How to watch or stream Duke football game vs. UConn on Saturday
In a fast start that has brought its highest national ranking in 29 years, Duke has won its first three games with an old-fashioned brand of football.
Entering Saturday’s game at winless Connecticut, the Blue Devils are tied for the lead among all Football Bowl Subdivision teams with 12 rushing touchdowns. They are No. 6 nationally in rushing yards per game (242.7) and yards per carry (6.33).
In beating Clemson, Lafayette and Northwestern by an average of 26.7 points, Duke has controlled the line of scrimmage with an experienced offensive line and steady running from quarterback Riley Leonard and running backs Jordan Waters and Jaquez Moore.
Although spread offenses and high-powered passing games are all the rage, Duke coach Mike Elko said it still comes down to what happens when the biggest players on the field clash along the line.
“At the end of the day, it’s about imposing your will on the team you’re playing,” Elko said. “If we can run the ball for 6 yards a carry and we can physically move people, there’s not a lot that can go wrong.”
Everything points toward Duke continuing to have success in this area against UConn. The Huskies’ run defense is No. 116 among 133 FBS teams, allowing 179.7 yards per game.
Waters leads Duke in rushing yards (240) with five touchdowns. He’s averaging a healthy 7.5 yards per carry. After leading Duke in rushing yards (699) while scoring 13 touchdowns last season, Leonard has 208 with three touchdowns this season. Moore is next with 176 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
“I think there’s probably a little bit of extra juice in Jordan and Jaquez right now when they run the football, and I think that’s been really good to see,” Elko said. “Hopefully that continues as we move forward.”
Kickoff time + TV channel for UConn-Duke
Duke plays Connecticut at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be televised by CBS Sports Network, which is available on Spectrum cable as well as satellite services like DirecTV and Dish Network.
How to stream the Huskies vs. Blue Devils matchup
CBS Sports Network is available on major streaming platforms, like DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Sling as well as the CBS-owned Paramount+ service.
Betting odds
Duke was installed as a 21.5-point favorite, with the over-under at 47 points, when the lines were established on Sunday. The line has held with Duke favored by 21.5 points on Wednesday with the over-under down to 45 points.
Gameday details: Duke vs. UConn
Teams: No. 18 Duke Blue Devils (3-0) vs. Connecticut Huskies (0-3)
Where: Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, Conn.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: CBS Sports Network
Betting line: Duke by 21.5 points
Series history: UConn has won both prior meetings with Duke. The last game between the schools was in 2007 when the Huskies won, 45-14.
Pregame reading
Duke made it look easy against Northwestern, which is harder than it looks
Three takeaways from No. 21 Duke football’s 38-14 win over Northwestern on Saturday
How No. 21 Duke football navigated an odd week to collect two wins and boost its season
While Duke football’s dreams came true by beating Clemson, Blue Devils insist they belong
Spectacular Duke upends pedestrian Clemson — and the ACC as we know it — in wild upset
A ‘limitless’ talent: Why Duke football’s Jordan Moore is primed for a breakout season
How Duke football’s Graham Barton went from lacrosse to being the ACC’s top left tackle
This story was originally published September 21, 2023 at 6:30 AM.