Free Football Picks – Miami vs Duke

Looking for some free football picks as we head into this weekend’s college football odds? Well you’ve come to the right place, as we break down Miami and Duke, as they get set to do battle in some exciting ACC Coastal Division play.

Miami (FL) Hurricanes (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) at Duke Blue Devils (1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS)

Saturday, October 16: 1:00 p.m. ESPN3.com

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NCAAF Betting Lines:

Miami: -19 ½
Duke: +19 ½

Many thought that this Miami team was a real player in the ACC, but last weekend proved that they’ve got quite a bit of work to do. They were beaten by long time rivals Florida State 45-17, and dominated in just about every way a football team can be.

The loss was humbling and it proves that Miami is a long way from being an elite team, especially in the passing game. Miami’s Jacory Harris is still a big-time work in progress, despite being billed as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate at the beginning of the season.

Currently, Harris is completing just 52 percent of his passes, and just can’t seem to avoid throwing interceptions, tossing nine, to go with the 10 touchdowns he’s thrown this year.

The key for Miami this weekend very well might be to take the ball out of his hands, and allow the running game to carry them. The Canes have explosive back Damien Berry, who went for over 100 yards for the second time in a row last weekend.

As for Duke, it’s just another disappointing year for the Blue Devils, as they are again at the bottom of the Coastal Division standings. But before we dismiss them as one of this weekend’s free football picks, let’s go ahead and look at their resume.

On the year, Duke is struggling, but is capable of pulling this upset if their passing game can have a big day. Currently, the Blue Devils rank 15th in the country, averaging 295 yards per game, behind the big arm of Sean Renfree.

The sophomore has already thrown for 1,464 yards on the season, but like Harris, needs to improve on his nine interceptions. Duke doesn’t have nearly the balance on offense that Miami does, as they rank just 86th in the country in rushing yards, at 125 per game.

In the end though, the Blue Devils will struggle with this Miami defense. Because of it, make the Hurricanes one of your weekend free football picks.

Again, this Miami team still has a lot of work to do, especially on the offensive end. At the same time, this defense is nowhere near as bad as last weekend might indicate.

While the numbers (45 points, 298 yards rushing) look terrible, remember that Florida State has one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country. They’re going to score points on everyone.

Even on the road, look for Miami to bounce back nicely with a win here. They should have a renewed sense of urgency, and if you’re a Canes fan, hopefully a renewed commitment to running the ball. Expect Berry to go wild (like he’s capable of), and Miami to literally run away with this game.

Duke will be better as the season goes on, but they can’t expect to do what Florida State did last week. Miami will win this one, and win it big.

Make the Hurricanes one of your weekend free football picks.

Free Football Picks: Miami -19 ½