The Duke Blue Devils begin the home portion of their schedule with visit from NC Central. We break down the matchup below in the Duke vs. NC Central prediction and game preview.

Duke vs. NC Central Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

There are still a number of concerns and question marks about the 2015 Duke team. There just aren’t as many as there before the Blue Devils buried Tulane, 37-7, in a game that had the earmarks of a potential landmine. Duke now returns to Wallace Wade Stadium with a chance to amass a head of steam before Northwestern and Georgia Tech visit to close out the month. NC Central ambushed Division II Saint Augustine’s University, 72-0.

Why NC Central Will Win

The Eagles are soaring after scoring the second most points in school history. Malcolm Bell is a dangerous quarterback, and eight all-conference players return from Jerry Mack’s first team as the head coach. Duke remains iffy on the first line of the defense.

Why Duke Will Win

There wasn’t much for David Cutcliffe to nag about after the opener in New Orleans. New QB Thomas Sirk led the offense to 530 yards, while the defense kept the defense kept the Green Wave off the board until the fourth quarter. Sirk will outclass the Eagle D with arm and his powerful legs.

Player Who Matters

When NC Central falls behind, Bell will have to go to the air. For Duke, that’ll be a recipe for takeaways. The Blue Devil secondary is comprised of veteran ball-hawks, like Breon Borders, Jeremy Cash and DeVon Edwards, who can change momentum with their penchant for big plays.

What’s Going To Happen?

Sirk is about to build on an auspicious debut as Cutcliffe’s new starting quarterback. He’ll get plenty of time to find open receivers, as well as the holes to explode into the second level. The Blue Devils will coast again, flooding the field with reserves in the third quarter.

Duke vs. NC Central Score Prediction

Drum roll … the Duke vs. NC Central prediction is …

Final Score: Duke 52, NC Central 10

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 1

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