Duke vs Clemson Predictions: A Breakdown of the Battle for ACC Supremacy

Introduction

The annual Duke vs. Clemson matchup is one of the most heated rivalries in college football, and the 2023 edition promises to be no different. Both teams enter the season with high expectations, and the winner will likely be in prime position to compete for the ACC championship.

Duke Blue Devils

• 2022 Record: 9-4 (6-2 ACC)
• Head Coach: Mike Elko (3rd season)
• Key Players:
  • QB Riley Leonard
  • RB Jaylen Coleman
  • WR Jalon Calhoun
  • DE DeWayne Carter

The Blue Devils are coming off a successful 2022 season in which they finished with a 9-4 record and a berth in the Military Bowl. Key to their success was the emergence of quarterback Riley Leonard, who accounted for over 3,500 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns.

Clemson Tigers

• 2022 Record: 11-3 (8-0 ACC)
• Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (16th season)
• Key Players:
  • QB Cade Klubnik
  • RB Will Shipley
  • WR Antonio Williams
  • LB Barrett Carter

The Tigers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to their 2022 season, which saw them lose their final two games, including the ACC Championship Game to North Carolina. They will be led by a new starting quarterback in Cade Klubnik, who is expected to make a significant impact in his first season as a starter.

Prediction

This is a tough matchup to call, but I believe that Clemson will ultimately prevail. The Tigers have more talent and experience, and they are playing at home. Duke will be a tough opponent, but I expect Clemson to win by a score of 31-24.

Additional Analysis

• Key Matchup: The battle in the trenches will be crucial in this game. Clemson has a slight edge in size and experience on the offensive line, but Duke has some talented defensive linemen who could make things difficult for Cade Klubnik.
• X-Factor: The play of Riley Leonard will be key for Duke. If he can continue to play at a high level, the Blue Devils will have a chance to pull off the upset.
• Injury Report: Both teams are relatively healthy heading into the game. However, Clemson will be without starting wide receiver Joseph Ngata, who suffered a knee injury in the spring.

Conclusion

The Duke vs. Clemson matchup is one of the most anticipated games of the 2023 college football season. Both teams have a lot to play for, and I expect a close and exciting game. In the end, I believe that Clemson will prevail, but Duke will make them work for it.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
• Time: 3:30 PM ET
• Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
• TV: ESPN

Tables

Table 1: Duke vs. Clemson Head-to-Head Comparison

Table 2: Duke Key Players and Stats

Table 3: Clemson Key Players and Stats

Table 4: Duke vs. Clemson Injury Report