Stanford Cardinal vs Duke Blue Devils Predictions

Stanford's passing test

Duke's secondary could be shorthanded against Stanford, a concern for a home favorite laying 10 points at SPF. Duke Basketball Report, a Duke sports publication, lists cornerback Kimari Robinson as doubtful and safety DaShawn Stone as questionable. Their potential absences could give Stanford more passing opportunities.

The same report credits Davis Warren with 524 passing yards and no interceptions through two games, but he's completed just 57.3% of his throws with one touchdown. Avoiding turnovers helps an underdog; those numbers don't establish that Stanford can exploit Duke's injury concerns.

Stanford running back Micah Ford has three rushing touchdowns, but his 126 yards on 36 carries amount to 3.5 yards per attempt. That production doesn't justify assuming the Cardinal can control possessions on the ground.

Winner and wager

Duke enters 2-0 and hosts 1-1 Stanford on September 19 at 4 p.m. EDT. The Blue Devils are the tentative winner pick, consistent with SPF's -410 moneyline, but there's too little detail about Duke's performance to judge whether that price is worth paying. Stanford is +320.

Availability questions also extend to Duke offensive lineman Micah Sahakian and Stanford defenders Jahsiah Galvan, Charlie Eckhardt and Gabe Kaminski, all listed as questionable. Without a clearer picture of either offense against the opposing defense, pass on the spread and the 50.5 total as well.