The Miami Hurricanes are riding high as the ACC’s last undefeated team, a top-five national ranking, and a clear path to the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, the Duke Blue Devils enter with a respectable record but are in a difficult spot, aiming to avoid falling below .500 in ACC play. For Miami, this game represents another step toward an undefeated season and a shot at their first ever ACC Championship and clinching one of the 12 playoff spots.
Key Matchup: Coaching Connections The matchup between Miami’s Mario Cristobal and Duke’s Manny Diaz holds personal weight. Diaz, who previously led the Hurricanes, was replaced by Cristobal in December 2021. Since taking over, Cristobal has rebuilt Miami into a powerhouse, achieving a 20-13 record. Diaz, now in his first year with Duke, has a promising start with a 6-2 record. Expect intense play from both teams, with each coach motivated to showcase their growth since their Miami tenures.
Miami’s Players to Watch
Cam Ward (QB): Ward, Miami’s Heisman-hopeful quarterback, is the catalyst behind Miami’s ACC-best offense, averaging an astounding 48.4 points per game and 560.8 yards per contest. Ward’s numbers speak for themselves: a 68% completion rate, 343.3 passing yards per game, 24 touchdown passes, and only five interceptions. Ward’s efficiency and explosive playmaking continue to fuel the Hurricanes’ success.
Damien Martinez (RB): Junior running back Damien Martinez is coming off a fantastic game against Florida State, where he rushed for 148 yards, scoring twice with a 9.9-yard average per carry. His powerful running game adds balance to Miami’s high-octane offense, making him a critical component in the Hurricanes’ offensive scheme especially as we enter the second half of the season. Martinez is starting to find his rythym , totaling 237 yards, three touchdowns and an 8.65 YPC in his last two games against Lousiville and FSU. For the season Martinez has already found the end zone eight times and is set to become the first Canes running back to rush for at least ten touchdowns since Cam’Ron Harris in the 2020 season.
Isaiah Horton (WR): Horton has quietly put together an impressive season, with 477 yards and four touchdowns. He has emerged as a consistent target for Ward, particularly in recent weeks as those four touchdowns have come in the last five weeks. Look for Horton to extend his streak of touchdowns as he continues to secure his spot as a reliable receiver in Miami’s passing game.
Duke’s Players to Watch
Star Thomas (RB): Duke’s ground game is largely reliant on Thomas, who has racked up 681 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His ability to grind out yards will be essential if Duke hopes to control the tempo and keep Miami’s offense off the field.
Eli Pancol (WR): With senior receiver Jordan Moore nursing an injury, Pancol has become Duke’s top target. After posting 138 yards and a touchdown against SMU, Pancol will be counted on to make big plays in the passing game to keep Duke competitive.
Miami enters the week as the nation’s top-scoring offense in large part because of their dynamic playmakers and Ward’s elite leadership. Their scoring ability paired with a disciplined “1-0” mindset, ensures that they approach each game with laser focus, avoiding the trap of overlooking any opponent. On the other hand, Duke’s defense, while effective when limiting opponents to 21 points or fewer, has struggled when opponents exceed that threshold, going 10-39 when giving up more than three touchdowns.
Miami’s combination of elite offense, led by Ward, and consistent performance week in and week out make them heavy favorites. Duke, coming off a tough overtime loss to SMU, will bring intensity, but Miami’s talent and focus should carry the day as they aim to extend their undefeated season.
Final Score Prediction:
Miami: 41
Duke: 17
Matchup Details:
Duke Blue Devils (6-2, 2-2 ACC) at Miami Hurricanes (8-0, 4-0 ACC)
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Saturday, Nov. 2
12 p.m. ET
ABC
Series Record: Miami leads 15-5
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