As exciting as the Wolfpack's offensive showing was last week, the home team figures to struggle against the Blue Devils' havoc-inducing defense this weekend. NC State has struggled to protect any of its three quarterbacks this season and has not run the football effectively consistently. The visitors are stout on third down and in the red zone, ranking top-40 in opponent conversion rate. I expect the Blue Devils to stuff the Wolfpack up front on running plays and create pressure and contested catches in the passing game, stalling the NC State offense.

Duke also figures to be in for a challenge on offense. QB Maalik Murphy has lacked consistency and been turnover-prone, and he's facing an NC State defense that ranks 16th in tackles for loss, 46th in sacks and 34th in turnovers created (16th in Defensive Havoc). The Wolfpack are also 47th in opponent red zone scoring and 54th in opponent third down conversion rate.

The over has been profitable for Duke and North Carolina State bettors recently, but that shouldn't be the case on Saturday in Raleigh!