Duke vs Lafayette football first look: Odds, key matchup and Blue Devils player to watch
Holding a national ranking loftier than any it has been assigned in nine years, the No. 21 Duke Blue Devils face a calendar challenge this week.
Duke blasted Clemson, 28-7, on Monday night at Wallace Wade Stadium. Now the Blue Devils must turn around quickly to play again on Saturday, this time against Lafayette from the Patriot League.
After collecting the program’s first win over a top-10 ranked opponent, the players took Tuesday off as the NCAA’s mandated day off. They’ll hold light practices Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the Leopards (1-0).
Lafayette, located in Easton, Pennsylvania, won its season opener on Saturday, beating Sacred Heart, 19-14, in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Duke player to watch: LB Dorian Mausi
On an otherwise stellar night against Clemson, Dorian Mausi contributed to the fun with a fourth-quarter interception. Other than that play, though, Mausi and Duke’s linebackers turned in an overall mediocre night. According to Pro Football Focus analysis, Mausi had three tackles but missed two others while playing 61 snaps. His final rating for the game was 55.0.
Compare that rating to those of safety Jaylen Stinson (72.7) and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (72.2). They were Duke’s top-rated defenders.
So Mausi and the linebacker corps have improving to do. Lafayette should provide an opportunity.
Key matchup: Duke O-line vs. Lafayette front
Duke coach Mike Elko had some concern entering the Clemson game about his offensive front’s depth. The group played well enough to get the Blue Devils an upset but there’s room for improvement.
Starting guards Justin Pickett and Maurice McIntyre were less than 100% healthy entering the season. But the Blue Devils performed well against the Clemson, with Pickett and McIntyre slipping repetitions at left guard. Jacob Monk slid from center to right guard with Scott Elliott, a graduate transfer from Harvard, starting at center and playing effectively.
Duke had four pre-snap penalties on offense, with right tackle Jake Hornibrook picking up one of the false start calls. This is a chance for the Blue Devils to clean it up.
Vegas betting odds
No line has been set for this game by major U.S. sports books.
Lafayette at Duke game and TV info
Who: Lafayette Leopards (1-0) vs. Duke (1-0)
Where: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham
When: 6 p.m., Saturday
TV: ACC Network Extra (streaming only)
Stream: ESPN+
This story was originally published September 6, 2023 at 7:00 AM.