So, Pitt and Duke have 2 very talented coaches. They were 1 and 2 last week, and they both won this week. It’s looking like the biggest regular season game in the league ever, bigger than Pitt v. Marshall only 2 weeks ago. Let’s take a look at these two teams.

#1 Pittsburgh is 4-0, having wins over both NCG teams from last season. However, Missouri has fallen on hard times and is now 1-3, and #19 Marshall (3-1) doesn’t have any decent win at this point, with their best win using the computer composite being against #99 Clemson. Marshall is likely to rise in the poll tonight. Pitt also has beaten 2 1-3 teams, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. Statistically, they’re tied for the 32nd best offense (32.25 PPG), and the 4th best defense (14.5 PAPG). On average they win by 17.75 points, which is tied for 4th in the country. This team is more defense oriented. They did struggle with Syracuse, eventually winning 35-24 but scoring the TD to put them in the lead for good with only 47 seconds left, and sealing it with a pick 6 with 4 seconds left on the clock. None of their other games have been especially close.

#2 Duke is also 4-0, holding a win over #24 Iowa State (3-1), who is likely to rise in the poll tonight, and three 1-3 teams, being North Carolina, Army and Georgia Tech. They have won each game by double digits, which is actually a feat Pitt has accomplished as well, being #6 in the country by average MOV at an average win by 17.50. They’re tied for 4th in scoring offense, averaging 41.25 PPG, and are tied for 47th in scoring defense, allowing 23.75 PPG. Definitely more offense oriented. None of their games have been especially close calls either, though 3 of them were within 2 TDs despite all being double digit wins.

In the end, this should be a great game, likely to be 1 v 2. If you project the score by averaging out the PPG and opponent’s PAPG, you’d result with a win for Pitt by a score of 28-27.875, so basically a tossup. Predictions seem to be on the side of Pitt. While I may be biased, I predict a 35-31 win for Duke. I would be surprised if this game gets out of hand and results in a blowout on either side. Should be a great game, either way.