Duke vs. Louisville Prediction, Pick, Odds: With Riley Leonard Hurt, Duke's Run Game Will Struggle
The Louisville Cardinals will come off a bye week and face the Duke Blue Devils this Saturday. Duke's Riley Leonard is hurt so their run game will struggle this week. Jason Radowitz breaks down this ACC game.
Jason Radowitz - October 23, 2023, 10:25 AM EDT
5 minDuke vs. Louisville Prediction, Pick, Odds: With Riley Leonard Hurt, Duke's Run Game Will Struggle
The Louisville Cardinals will come off a bye week looking to get back on track in ACC play. Louisville's most recent loss came against Pittsburgh, where the Cardinals lost 38-21 on the road for their first loss of the season.
The Cardinals began the season 6-0, which included an iconic home win against Notre Dame. But with some injuries, weird weather, and an overall poor performance, Louisville dropped a game they should've never lost.
Meanwhile, they'll take on a Duke Blue Devils team that is 5-2 in the ACC. Duke, like Louisville, is in the AP Top 25. However, Duke just lost to Florida State, 38-20, and took its second loss in three games.
The Blue Devils are not healthy at the quarterback position. How bad will that hurt them on Saturday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's ACC matchup between the Duke Blue Devils vs. Louisville Cardinals.
Duke vs. Louisville Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: October 28, 2023
- Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Duke vs. Louisville Odds
- Spread: Duke +4 (-110), Louisville -4 (-110)
- Total Odds: Over 47 (-110), Under 47 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Duke (+155), Louisville (-185)
Duke vs. Louisville Injury Report
Duke
Questionable: TE Nicky Dalmolin (Undisclosed), QB Riley Leonard (Ankle)
Out: WR Eli Pancol (Lower Body)
Louisville
Out: RB Jawhar Jordan (Undisclosed)
Duke vs. Louisville Prediction
The Duke Blue Devils are coming off a road loss to No. 4 Florida State. Star quarterback Riley Leonard played despite his high ankle sprain that was sustained three weeks prior against Notre Dame.
He only ran the ball once and reaggravated his ankle sprain in the second half. Once he reinjured his ankle, Leonard never came back in the game.
Leonard said he wanted to get back in there, but it was in Duke's best interests to keep him out and allow him to heal.
The Duke quarterback isn't the most accurate quarterback. He makes more plays on the ground. Against Florida State, he went 7-for-16 for 69 yards and an interception. He also ran the ball once for 13 yards.
Prior to that game, Leonard has rushed 47 times in the other five games. But his ankle wasn't 100%.
The Blue Devils got Henry Belin IV some reps over the last couple of weeks. But nor he or Leonard are super accurate. The Blue Devils need Leonard's legs and those won't be at full strength with that ankle injury for this game.
Meanwhile, Louisville has held teams to 220.7 yards in the air and just 97.1 yards on the ground. They've been dominant against the run and will force Duke to throw the football.
The Blue Devils have earned only 173.3 yards per game this season. With Belin IV, that passing game would be even worse.
On the other hand, Louisville's averaged 462 yards per game on offense. It's just that Jack Plummer has thrown eight interceptions in seven games. He's a veteran quarterback, with 13 touchdowns and 1,901 yards passing. But he's got to make better decisions and put the defense in better situations moving forward.
Jawhar Jordan was also injured and barely played for Louisville against Pittsburgh. He's added 661 yards rushing on 89 carries for eight touchdowns. After a bye week, one of the best ACC rushers should return to normal form against Duke.
The Blue Devils are dominant in coverage. But they've also allowed 136.4 yards per game on the ground.
Once Louisville dictates the run game, they'll move the ball well offensively. Meanwhile, if Duke can't run the football, the Blue Devils will be toast.
Back Louisville at -4.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Louisville Cardinals Pick
- PICK: Louisville -4 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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