Duke is 24th nationally averaging 205.86 rushing yards per game. Miami is 12th in the nation allowing 96.50 rushing yards per game. The Duke run offense versus the Miami run defense features the biggest strengths for each team on Saturday. Only two 2022 Miami football opponents have run for over 100 yards.
Duke will test Miami with four runners who have run for at least 250 yards this season. Quarterback Riley Leonard leads Duke with 420 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Jordan Walters, Jaylen Coleman and Jaquez Moore are the three running backs to watch. Those four have combined for 17 rushing TDs.
Duke has run for over 200 yards in four of its six games this season. Georgia Tech and Temple are the only two teams to hold Duke under 200 yards rushing. Duke had 35 carries for 172 yards and one TD in a 30-0 season opening win over Temple. Georgia Tech held Duke to 142 yards on 33 carries with no TD in a 23-20 win.
North Carolina and Texas A&M are the only teams to run for over 100 yards versus Miami this season. Texas A&M had 32 carries for 124 yards and one TD in a 17-9 win over Miami last month in College Station. North Carolina ran 43 times for 161 yards and one TD in its 24-24 win at Miami on October 8.
Mario Cristobal calls Duke QB Riley Leonard "an exceptional player. I mean, I really feel that strongly about him. He can make the tight window throws, he can take off with the football when it's not there. He can extend plays. He's very smart,doesn't make mistakes."
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 17, 2022
The 161 rushing yards by North Carolina versus Miami were the most for the Tar Heels against a Power Five opponent this season. The Miami football team is allowing opponents only three yards per carry and five TDs this season. Containing the Duke run will be critical if Miami has a chance to emerge victorious.
Miami has been exceptional this season allowing 65.0 rushing yards per game, 2.38 yards per carry and one TD in its wins. The Hurricanes are allowing 128.0 rushing yards per game, 3.46 yards per carry and four TDs in losses. Miami is allowing 121.00 rushing yards per game, 3.46 YPC and three TDs versus Power Five opponents.