Duke and Northwestern enter Week 2 at 1-0, but only one will leave 2-0. In a battle between two of the best academic institutions in the ACC and Big Ten, respectively, who will emerge victorious?
Here are the latest college football betting odds and a final prediction for Duke vs. Northwestern ahead of the Friday clash.
Northwestern vs. Duke Betting Preview
All Duke vs. Northwestern odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Sept. 6.
- Spread
Northwestern -1.5 - Moneyline
Northwestern -125, Duke +105 - Over/Under
37.5 points - Game time
9:00 p.m. ET - Location
Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium, Evanston, Ill. - Predicted Weather at Kick
60 degrees, 15 mph winds, partly cloudy with showers - How to Watch
FS1
The Blue Devils narrowly failed to cover against Elon last week, winning 26-3 with a spread of 24.5. Meanwhile, the Wildcats defeated Miami-Ohio, 13-6, covering their 3.5-point spread.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Neither game was very impressive, and the total for this contest has already dropped a couple of points since the opening.
Prediction for Northwestern vs. Duke
Maalik Murphy may have the more talented arm, but Mike Wright is the most athletic of the duo. He took nine carries for 65 yards and a score last week, showcasing the dual-threat ability that helped him earn the starting job.
However, with Northwestern playing at its practice stadium by the water while Ryan Field gets renovated, the wind could make it difficult for both teams to move the ball through the air, like it did in Week 1.
That said, Murphy has the arm and playmakers to make it work, especially in Duke’s Air Raid attack. Wright and the ground game got going vs. Miami, but they could struggle against a Power Four defensive line.
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The Wildcats have lost five straight games to the Blue Devils dating back to 2017. In those matchups, Duke has won by an average of more than two touchdowns, including a 38-14 romp last season.
College Football Network placed Duke at No. 72 on the 2024 Power Rankings, with Northwestern coming in at No. 112. Although it will be more of a slogfest in Week 2, the Blue Devils should be able to knock off the Wildcats on the road.
Prediction: Duke 20, Northwestern 17
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