Lafayette vs Duke Odds, Picks: Don’t Expect a Letdown

The Lafayette Leopards matchup against the Duke Blue Devils in Week 2.

Both teams enter at 1-0. After beating Clemson at home in Week 1, Duke will look to keep the good vibes rolling in what should be a tune-up game.

Where does the betting value lie in this matchup? Let's dive into the odds and make a Lafayette vs. Duke pick and prediction in this NCAAF betting preview for Saturday, Sept. 9.

The Blue Devils had all the potential to make some noise in Week 1 and did exactly that.

Quarterback Riley Leonard looked every part of a player with the potential to chase an ACC title this season as he rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 175 yards against a formidable Clemson defense.

The fact that Duke put up 28 points against a stout Clemson defense that ranked 29th in the country in returning defensive production leads me to believe Leonard and the Blue Devils should have no problem putting up points against Lafayette.

Duke’s defense also looked the part last week as it forced three turnovers and held Clemson to seven points. That point total is a bit skewed, as Clemson had multiple turnovers in the red zone and missed a few kicks, but Duke still made the necessary plays to keep the Tigers at bay.

Duke returns nine defensive starters, four of which are on the defensive line. This experienced, veteran defensive line could cause issues for the Leopards' offensive line.

The Leopards kicked off their season with a big win over the Sacred Heart Pioneers. Lafayette was in the driver's seat all game as it raced out to a 13-0 lead, though it ultimately won, 19-14.

Running back Jamar Curtis scampered for 181 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries, though the offense stalled in the third quarter. That led to a quarterback switch, and Dean DeNobile — the sophomore from Upper Saddle River, New Jersey — led the Leopards on what wound up being their game-winning touchdown drive.

Curtis played great, but the passing game left a bit to be desired.

The Lafayette defense also did what it had to do to get the win, forcing turnovers and limiting the Pioneer offense enough to survive.

The must-have app for college football bettors

The best NCAAF betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

This game should be a blowout. Duke has much more talent and should be full of confidence coming off its big win.

Lafayette ran all over Sacred Heart, but Duke will present a much bigger challenge.

Back Duke to take care of business at home.

Pick: Duke -41.5