Paw Predictions: No. 2 Clemson vs. Duke
No. 2 Clemson will host Duke under the lights for the first time this season on Saturday, and the Tigers are currently a 27.5 point favorite over the Blue Devils. Our official prediction will come out later but you can see how the national media is viewing this game below.
The last time these two met:
What they said:
“Clemson is coming off its most sluggish offensive performance in over a month. Granted, Boston College has a formidable defense, and the cold, windy conditions in Chestnut Hill were not ideal for putting up big offensive numbers. But it will be interesting to see if that was a blip due to those factors or a sign of a trend that might continue. I’m guessing the former. It is supposed to be 60 degrees and clear in the South Carolina upstate on Saturday, and in the nice conditions Clemson will get rolling again. The Duke offensive line won’t be able to contain the all-world Clemson front, and Trevor Lawrence will connect with Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers on some big pass plays, which will open up gaps for Trvis Etienne and the other backs. Clemson wins easily over the banged-up Devils and then quickly shifts its focus to the guys from Columbia.”
Bleacher Report, 52-17 Clemson
What they said:
“Injuries have plagued Duke all year, and the latest is a season-ending injury to safety Dylan Singleton (ankle fracture). His absence will further deplete a unit that has allowed 10 touchdowns and nearly 1,100 yards on the ground over the last three games. Clemson running back Travis Etienne should have an enormous day.”
CBS Sports, Clemson covers 27.5
What they said:
“Clemson's defense is playing at such a high level right now it's hard to imagine Duke having much success running the ball or putting together long scoring drives. As long as Trevor Lawrence and the offense limit their mistakes, this should be a slow, plodding path to covertown with a final score around 35-3 or 42-10. Pick: Clemson -27.5”
College Football News, 38-14 Clemson
What they said:
“This is a dangerous game for Clemson if it doesn’t keep the swagger going.
The South Carolina game next week is the one the team will be fired up for, and this isn’t the final home game of the year, so it’s all about wanting to continue to try proving a point. At the moment, this defensive line is playing like it’s on a mission.
And Duke just happens to be in the way.”
Duke Chronicle, Clemson Unanimously
What they said:
“As Clemson’s senior class looks to cement itself in history with a conference-best 51st victory, I cannot imagine the Tigers not overwhelming a hobbled Blue Devil squad. With a ton of future first round NFL draft picks on its roster, Clemson will win easily, as its star-studded defensive line will be in Daniel Jones’ face the entire night.”
What they said:
“Joan Niesen picks Clemson: There’s no picking against the Tigers and Trevor Lawrence at this point, especially not at home against an inconsistent Duke team. Expect Clemson to keep putting up big points and pounding opponents on defense as a reminder that Alabama isn't already guaranteed a title.”
What they said:
“Since the scare against Syracuse, the Tigers have covered the spread in each of their last five wins, and those lines have been by 17.5 points or more. The Blue Devils haven't lost by more than 17 points this season. These teams haven't met since 2012. Clemson wins 40-14 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.”