Elon will play Duke on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
This marks the first game of the Manny Diaz era for the Blue Devils, and they enter as big favorites of -24. The over/under, meanwhile, sits at 49.
So, where does the betting value lie in this season opener? Let's dive into our Elon vs. Duke prediction below.
Elon vs Duke Prediction
- Elon vs. Duke Pick: Elon +24
My Elon vs. Duke best bet is the Phoenix to cover with the best line currently available at BetRivers, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Elon vs Duke Odds
| Elon Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+24 -110 | 49 -112o / -108u | +1300 |
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-24 -110 | 49 -112o / -108u | -5000 |
- Elon vs Duke Point Spread: Elon +24 (-110) · Duke -24 (-110)
- Elon vs Duke Total: Over/Under 49
- Elon vs Duke Moneyline: Elon +1300 · Duke -5000
Elon vs Duke Preview
Elon Phoenix Betting Preview: Some Things To Like!
Elon posted a 6-5 campaign last season, and there are some things to like about the Phoenix in this matchup.
They have a veteran offensive line and desire to focus more on the run game, which they hope to fix after averaging only 129 rushing yards per game last year.
Quarterback Matthew Downing (Georgia transfer) returns for his second year in the system, and his top receiver from last year returns with him. While I like the transfer class, Elon needs a top back to emerge as a bell-cow option.
Defensively, Elon returns seven starters from last year's unit, including 15 of its top 19 tacklers. The Phoenix are strong in the front seven, with plenty of experience on the line and in the linebacking corps. All-conference players litter the front seven.
I have questions about the secondary, where the Phoenix must replace some key pieces that departed in the offseason. But if those replacements hit, they should continue to trend up defensively.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview: Overhauling Durham
Duke had a great 2023, posting an 8-5 record with a win over Clemson and "good" losses against Notre Dame and Florida State. Mike Elko vastly improved the Duke roster, reaching eight straight weeks in the AP Top 25 last year.
However, much of the success is thanks to quarterback Riley Leonard. Once he got hurt (on the last play of the Notre Dame game), the drop-off in offensive production was noticeable — Duke went 2-4 down the stretch without him.
Unfortunately, Elko took a job at Texas A&M. But Diaz looks like a solid replacement. He was a rock-solid defensive coordinator at Penn State, although his head coaching tenure at Miami saw mixed results and little traction.
Unfortunately, the offense looks to be in rebuilding mode. Maalik Murphy joined the team from Texas to start under center. Stud running back Jordan Waters departed in the offseason to NC State, so someone must step up into the top-back role.
The Blue Devils return three of their top four receivers from last year, so they have some pass-catching experience and production.
The big concern is the offensive line, which lost its two best guys from last season to the NFL. Duke added a Penn State transfer and five guys from the FCS ranks while hiring a new line coach in Jeff Norrid. This will take some time to come together.
All four starters from last year's defensive line must be replaced, and the Devils are weak on the interior.
The linebacking corps is TBD. They need Princeton transfer Ozzie Nicholas to take a huge step and produce immediately.
The secondary is replacing Al Blades, Jeremiah Lewis and Myles Jones. Combine that with the lack of front-seven experience and a poor pass-rushing unit, and the Blue Devils defense may drop off dramatically.
Additionally, Duke's special teams unit should be weaker than last year, as the Devils lost last year's veteran punter and top return man.
Elon vs Duke Pick & Prediction
I like Elon in this matchup. The Phoenix can hang in the trenches, even against an ACC foe.
Elon has hung around against higher-end FBS competition before. The Phoenix covered against Wake Forest last year, losing by 20 as 31-point dogs. They covered against Vandy in 2022, losing by 11 as 19-point dogs.
Duke is working on a full rebuild, and I project the Devils toward the bottom of the ACC. Coach Diaz should eventually return Duke to glory, especially on defense, but there are too many holes at key positions on both sides of the ball this year.
Specifically, there are too many holes in the trenches for Duke to roll over Elon. The Phoenix can score enough and create enough pressure to cover the number.
Pick: Elon +24 (Play to +21.5)
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How to Watch Elon vs Duke Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NCa |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ACC Network |
Elon vs Duke Betting Trends
- Over 75% of the bets are on Elon, but over 65% of the handle is with the Blue Devils.
- Duke went 7-6 against the spread last season, including 4-3 ATS at home and 4-3 ATS as a favorite.
