ESPN picks Duke
http://insider.espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8769112/making-picks-second-week-bowl-games-ncf?addata=2009_insdr_mod_ncf_xxx_xxxCincinnati Bearcats versus Duke Blue Devils
Belk Bowl (Dec. 27)
Sean Renfree and Duke should be able to move the ball through the air against the Cincinnati defense.
Duke has allowed nearly 600 yards per game in four losses since clinching bowl eligibility back on Oct. 20. The picture of the Blue Devils as a team "just happy to be there" is a common interpretation, but we think this bunch actually stayed hungry down the stretch and just faced a schedule against which its worn-down defense was simply outmanned. The Devils still have something to prove and Cincinnati is a fair fight for a fresher and healthier Duke squad that benefits from the long layoff as much as any team of the 2012 bowl season.
Duke is the only team in the FBS sporting three receivers with more than 60 catches. Quarterback Sean Renfree is a fourth-year starter and the fully developed pupil of renowned quarterback whisperer David Cutcliffe, who went 4-1 in bowls as head coach at Ole Miss. The strength of a solid Bearcats defense that has seen few quality passing teams this season is its front seven, and against this secondary, Duke receivers will be open, and Renfree will find them.
There's no doubt that the Cincinnati offense will hit some explosive rushing plays, but with not only head coach Butch Jones but also both coordinators and two more assistants already gone to Tennessee, this outfit may have too many disadvantages in preparation to overcome against an inspired, well-coached foe playing in front of a partisan crowd.
The pick: Duke 31, Cincinnati 28
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