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Duke needs a win in the worst way as Syracuse enters Wallace Wade

By Kevin Connelly

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 19: Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils throws a pass under pressure from Charles Snowden #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 19: Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils throws a pass under pressure from Charles Snowden #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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The Duke Football team is looking for a victory against the Syracuse Orange as both teams are trying to keep its hopes alive of becoming bowl eligible.

It’s been a rough few weeks for the Duke Blue Devils but things can start to look promising again on Saturday afternoon against the Syracuse Orange.

Duke has lost three straight games and four of its last five to see its hopes of making a bowl game almost vanish before its very eyes.

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The Blue Devils are 4-5 on the season and with three games left, Duke needs to win two of those games to reach the bowl eligibility mark.

With games against two very good teams in Wake Forest and Miami left, Saturday’s game against Syracuse feels like a must win if Duke wants to reach the postseason.

However, the game is also a must win for the Orange as Syracuse is 3-6 on the season and with three games left Dino Babers‘ team needs to win out to reach a bowl game.

In recent games, Duke’s offense has been putrid but Syracuse’s defense has been worse, something has to give.

Quentin Harris and the Duke offense has been at its best this season when it establishes the running game with Deon Jackson, which then opens up the passing game, specifically the play-action passing game.

Harris has fallen in love with tight end Noah Gray who has acted as a security blanket for the Duke signal caller.

The Blue Devil defense has been admirable this season, but then the unit is constantly on the field, it wears down in the second half which allows the scores to get very ugly.

Trending. Game by game predictions for 2019 Duke Football season. light

Syracuse’s offense is capable of putting points up themselves, so for Duke to get back in the win column, David Cutcliffe’s team needs to take care of the football and get the offense going.

Duke and Syracuse will kickoff at 4:00pm EST on Saturday, November 16 from Wallace Wade Stadium and fans can view the game on the ACC Network.

PREDICTION: Duke 45, Syracuse 33 

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