Duke coach David Cutcliffe is looking to get his team to 3-1 this season when it takes on Memphis Saturday. (US Presswire) |
Memphis (0-3, 0-0 Conference USA) at Duke (2-1, 0-0 ACC)
Kickoff: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
Spread: Duke by 23.
Watchability: This one could be tough to watch. Memphis has been one of the worst FBS teams in the country the last few years. The Tigers did keep it within single digits against Tennessee-Martin (20-17) and Arkansas State (33-28), but Duke should comfortably make it to 3-1 on the year.
Shining Stars: Duke: WR Conner Vernon has caught at least one pass in 38 straight games, the longest streak in the nation. On the year, Vernon has 21 receptions for 280 yards and a touchdown. Memphis: QB Jacob Karam is in his first year at Memphis after transferring in from Texas Tech. He has thrown for 636 yards with five touchdowns and just one interception this year.
Who could steal the show: Duke: CB Ross Cockrell leads the country with nine passes defended this season. He also is tied for fourth nationally with three interceptions. Cockrell returned an interception for a touchdown last week against North Carolina Central. Memphis: WR Marcus Rucker had 10 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 48-30 loss to Middle Tennessee. He only had five receptions in the first two games.
You going? Ranking the road trip: The Blue Devils have a special ticket offer this weekend that includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four fountain sodas all for $60. Who can turn that down?
Magic number for Duke: 64.1. Duke QB Sean Renfree has the top completion percentage in program history at 64.1 percent. Renfree will be going against a pass defense in Memphis that gives up 264 yards per game.
Magic number for Memphis: 5. Since the start of the 2009 season, Memphis has won five games compared to 34 losses. The Tigers are in the first year of coach Justin Fuente’s tenure, and he has his work cut out for him to get the program ready for Big East play next year.
The game comes down to: Whether Duke comes to play on defense. The Blue Devils will be able to put up points, but Memphis has scored at least 28 points in each of the last two weeks. If Duke's defense plays well, it should roll.
Prediction: Duke 41, Memphis 20
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.