College Football Pregame Primer: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils

Sam Wenk

Senior Analyst Written on September 05, 2008

(Page 2 of 2)

Wide receiver Ross Lane

Recorded nine receptions for 128 yards the last time these two teams met. Duke will likely double-team Eric Peterman, leaving Lane with some favorable one-on-one matchups.

Defensive tackle John Gill

Returning from his one game suspension, Gill will show the nation why he is considered one of the top players at his position.

Duke players to watch

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis

The mobile Lewis threw for three touchdowns against the Wildcats in the upset game last year, and had two more touchdown passes on Saturday. He hasn’t thrown an interception in his last 129 attempts, dating back to last season. Lewis can be erratic at times, and if Duke can’t get its running game going, he will likely hurry his progression at the line, resulting in turnovers.

Running back Clifford Harris

The 5'10", 220-pound tailback is the focal point of the Blue Devil’s offense and will be responsible for getting Duke on the scoreboard early.

Cornerback Jabari Marshall

One of the ACC’s top return men is one of Duke’s lone playmakers, proving it last week against James Madison with a 67-yard interception return.

Northwestern’s Last Game

Defeated Syracuse at home, 30-10.

Duke’s Last Game

Defeated James Madison at home, 31-7.

Most Telling Statistic

Before last Saturday’s game, Duke hadn’t won at home since 2005.

Prediction

This will be an over-analyzed game before the teams even take the field. There was absolutely no reason for the Wildcats to lose to the Blue Devils last season. The offense looked in mid-season form after the first quarter against Syracuse and will continue to put points on the board. The return of defensive tackle John Gill will be a major boost for the defense and will only add to the blitz packages implemented by Mike Hankwitz.

If not for last season’s debacle, the Cats would be huge favorites for another blowout victory. As the long as this game gets played—with Hurricane Hanna looming—Northwestern should have no trouble reminding the less talented Blue Devils to stick to basketball.

—Northwestern 35, Duke 7

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written on September 05, 2008 Preview/Prediction