Time for the prediction thread?
- Thread starter rmndcat
- Start date
It's an impossible game to predict.
Duke has won 25 games over the past 3 years, but they had a lot of guys graduate last year.
Cutcliffe is one of the best coaches in the country and they are at home so I understand pessimism, but wins against Tulane and an FCS school don't provide much in terms of evidence.
Duke has won 25 games over the past 3 years, but they had a lot of guys graduate last year.
Cutcliffe is one of the best coaches in the country and they are at home so I understand pessimism, but wins against Tulane and an FCS school don't provide much in terms of evidence.
That's a pretty reasonable guess, Glide. Should be a helluva game; probably coming down to the last possession or two.
Defense ... Defense ... Defense.
Cats struggle at times on offense, but flex their defensive muscle and exit Durham with a 20-16 win.
GOUNUII
This is a statement game that the Stanford victory wasn't a fluke. Fitz, and I think the team, put extra emphasis on the academic comparables. I believe we will have success in the running game, control the clock, and the defense will be dominant. NU 24 - Duke 9.
I think they score to make it 9-6, then go for 2 because Cutliffe channels Ron Zook.
Seriously, it's my whimsical way of saying I expect a close, low-scoring game.
NU 27, Duke 23.
Pick 6 and crucial 3rd down stops that force Duke FGs is the difference for NU. Go 'Cats!
Pick 6 and crucial 3rd down stops that force Duke FGs is the difference for NU. Go 'Cats!
I don't think it will be an ugly win, but it may be an ugly loss. If NU wins it will not be ugly.
My definition of an "ugly" win is a win in which we have more points but the opponent has more total yards. My guesses:
Points: NU
Total Yards: Duke
Passing Yards: Duke
Rushing yards: NU
Time of Possession: NU
Turnovers: Duke (NU turns the ball over twice - both interceptions- and Duke turns the ball over once - also an interception)
Duke lights it up in the first quarter as our secondary adjusts to the speed of the WRs and then generates sporadic passing offense between the 20s but gets bogged down when the field compresses toward the red zone. Our offense looks awful in the first half but begins to wear Duke down in the second half and takes the lead in the fourth quarter and then holds on.
As in the Stanford game, it will become apparent early that the Cats are better than Duke. The score will appear closer than it actually is. 16-7.