Duke @ Florida International preview

THE STORY: Florida International plays its first home game against an Atlantic Coast Conference team when it hosts Duke. Florida International is 0-5 against ACC foes Maryland and Miami, but the Golden Panthers are primed for a big effort against an improving Duke squad. They will need veteran quarterback Wesley Carroll and standout wide receiver T.Y. Hilton healthy. Carroll missed almost all of last week’s 36-31 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette with a sprained ankle and Hilton was limited with a strained hamstring. Duke has gained confidence the last two weeks with wins over Boston College and Tulane, led by accurate quarterback Sean Renfree. The senior is fifth in the nation in average completions and throws to two dependable Miami products in Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner.

TV: ESPNU. LINE: Florida International -3

ABOUT DUKE (2-2): Renfree has thrown for 1,026 yards, completing 72.5 percent, with two interceptions in 143 passes. The Blue Devils were 4-for-10 scoring in the red zone in the first three weeks, but went 7-for-7 against Tulane. Running back Juwan Thompson scored a pair of touchdowns against Tulane and is averaging 5.3 per carry. Duke will miss defensive end Kenny Anunike (four sacks), who was lost for the season with a left knee injury. Safety Matt Daniels leads Duke’s defense with an average of almost 10 tackles.

ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (3-1): Carroll and Hilton are both expected to play. Freshman red-shirt Jake Medlock played well in Carroll’s spot last week and sophomore Kedrick Rhodes had a career-best 157 yards rushing. Hilton has 20 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns, despite missing much of the last two games. Florida International's defense gave up 5.7 yards per carry (187) last week. The Golden Panthers average 3.75 sacks, tied for fifth in the nation. Duke has allowed only one in the last two weeks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Duke’s Vernon and Varner is the only active wide receiver tandem in the country to have at least 150 receptions and 2,000 yards in their career.

2. Florida International has scored all 13 times it has been in the red zone, including eight touchdowns.

3. Duke placekicker Will Snyderwine set a school record last week with his 64th straight PAT.

PREDICTION: Duke 34, Florida International 28 - If the Blue Devils can show the balance they did last week on offense, it should be just enough to outlast the talented Golden Panthers.