Duke vs. Boston College: Game preview, prediction, TV schedule

The Duke Blue Devils will open their 2017-18 ACC campaign against the Boston College Eagles in what should be yet another dominating win for the No. 1 team in college basketball.

TV Schedule: Saturday, Dec. 9, 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Silvio Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Starting 2017-18 with a 6-3 record, the Boston College Eagles have only been blown out once so far to start the season at the hands of the Providence Friars.

Their other two losses came at the hands of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Texas Tech Red Raiders, showing that, while the Eagles are, as usual, not very good, they are not that bad either. Three non-conference losses to solid Power 5 (or Power 6) opponents on the road or on a neutral court is nothing to laugh at, as most non-elite college basketball teams would struggle with the same.

Unfortunately for Boston College, their next opponents are the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils, a team that, even at home in Massachusetts, look next to impossible to beat.

Somehow undefeated to start the season despite multiple close games, this Blue Devils team looks unstoppable and destined for greatness. After a stretch of close games to Texas, Florida, and Indiana, Duke dominated their next two opponents by 18 and then 57 (yes, 57!) points.

I think this Boston College team is actually a bit better than most give them credit for being, but it is going to take something special to upset Duke – and it won’t be the Eagles.

Next: Takeaways from Duke's big win over St. Francis

The Blue Devils win, as expected, and get their first taste of ACC action with a blowout win.

Prediction: Duke 88, Boston College 66