Elon at Duke

Elon has some good returning offensive skill position talent in RB T.J. Thomas (577 yards) and WR Jamarien Dalton (408 yards). They went 5-1 to end last season, averaging 33.8 points. They lost a lot of experienced players on defense. Elon has a tough task opening against Duke of the ACC. Duke won last year's meeting, scoring 26 points with 350 yards (291 passing). Duke adds Tulane transfer Darian Mensah at quarterback and returns four starters on the offensive line. Mensah threw for 22 TDs and six picks in 2024. Duke matches up well and has stepped down in competition five times in September over the last three years, winning by 23, 35, 28, 30, and 29 points. Play Duke + OVER the total.