Northwestern Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils 9/16/23 – This NCAAF Week 3 matchup is an enthralling encounter between Northwestern Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils. Set for kickoff at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium at 3:30 PM ET on September 16th, 2023, and broadcast on ACCN, with starting quarterbacks Ben Bryant for Northwestern and Riley Leonard for Duke looking to make an early statement in 2023. This is your place for anyone wanting a comprehensive analysis of college football winning picks.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils
Date & Time: Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 3:30 PM ET
Location: Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium
TV: ACCN
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils 9/16/23 Betting Odds
| Moneyline | Spread | Total | |
| Northwestern | +660 | +18.5 (-112) | 48.5 over (-110) |
| Duke | -1000 | -18.5 (-108) | 48.5 under (-110) |
Northwestern Wildcats Analysis
The Northwestern Wildcats are guided by QB Ben Bryant, who has a 58.5% completion rate with 285 passing yards. His passer rating of 102.3 leaves room for improvement, especially when considering he’s been sacked 7 times already. The rushing game, led by Cam Porter, hasn’t been exceptional either. With 98 rushing yards over 23 attempts, Porter has yet to find the end zone this season. The same goes for their primary wide receiver, Cam Johnson, who also has yet to score. With a low-performing offense so far, the Wildcats need a significant improvement from these key players to stand a chance.
Duke Blue Devils Analysis
Duke’s offense seems to be in better shape. Quarterback Riley Leonard boasts a 64.4% completion rate with 311 passing yards and a passer rating of 129.8, showing promise in the pocket and ability to make plays. Running back Jordan Waters has been a revelation, racking up an impressive 175 rushing yards with a whopping 8 yards per carry. To top it off, he has already bagged 3 rushing touchdowns. Wide Receiver Jordan Moore has been equally effective, catching for 104 yards and a touchdown. With these weapons, Duke’s offense is showing multi-dimensional threats.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils Against the Spread
When diving deep into the betting trends, it becomes evident that the Northwestern Wildcats are on a streak that gamblers might find concerning. They have a dismal 7-13 Against The Spread (ATS) record in their last 20 games. Their straight-up (SU) record is equally worrying, having lost 12 of their last 13 matchups. Even when focusing on their head-to-head stats against Duke, the Wildcats have been unable to perform, going 1-4 ATS and SU in their last five meetings. This paints a picture of a team that has consistently underperformed in recent history, not only overall but also specifically against their upcoming opponent. Adding to their woes is the fact that they have lost their last 12 road games, which does not bode well for their chances this time around.
On the other side of the coin, Duke has shown a form that should inspire more confidence among bettors. The Blue Devils are 5-1 ATS in their last six games, and their straight-up record is impressive as well, going 7-1 in their last eight games. Even the totals indicate a potential low-scoring affair, with the UNDER hitting in 4 of Duke’s last 6 games and 4 of Northwestern’s last 6 games. Additionally, Duke holds a solid record at home, going 4-1 ATS in their last five home games. However, it’s worth noting that they are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Northwestern, indicating that the Wildcats could be a tricky opponent for them despite the odds. This blend of trends makes the game an intriguing prospect for bettors who are looking for more than just a straightforward pick.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils Free Pick
Based on the odds, recent trends, and key player statistics, here are the recommended picks for this matchup between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Duke Blue Devils.
Moneyline: Duke -1000
When it comes to the moneyline, Duke’s odds of -1000 are the more secure bet. Given their impressive 7-1 SU record in the last 8 games and strong offensive performance, Duke seems likely to walk away with the win.
Spread: Duke -18.5 (-108)
Looking at the spread, Duke is favored by -18.5 points, which might initially seem like a hefty margin. However, considering their recent form and Northwestern’s struggles, Duke has a good chance of covering that spread.
Total: 48.5 over (-110)
The total for the game is set at 48.5. Given that both teams have trends pointing to the UNDER in their recent games, it might seem tempting to go that route. However, Duke’s offensive capabilities, especially their strong rushing game, suggest that they could put up enough points to push this game to hit the OVER.
Prediction: 14-35 Duke Blue Devils win
While Northwestern has struggled both offensively and defensively, Duke seems poised to continue their early-season success. If you’re looking to get in on the action, especially if you’re interested in Canadian live betting, this could be a match worth your attention. Keep an eye out for in-game opportunities as well. Duke’s multi-faceted offense led by Leonard and Waters makes them the favorable pick in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
