Duke and Maryland haven't met on the field since 2004, meaning this is the first matchup for all of the players on both sides. That could create an advantage for Duke, because while the Terrapins spent the previous week preparing for last Saturday's game against Virginia, the Blue Devils had an open date and thus had the better part of two weeks to study Maryland.
TURNOVER TALE
Duke has committed an ACC-low six turnovers through six games, while Maryland has coughed the ball up an ACC-high 20 times in seven games. If the Blue Devils continue to take care of the ball and the Terrapins continue to be clumsy with it, Duke should be fine. But if the tables turn, so could the game's outcome.
UNDER PRESSURE
Maryland's best shot at forcing turnovers could be via its pass rush, which paces the ACC with 20 sacks. Duke's suddenly surging offensive line has contained a couple of dangerous pass-rushing teams over its two most recent games. The Blue Devils need to continue to contain that kind of pressure -- as well as the unfamiliar pressure that can come with being in the rare role of favorite.
-- BRYAN STRICKLAND
