Duke vs. Northwestern Total Pick
Will Northwestern and Duke find themselves in a defensive battle when the two non-conference foes collide today at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Noon ET – Ryan Field
TV: ESPNU
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new College Football Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Northwestern is favored at home, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -3 points against Duke. The over/under total for the game is currently listed at 48.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 71 percent going on Northwestern at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Wildcats stay hot
Northwestern opened the season on the road against Purdue and picked up a big 31-27 win over the Boilermakers. The Wildcats were a 1-point underdog coming in and went over the 51-point total. Northwestern has won nine straight dating back to last season, and they have hit the over in two of their last three
The Wildcats never trailed at Purdue, establishing a 14-0 lead and a 31-17 edge before holding off Purdue late. The Wildcats were aided by creating three turnovers, as they allowed 472 yards to Purdue while amassing just 401 of their own on offense. Jeremy Larkin rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns to lead Northwestern in the win while Clayton Thorson threw for 172 yards on 16 of 26 passing.
Duke also rolling
The Duke football team started its season with a 34-14 win over Army at home on Friday night. They were a 14-point favorite against the Golden Knights and they went over the 46.5-point total in the victory. Duke has won four straight coming into today and they have hit the over in three of their last four.
Duke took a 17-0 lead into halftime against Army and then coasted in the second half. The Blue Devils weren’t overly dominant on either side of the ball. They had 381 yards of offense while giving up 365 yards on defense. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 197 yards and a touchdown on 13 of 17 passing. He also rushed for 43 yards and a score on 10 carries. Brittain Brown added 75 rushing yards on 11 carries.
College Football Betting Trends
Northwestern
Northwestern has hit the under in five of its last seven games against ACC opponents and is 37-13-1 with the under in its last 51 home games.
Duke
Duke has hit the under in five of its last six road games and in 11 of its last 14 games in September.
Prediction:
Duke lit up Northwestern at home last season, but I think this game is nothing like that. The three previous meetings between the two were all low scoring and didn’t go over 44 points. I expect a grinder today, as it is what Northwestern does best, especially at home. The Wildcats should be able to control the Duke offense while putting together some scoring drives. I like the under in this one.
College Football Prediction: Duke/Northwestern Under 48.5
Related: Duke vs Northwestern Spread Prediction