Notre Dame + primetime + away from home = bad things. 30-23, Notre Dame.

Matt Clark

Ian Book’s struggles continue in the pass game and the Irish offensive line fails to get a push in the run game, leading to another stagnant offensive performance. The Notre Dame defense steps up and makes the difference in the game against a lesser Duke opponent. A clutch Chase Claypool touchdown reception is the difference in the score. Notre Dame is victorious 27-24.

Nathan Erbach

Don’t ask me why I’m predicting a blowout of sorts, because I don’t have a legitimate answer. However, Notre Dame is the better football time by a long shot and two weeks removed from the Michigan debacle and the last minute heroics vs. VT should give this team some more joy/confidence. I hate road night games, but I think the defense plays to its usual standards and the offense picks up the pace a bit. Duke also turns the ball over 2+ times per game, which should work in ND’s favor on the road. Notre Dame 36-17.

J.P. Scott

I have zero respect for the Duke passing attack, and I don’t think Brian Kelly and his staff do, either. Look for the Irish to load up the box and force Duke to beat the Irish through the air. They won’t be able to move the ball consistently. When the Irish have the ball, look for an heavy dose of Jafar Armstrong in the passing attack along with a concerted effort to get Braden Lenzy more touches. I see big plays aplenty for the Notre Dame offense tonight. Irish roll, 48-13.