The Army Black Knights are 13.5-point road dogs against the Duke Blue Devils. Perhaps betting sites heard Army players and coaches went to watch the New York Giants’ practice a few days ago. If the Black Knights play like the Giants did last season, then they’re pretty much screwed. “These guys are terrific young men and at some point they may be defending our freedom, so our guys, I thought it was great, they went over there and acknowledged them,” new Giants head coach Pat Shurmur said. Hopefully their odds defending that freedom are better than against Duke.
Especially considering that, according to Universitas Dukiana head coach David Cutcliffe, this is his most talented and athletic team. “I think we’ll probably see more plays, more individuals make really big plays on both sides of the ball,” Cutcliffe said. “More individuals have the ability to make a lot of plays. That was consistent throughout.”
Betting Army
“We’re not a big throwing team, but we can use some of that,” head coach Jeff Monken said. Damn right Army is not a throwing team. In fact, they are the least throwing team, averaging a NCAA-worst 27.8 passing yards per game in 2017. Starting QB Ahmad Bradshaw passed for just 285 yards with one TD and two picks in 2017. That may lead one to believe it doesn’t much matter that Army has yet to find a successor for junior Bradshaw. But it matters plenty. As it turns out, Bradshaw led the team with 1746 rushing yards. The Black Knights are not a throwing team. They are a running team. In fact, they are the most running team, recording a NCAA-leading 262.3 rushing yards per game last season.
Army accomplished that thanks to an exceptional offensive line. However, Bryce Holland is the only starter returning to that O-line from last season. Juniors Alex Herndon and Mike Johnson are returning as well, after injuries cost them the 2017 season.
Betting Duke
Army doesn’t bother passing. The question for the Blue Devils is, should they bother? QB Daniel Jones completed just 56% of his passes in 2017. And the receiving corps experienced an acute case of the butterfingers. Duke’s current receiving unit, though, have shown cause for hope. Especially freshman wide receiver Jake Bobo. “He’s certainly talented,” Jones said of Bobo. “You all saw today the ability he has to find the ball and make plays. It’s really been fun to watch how quickly he’s improved. I’m just really excited to see what he can do.” Additionally, seniors TJ Rahming and Johnathan Lloyd each had TD receptions from Jones. And sophomore tight end Noah Gray also caught a touchdown pass from Jones.
Army Black Knights vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Information
- Date: August 31
- Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Venue: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC
Best online sportsbooks odds from BetAnySports.eu:
- ARMY +13½ (-110) O 47½ (-110)
- DUKE -13½ (-110) U 47½ (-110)
Betting sites trends
- Army is 8-1 SU in its last nine games.
- Army is 5-3 ATS in its last eight games.
- The total has gone over in six of Army’s last nine games.
- Duke is 3-6 SU in its last nine games.
- Duke is 4-5 ATS in its last nine games.
- The total has gone under in nine of Dukes’ last 11 games.
Our Free Pick: On the one hand, Army’s offensive line may no longer be what it used. On the other, Duke’s defensive line is so deep that Trevon McSwain has been moved from defensive tackle to offensive tackle. Add to that the Blue Devils’ perceived improved passing, and it’s lucky 13.5 for Duke.
