Numbers Like Duke to Continue Winning Streak vs NC State

The Duke Blue Devils are getting ready for a big road game against the NC State Wolfpack, with the group trying to keep the winning ways going strong.

Duke will be coming into the game with a record of 6-2 on the season, going 3-2 so far in ACC play. The Blue Devils have won two straight games heading into the contest, giving this team something to keep building off of.

As for the Wolfpack, they will be entering this game with a record of 4-4 on the season, going 2-3 in ACC games so far. NC State is coming off a win over California a week ago, with the team trying to build some momentum against the Blue Devils.

Duke is trying to put itself into a strong position in the ACC this year, and getting a win this week could help. The Blue Devils have a massive game against the top-seeded Miami Hurricanes next week, making this NC State matchup a potential trap game.

As the game gets ready to kick off in a few days, the Blue Devils are being favored to take down NC State on the road. According to the ESPN matchup predictor, Duke has a 71.5 percent chance of defeating the Wolfpack in this game.

The Blue Devils have been playing well over the last few weeks after a weird losing streak, giving themselves some life in the ACC. If Duke is able to take down NC State, it could go a long way for the season.

But this team is going to need star running back Nate Sheppard to put together another steong game to get the win. Sheppard has placed himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation with his play this year, even if he's on the outside looking in of everything right now.

For the year, Sheppard has done it all for the Blue Devils, being a true catalyst on the offensive side of the ball. Sheppard has rushed for 972 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground for this team, while catching 31 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns through the air.

Duke relies on Sheppard to set the tone of each game, and this will again be the case against the Wolfpack. If this happens, the Blue Devils are good enough that they should be able to take care of business in the game.

Kickoff between the two teams is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. PT/12:30 p.m. ET.