Duke vs Miami Picks and Predictions for Saturday, November 14, 2026

The Duke Blue Devils visit the 5th-ranked Miami Hurricanes Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Duke is 7-2, with a 4-2 ACC record, following a 41-3 win at NC State last Saturday. Miami is 8-1 and leads the ACC at 6-0 after losing 31-24 at Notre Dame. The Blue Devils have won three straight, while the Hurricanes had won four in a row before that defeat. Kickoff is noon ET on ABC. Miami is favored by 13.5 points, with the total at 54.5. Looking for a Saturday winner? Cash in with our free college football picks.

Duke Finding Its Rhythm

Duke didn't give NC State much room to breathe Saturday. The Blue Devils rolled to a 41-3 victory, their second straight blowout after beating Boston College 47-2. That's 88 points scored and just five allowed in two games. Duke has also beaten Virginia 19-16 during its current three-game winning streak. The Blue Devils have started playing their best football, although Miami's offense will be a tougher challenge than the teams they've faced recently.

Nate Sheppard has carried the running game with 1,189 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. Quarterback Walker Eget has thrown for 1,849 yards, 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Jonah Burton leads Duke with 360 receiving yards, while Jeremiah Hasley has 321. The Blue Devils have rushed for 1,715 yards as a team, making Sheppard their biggest weapon. On defense, Kevin O'Connor has 4.5 sacks, and Nick Morris Jr. leads the team with 51 tackles.

Injuries: Andrew Pellicciotta and Cosme Salas are out.

Miami Looking to Bounce Back

Miami finally hit a roadblock Saturday at Notre Dame. The Hurricanes lost 31-24, their first defeat after winning eight straight to open the season. Before that, Miami had squeezed past North Carolina 38-35 and scored 52 points against Pittsburgh. The offense has been outstanding, but allowing 31 points to Notre Dame and 35 to North Carolina shows the defense can be challenged. Miami will be looking to get back in the win column against a Duke team that has found its footing.

Darian Mensah is putting together a remarkable season, completing 76.8% of his passes for 2,694 yards, 28 touchdowns and just two interceptions. His favorite target is Malachi Toney, who has 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns. Mark Fletcher Jr. leads the rushing attack with 514 yards and nine scores, while Javian Mallory has added 509 yards. Defensively, Marquise Lightfoot leads Miami with seven sacks, and Mohamed Toure has 56 tackles.

Injuries: O. Ruskavich is questionable. J. Moore, C. Brown and L. Gilbert are out.

Key To The Game

Duke needs Sheppard to move the chains and keep Miami's passing attack on the sideline. His 17 rushing touchdowns give the Blue Devils a way to finish drives. But Mensah has thrown just two interceptions, and Toney is a difficult matchup downfield. Duke's secondary must limit big plays or risk falling behind quickly.

Duke vs Miami Game Pick

• Duke Blue Devils +13.5

Miami has the stronger passing game and deserves to be favored, but 13.5 points is a healthy cushion against a Duke team riding three straight wins. Sheppard can keep the chains moving, and Eget has protected the ball with only three interceptions. Miami's defense allowed 35 points to North Carolina and 31 to Notre Dame in its last two outings. The Hurricanes should find scoring chances through Mensah and Toney, but Duke has enough offense to stay competitive. I like the Blue Devils to cover the spread.

Duke vs Miami Over/Under Pick

• Under 54.5

Miami's passing numbers make the over tempting, especially with Mensah already throwing 28 touchdowns. Duke, however, has allowed only five total points over its last two games and has the rushing attack to control possessions. Sheppard can help shorten the game by moving the ball on the ground. Miami's defense has been vulnerable lately, so Duke should contribute offensively, but the Blue Devils don't need a fast pace to compete. If Duke limits long completions to Toney, this could stay closer and lower scoring than expected. Take the under 54.5.