“Lord have mercy,” Cutcliffe said.
It’s been rare in recent seasons for the Blue Devils to be favored against an ACC foe, but how could they not be?
Duke (3-3, 1-1 ACC) put up 49 points in a breakthrough victory at N.C. State on Oct. 10 before an open week; Maryland (2-5, 1-2) ranks last in the ACC in scoring defense and in scoring offense.
Cutcliffe warns that Maryland is better than its record, and the Terrapins do have a victory over Clemson that suggests they’re capable.
But this is the type of game that the Blue Devils need to win to prove the program truly is turning the corner.
“I don’t worry a lot about them getting big-headed, but what I do concern myself with is them understanding we have to work to earn the ability to ever be favored in a game,” Cutcliffe said. “I’m excited for them that they’re playing better, but that’s all they’ve done at this point in time.”
It’s a doubleheader day for Duke fans. The football game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium, and the men’s basketball team hosts Pfeiffer in an exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
— BRYAN STRICKLAND
