Tulane @ Duke preview

THE STORY: Duke showed some grit on the road to win at Boston College last week, and now tries to even its record against a dangerous Tulane squad. The Blue Devils will lean on quarterback Sean Renfree, who has completed 83 of 113 passes. Tulane has not defended the pass well, allowing more than 228 yards per game. The Green Wave offense, led by quarterback Ryan Griffin (six TD passes), scored 90 points in its two victories.

TV: ESPN3.com. LINE: Duke -10.

ABOUT TULANE (2-1, 1-1 C-USA): Griffin, who earned co-conference player of the week honors after throwing for 281 yards last Saturday against UAB, has run a balanced offense. Nine different players have scored a touchdown, 16 have a reception and two running backs have over 150 yards. Joe Kemp leads the receivers with 14 catches. The Green Wave defense has 10 sacks and sophomore DB Derrick Strozier has snagged a pair of interceptions. Junior linebacker Trent Mackey leads the way with 35 tackles.

ABOUT DUKE (1-2, 1-0 ACC): The Blue Devils haven’t run the ball well, averaging 3.1 per carry. But Duke has thrown it 128 times for a total of 890 yards. The Blue Devils might look to get sophomore running back Juwan Thompson, averaging 5.4 yards a rush, more involved. Conner Vernon is Renfree’s top target, with 20 receptions, and Donovan Varner had a career-high 12 catches last week. Junior defensive lineman Kenny Anunike has an ACC-high four sacks. All-American place kicker Will Snyderwine is questionable with an ankle injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Tulane won the last meeting, 24-17 on Oct. 13, 1973.

2. Renfree set a school record with 41 completions in the victory over Boston College last week.

3. Tulane has not had a winning season since 2002.

PREDICTION: Duke 24, Tulane 21 – The Blue Devils found a way to win a tight game on the road last week. That confidence will help them eke out a victory on their Homecoming Day.