History will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2020, as #10 Notre Dame (0-0) will begin their first season as a member of the ACC when they host the Duke Blue Devils (0-0). Notre Dame joined the ACC full time for this season only and are eligible for the ACC Championship game. Duke was picked to finish 12th in the ACC and Notre Dame was predicted to finish in second place, right behind the Clemson Tigers. This game will air live on NBC at 2:30 p.m. EST.
The Duke Blue Devils suffered through a tough 2019 that saw them finish 5-7 overall with some big blowouts taking place. Duke did not lose to any bad teams, but they lost by double digits in five of those seven losses. The Blue Devils did have a nice win at Virginia Tech. Picked to finish fifth in the ACC Coastal division, Duke ultimately finished in sixth.
Notre Dame had a nice 2019 that saw the Fighting Irish finish 11-2 and a Camping World Bowl win. The Fighting Irish beat #18 Virginia and #23 Navy, but did lose to #3 Georgia and #19 Michigan, both on the road. Notre Dame will look to get back to the College Football Playoff in 2020.
Below is my pick for Duke at #10 Notre Dame. All lines are from the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Duke Blue Devils at #10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-20.5): O/U 53.5 (-110/-110)
Duke will be returning some offensive guys at the skill positions, but all will need to step up if the Blue Devils want to get back to their winning ways. QB Chase Brice will lead the offense with help from TE Noah Gray, RB Deon Jackson, and WR Jalon Calhoun. On defense, Duke will be led by DE Victor Dimukeje. Safety Marquis Waters and LB Shaka Heyward also return to sure up each level of the defense.
Notre Dame returns QB Ian Book and a strong offensive line featuring OT’s Liam Eichenberg and Robert Hainsey plus interior lineman Tommy Kraemer and Jarrett Patterson. Someone in the skill positions will need to step up for the Fighting Irish. On defense, Notre Dame returns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, safety Kyle Hamilton, and LB Drew White.
Series History: These two teams have met six times in the past and Notre Dame holds a 4-2 advantage. Notre Dame won the meeting last season 38-7.
Free Football Picks: I am going to take Notre Dame -20.5 on Saturday.
2019 CFB Picks Results: 94-73-2