There can't possibly be doubt as to what my final pick will be, or that the final prediction will include at least the spread (my last count was Miami by 18), but I'm still hesitant about this offense. The defense once again proves that they should be considered one of the best defenses in the nation. With the offense actually holding the ball with a modicum of success the defense was able to get some some rest and hold the FIU offense to  114 total yards, and only 28 rushing.

With a consistantly dominant defense emerging, we need a consistant offense to show itself. We did score 35 points off of FIU, but it should have been at least 40. Duke is a much weaker team physically then FIU,  so I'm gonna stick with at least 40 points from the offense, but hopefully they'll be sustained drives and not just touchdowns off of turnovers.

Don't be surprised to see back to back shut outs. Barring an offensive turnover in their own territory, the Miami defense shouldn't give Duke a chance. This defense was still sacking the quarterback in the fourth quarter, with backups and backup 's backups out on the field, so there is no lack of depth.

As for the suspended players, there really should only be two to be worried about. As I just mentioned, the defense is incredibly deep, and this is Duke after all, not Louisville or Houston, so the shutout is still not out of question, although they may get more then 114 yards total. The Charlie Jones suspension is also not an issue, as even the fourth string running back has proven to be a talent, so there is no lack of depth there. The two positions that worry me are Tight End and kicker. Tight End isn't even because of suspensions, initially. Olsen suffered a concussion in the FIU game and is questionable for today, but his backup Farr, is suspended, so depth may become an issue there. Brian Monroe is also suspended, and as he's taken all the kicks, punt and kickoff, there is a worry about field position if the back up doesn't do well.

Other then that there should be no worries this week for Miami, and the only player suspended more then one game is replaceable, so the Georgia Tech game should still be intact. My final prediction:

Miami-40
Duke-0