3 Biggest X-Factors For Duke to Upset Miami This Week

The Duke Blue Devils are gearing up for a massive game this weekend, heading out on the road to face the Miami Hurricanes.

Duke will be coming into the game with a record of 7-2 for the year, going 4-2 in ACC play this season. The Blue Devils have quietly been playing well of late, with the team looking to make more noise in the conference.

Getting a win over the No. 7 Hurricanes would help out, putting this Blue Devils team in a strong position. Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for Duke to pull off the upset this week:

1. Establish Ground Game

With Duke having star Nate Sheppard, the running game will be a major focal point for the team against the Hurricanes. But Miami does have a strong rush defense, which could change how the Blue Devils attack this matchuo.

However, Sheppard is good enough for Duke to continue to use him, even if the Hurricanes are able to slow him down a little bit. Sheppard has emerged in the Heisman Trophy race due to his play of late, and if he can put together a strong showing against Miami, it could help his case out very well.

2. Walker Eget Limits Turnovers

If Miami is able to slow down Sheppard, the Blue Devils will then be turning to the passing game to help them get the win. Duke likes to establish the run to help set up the passing attack, but this may be tough to do against the Hurricanes this week.

Eget is going to have to step up if Duke wants to win this game, taking on a fierce Miami defense in the process. For the year, Eget has thrown for 1,849 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions, but the Blue Devils may need more from him this week.

3. Defense Pressures Mensah

Mensah has been tearing up college football this season, with him being on track to potentially win the Heisman Trophy this year. But the Blue Devils know him very well from his time at Duke before transferring to the Hurricanes.

If the Blue Devils are able to pressure him a little, it could throw him off his game, making it more likely for an upset to happen. However, this is easier said than done, with Mensah having throwing for 2,684 yards with 28 touchdowns and just two interceptions for the year.