Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head to Durham to face the Duke Blue Devils in one of Week 8’s most compelling ACC matchups. Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from Wallace Wade Stadium, with national coverage on ESPN.
Both teams enter this game riding winning streaks and holding perfect conference records, giving this clash major implications for the ACC title race. Georgia Tech (6-0, 3-0 ACC) sits undefeated and ranked No. 12 in the nation, while Duke (4-2, 3-0 ACC) is quietly building momentum after consecutive road wins.
Georgia Tech Aims to Stay Perfect
The Yellow Jackets have been one of college football’s surprise stories in 2025, opening the season 6-0 for only the second time since joining the ACC in 1979. Coach Brent Key said this run means a lot to everyone connected to the program.
“It’s a big deal for Georgia Tech,” Key said. “It’s a big deal for everyone who has ever played here. It’s a big deal for the alumni and fan base.”
Quarterback Haynes King has been the heartbeat of this team, excelling as both a passer and a rusher. King ranks third in the ACC in rushing yards (88.0 per game) and averages 194.2 passing yards per contest. His ability to extend plays and find downfield targets has made Georgia Tech’s offense one of the most dynamic in the league.
Georgia Tech’s ground game has been relentless, ranking 14th nationally in rushing yards with 1,430 through six games. Running backs Malachi Hosley (384 yards, 5 TDs) and Jamal Haynes (380 yards, 3 TDs) form a dangerous tandem that can attack both edges of the defense.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets continue to improve. They rank 13th in sacks and 3rd in interceptions, anchored by a fast secondary and a front seven that forces turnovers. Last week’s 35-20 win over Virginia Tech showcased their balance — 270 rushing yards on offense and a key interception late to seal the victory.
Get the latest spreads and totals at the college football odds page.
Duke Looks to Protect Home Field
After a bye week, Duke returns home confident following consecutive road wins at Syracuse and California. Coach Manny Diaz has rebuilt the Blue Devils into a disciplined, explosive team that plays fast on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Darian Mensah leads the ACC in passing yards (306.3 per game) and has thrown 15 touchdowns this season. Mensah’s decision-making and ability to stretch the field have been key to Duke’s offensive efficiency.
“They do a great job of getting the ball in space to their guys,” Key said of Duke’s passing attack. “The quarterback is really smart with the ball.”
The Blue Devils have outscored opponents 128-57 in ACC play and feature a top-tier defense that ranks ninth in both sacks and interceptions. Their front seven, led by linebacker Nick Morris Jr., has made it tough for opponents to sustain drives.
Duke’s offense complements that defensive strength with an opportunistic approach. In their last outing, they recorded 265 passing yards and 180 rushing yards in a 45-21 win over California.
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college football picks, Duke opened as a 1.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 61.5. Early bettors have leaned toward Georgia Tech to cover, given their undefeated record and strong performance as underdogs.
The current odds are:
- Georgia Tech +1.5 (-110)
- Duke -1.5 (-111)
- Total: 61.5 (-105 / -115)
Georgia Tech is 3-0 ATS as an underdog this season, while Duke is 22-2 straight-up as a favorite in its last 24 games.
Matchup Breakdown
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Outlook
Georgia Tech’s offensive rhythm depends on King’s dual-threat production. His ability to improvise keeps defenses guessing, and his leadership has unified the offense. The Yellow Jackets average 6.2 yards per play and are one of the nation’s best at converting red-zone trips into points.
Defensively, they’ve forced multiple turnovers in four of their six games, often turning takeaways into touchdowns. The combination of speed at linebacker and discipline in coverage has kept opponents under 24 points in three straight contests.
Duke Blue Devils Outlook
Duke’s offense operates efficiently through Mensah’s arm and an underrated running game. Running back Peyton Jones (5.1 yards per carry) and the offensive line’s physicality allow Duke to control tempo when needed.
The defense has been lights-out at home, allowing just 14.8 points per game in Durham this season. Duke’s secondary — led by safety Terry Moore and cornerback Vontae Floyd — has limited big plays and thrives on disguising coverages, a key factor against King’s deep passing attempts.
Key Edge
Georgia Tech’s ground game versus Duke’s pass-heavy attack provides a contrast in styles. The Yellow Jackets’ rushing advantage could wear down Duke’s front seven over time, but Duke’s ability to generate big plays through the air could swing momentum quickly. Expect adjustments on both sidelines.
Betting Trends
- Georgia Tech is 6-0 straight-up this season.
- Georgia Tech is 3-0 ATS as an underdog in 2025.
- Duke is 22-2 straight-up as a favorite in its last 24 games.
- Duke is 5-0 on the over in home games this season.
- Georgia Tech is 8-0 straight-up in games with totals of 50 or more since 2024.
Best Bets and Prediction
This is a coin-flip matchup between two confident teams. Georgia Tech’s balanced attack and defensive takeaways could be the difference late, while Duke’s home field gives it a fighting chance. Expect a back-and-forth game that comes down to the final possession.
Projected Score: Georgia Tech 31, Duke 28
Best Bet: Georgia Tech +1.5
Secondary Lean: Over 61.5
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