College Football Game of the Week: No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 17 Duke

In 17 games as Duke’s head coach, Mike Elko has taken Duke from being winless in the ACC in 2021, the last season before his arrival, to being ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press poll, the program’s highest ranking since 2018.

This week, Elko’s team faces No. 11 Notre Dame, who is hoping to rebound after a loss last week.

No. 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-1)

After coming over from Wake Forest via the transfer portal, quarterback Sam Hartman has sparked the Fighting Irish’s offense. Hartman’s consistency (14 passing touchdowns and no interceptions) will be tested against a Duke defense ranked fourth in the nation in passing yards allowed.

Notre Dame’s offense is loaded at several important positions. Running back Audric Estime and his 591 rushing yards carry the ground game, while Hartman has a plethora of options in the air. Senior wide receiver Chris Tyree leads the Fighting Irish in receiving yards, while tight end Holden Staes has caught four touchdown passes. Preseason All-American left tackle Joe Alt headlines the offensive line.

On the defense, head coach Marcus Freeman’s team has lots of playmakers, including five players who have recorded over 20 tackles. This includes linebacker Jack Kiser (who has the most at 28) and Jordan Botelho (a team-leading two sacks). Cornerback Benjamin Morrison has been dominant as well, racking up four passes defended and an interception.

No. 17 Duke Blue Devils (4-0, 1-0 ACC)

Duke began the season with a 28-7 victory over then-No. 9 Clemson and has not looked back, defeating Lafayette, Northwestern and Connecticut to stay unbeaten.

The Blue Devils are led by junior quarterback Riley Leonard, who has thrown for 778 yards and two passing touchdowns this season. Leonard also contributes to a strong Duke running game, as his 238 rushing yards are second-most on the team.

Several skill position players complement Leonard on offense, including running back Jordan Waters, whose 258 yards and seven rushing touchdowns both lead the team. In addition, the Blue Devils boast a pair of noteworthy wide receivers in Jalon Calhoun and Jordan Moore.

On defense, the Duke pass rush includes senior defensive end Ryan Smith, who has eight tackles, a sack and a forced fumble this season.

The secondary features Texas A&M transfer cornerback Myles Jones (who has a team-leading two interceptions) and safety Jaylen Stinson, who had a massive performance against Clemson, recording nine tackles and a fumble recovery.

Game Prediction: No. 11 Notre Dame 23, No. 17 Duke 20

Both teams are very similar on offense, as each team has a dynamic quarterback surrounded by weapons through the air and on the ground. In addition, both defenses are stout, with Notre Dame’s being ranked seventh nationally in total defense and Duke’s ranked 16th. Expect a tight game, but the Fighting Irish will hand the Blue Devils their first loss of the season.

Will Duerksen is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email wdd5066@psu.edu.