Duke football hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday. How to watch, stream online. Betting odds
So many Duke football players who had options elsewhere returned from last season’s 8-4 team aiming to show that surge in success was no fluke.
When many of those players, like DeWayne Carter, Ja’Mion Franklin, Graham Barton, Jalon Calhoun, helped Duke beat Clemson in the season opener as part of a 5-1 start, that mission was accomplished.
Duke’s play since that start, however, hasn’t been as impressive. Injuries and a regression in play on both sides of the ball have the Blue Devils having lost four of their last five games entering Saturday’s game with Pittsburgh at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Duke (6-5, 3-4 ACC) is heading to a bowl game for a second season in a row after not playing in a bowl over the previous three seasons. But, in the final home game where senior day will be celebrated, all those players certainly want to turn in a good performance before turning attention to bowl season.
Duke coach Mike Elko said 37 seniors will be included in the ceremonies, although that doesn’t mean all will for sure be playing their final home game. The extra year of eligibility due to the COVID pandemic and the transfer portal provide more roster flexibility than ever.
“That is a really interesting world nowadays with COVID and those years still going on,” Elko said, “but there’s a lot of really special kids that are going to be out on that field getting recognized for senior day and a lot of kids who have meant an awful lot to Duke football and certainly have meant an awful lot to this two-year resurgence of Duke football. It’s going to be a really emotional and special day.”
One player who is no doubt playing his final game at Wallace Wade Stadium is Barton, a senior left tackle who is projected to be selected within the first two rounds of next spring’s NFL Draft. A preseason, all-ACC pick, Barton has already accepted a Senior Bowl invitation and has made plans to train in the Dallas-area beginning in January to prep for other pre-draft events like the NFL Scouting Combine and pro day.
Carter, a three-time captain and preseason all-ACC pick at defensive tackle, has a decision to make. Like Barton, he has another season of eligibility due to the pandemic rules. But he’s an NFL prospect as well.
Regardless of those decisions, Duke wants to beat Pitt to finish with seven regular-season wins and improve their lot in the ACC bowl pecking order.
Kickoff time + TV channel for Duke-Pitt
The game kicks off at noon Saturday on ACC Network, which is available on Spectrum cable and major satellite services like DirecTV and Dish Network.
How to stream the Blue Devils vs. Panthers matchup
ACC Network is available on major streaming platforms with local channels, like DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Sling.
Betting odds
Duke is a 6-point favorite, with the over-under set at 42.5 points.
Game day details: Duke vs. Pitt
Teams: Duke Blue Devils (6-5, 3-4 ACC) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (3-8, 2-5 ACC)
Where: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham
Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Time: Noon
TV: ACC Network
Betting line: Duke by 6 points
Series history: Pittsburgh has dominated the series with Duke since entering the ACC for the 2013 season. The Panthers are 8-1 in league games against the Blue Devils, having won seven in a row over Duke. Pitt leads the all-time series 17-9.
Pregame reading
Duke football stumbles at Virginia. Three takeaways from Blue Devils’ loss to Cavaliers
How will Duke football players ease the pain of another narrow loss to UNC? Some never will
Mike Elko has no patience for those who think Duke football could regress to losing again
Duke football turned in a dud in loss to Louisville. Can the Blue Devils regain their edge?
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