X factor: Duke football vs. Miami

The 7-2 Blue Devils will host Miami today at 3:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Every week throughout the football season, we'll break down a player on each team who could be the difference-maker in the upcoming contest.

Duke: running back Jela Duncan

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For Duke to get back its offensive rhythm back, it must establish the running game early. Duncan's play is the key to that success. If the Blue Devils can pound the ball up the middle with consistency, it will open up the passing game regardless of whether Anthony Boone or Brandon Connette is in. If Duncan can move the ball on first down, Duke will be under less pressure to throw the ball down the field and should play a less mistake-prone game against the Hurricanes. The Blue Devils will have a tough time winning today if the running game doesn't step up.

Miami: cornerback Ladarius Gunter

Anthony Boone has thrown seven interceptions in his past two games, and junior Ladarius Gunter will look to add to that total Saturday against the Blue Devils. Gunter will likely spend most of the contest matched up against sophomore Max McCaffrey, but if Miami's vaunted front seven can put enough pressure on Boone or Connette, Gunter could be the beneficiary. His five pass breakups lead the Hurricanes into Saturday's game, and he has the potential to be a significant difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball.