Duke 2018 Betting Preview: Offensive Line Will Hold Blue Devils Back

Duke 2018 Betting Odds

• To win the National Title: +100000
• To win the ACC: +5000
• To win the ACC Coastal: +935
• Win Total: 6 (over -115, under -105)

All lines as of July 23. Always shop for the best line.

Duke 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 6.7

Bet To Watch

Duke Under 6 (-105)

If you want a lesson in how important an offensive line can be to a football team, check out Duke in 2017. A midseason, six-game losing streak started with injuries to the offensive line, and led to terrible quarterback play.

>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.

Daniel Jones is one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC but he scrambled for his life during that losing streak. The offensive line loses three starters, but Duke as a whole has plenty of depth, ranking 11th overall in returning production.

The schedule is not as harmonious of a story. Clemson comes on the slate from the Atlantic, while a much improved Baylor team awaits in non-conference play. Other road trips include Miami and Northwestern. Only Army and N.C. Central can be considered absolute wins, especially as Duke coach David Cutcliffe has had plenty of success against the option.

Duke's biggest weakness is the depth and talent on the offensive line. This unit anchored a struggling offense that ranked 108th in explosiveness and 105th in finishing drives.

>> Get a 7-day free trial to access all of our premium college football articles and exclusive betting data.

Teams with an outstanding front seven on defense will give Duke its toughest competition. Miami, Virginia Tech and Pitt all fit the mold. Northwestern will take a step back this season, but still have highly-ranked defensive line and linebacker units. Take Duke Under 6 -115 until the offensive line gets more depth and experience.

What else you need to know about Duke

This is college football, and you will be moose'd at some point. One of my larger mooses from 2017 was Duke -3.5 against Army. I am still completely tilted by the Army blocked punt touchdown.

The Action Network power ratings make this game above two touchdowns in favor of Duke. With revenge on the Blue Devils' mind and all summer to prepare for the triple option, take Duke -10.5 in Week 1. Army's lockbox run should come to an end, but keep tabs on the Ahmad Bradshaw situation.

More College Football Betting Previews

Click here for betting previews on all 130 teams.