ESPN Gameday Analysts expect a good day for Miami versus Duke

Desmond Howard and Nick Saban both focused on the Duke defense versus the Miami offense when the Blue Devils and Hurricanes play on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. Saban stated one key could be for Duke to control the clock and keep the ball away from the Miami offense and for the Hurricanes to avoid allowing big plays.

Howard analyzed that Duke needs to keep Miami in front of them. Miami is first nationally with 165 plays of 10 or more yards and 65 of 20 or more yards. Duke is 46th allowing 96 plays of 10 or more yards and 16th with opponents having 24 plays of 20 or more yards.

Duke likely has to force turnovers to have a chance versus Miami. The Blue Devils have forced 10 turnovers in their last two games without committing any. Duke forced six turnovers last week versus SMU but lost 28-27 in overtime. Miami has to avoid or at least limit turnovers versus Duke.

Miami was much better defensively last week versus Florida State in a 36-14 win after beating Virginia Tech 38-34, California 39-38 and Louisville 52-45 in the previous three weeks. The Hurricanes are 42nd nationally allowing 21.5 points per game and 14th allowing 298.9 total yards per game.

Nick Saban- "I think one of the keys when you play an offensive team like Miami is you've got to keep the ball away from them. So Maalik Murphy and Duke's offense is going to have to do a good job because Miami's defense has been suspect in giving up big plays at times, sometimes mental errors, sometimes missed tackles. Everyone talks about Miami's offense. If they have the ball they're going to score points."

Desmond Howard- You want to keep everything in front of you as a defense. Make sure they focus on eliminating explosive plays. Miami is a very explosive offense. Win the battle of special teams and try to create turnovers, which Duke has been great at. This game is a dog fight later and then I think anyone can win.

Howard-a lot of emotions on both sides. Manny Diaz a defensive-minded coach. Miami will prevail, but they won't cover.

Saban- I pick Miami all the way. Too much firepower on offense.

Pat McAfee- I think Miami all the way. I don't know how many hip thrusts Cam Ward will do and he scores touchdowns. I think two.

Keegan-Michael Key- Give me Miami

Lee Corso-Cam on his side. I think Miami wins by a field goal

Herbstreit- You can't go against Cam Ward. Whether is low scoring or high scoring you can't go against Cam Ward.

Miami is a 20.5-point favorite over Duke. Miami is minus 1,450 on the money line and Duke is plus 810. The over/under is 54.5 points. Saturday could be a memorable day with Xavier Restrepo within reach of the Miami career records for receptions and receiving yards.