STRENGTH VS. STRENGTH

Duke ranks sixth in the nation in pass offense; Virginia ranks fifth in the nation in pass defense. On the other hand, Duke is last in the ACC in rush offense and Virginia is next-to-last when it comes to defending the run. It doesn't take a Ph.D. in football to figure out the importance of this.

ROPING CAVS

The Cavaliers rank last in the ACC in total offense and next-to-last in scoring, but they generally take care of the ball, have a capable runner in Mikell Simpson and almost always score in the red zone. The challenge for Duke's defense will be find a way to get them off-schedule.

A MATTER OF FEET

Duke kicker Will Snyderwine and Virginia kicker Robert Randolph are a combined 18-of-20 on field goals this season, but neither first-year starter has faced a kick that could win or lose the game. A clutch kick could make the difference in this one.

--BRYAN STRICKLAND