Geoffrey Clark:
Between Ian Book getting used to new offensive weapons and Duke’s established players getting used to Chase Brice, I don’t see a lot of meaningful action. If the forecasted rain for South Bend comes to pass, that could compound things further. In this case, you have to go with the more established player in Book to determine the winner in what could be a close, low-scoring game.
Notre Dame 17 —Duke 14
Michael Chen is next up:
Michael Chen:
The season opener always is a tricky game to pick, especially at the collegiate level. There are so many unknowns before teams get settled in, each year is different than the last. The Irish have to replace every one of their skill position starters, Duke will have a quarterback transfer making his first career start in Chase Brice.
This is where recruiting and raw talent shows. The Blue Devils have some good individual talent with defensive linemen Chris Rumph II and Victor Dimukeje, but this just won’t be enough to seriously challenge the Irish.
The veteran offensive line will give quarterback Ian Book plenty of time to find new playmakers, while the defense led by linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and safety Kyle Hamilton, will bend but won’t break enough for the visitors.
Notre Dame 45 — Duke 17
Nick Shepkowski’s finishes it off:
Nick Shepkowski
This is going to be a special year for Notre Dame.
I’m not saying national championship or even College Football Playoff but this team is loaded with talent all over the field.
Notre Dame’s offensive line should be as about as good as there is in the nation this fall and gets the upper hand against Duke’s biggest strength – their defensive line.
Even with little experience at offensive skill positions Notre Dame holds the significant advantage while I’m excited to see what the Irish front seven can do against the Blue Devils.
I think even in a weird 2020 season this year having such high expectations for the Irish means a very fast start for them.
And remember, Duke may have shocked the world their last visit to Notre Dame but last years game was pure domination in Durham.
More of that Saturday…
Notre Dame 38 — Duke 13