Duke vs. NC State: Game preview, prediction, TV Schedule

The Duke Blue Devils face the NC State Wolf Pack on Saturday night looking to prove that they can perform up to expectations on the road.

TV Schedule: Saturday, Jan. 6, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina

The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils have bounced back from their disappointing loss to the Boston College Eagles by blowing out the Evansville Aces and defeating the then No. 24 Florida State Seminoles by seven, proving that they are still one of the best teams in college basketball.

Although ranked at No. 2, they are still, at least in my opinion, the clear favorite to win it all in March and no one else is even remotely close.

Related Story: 5 questions for Duke vs. NC State

However, the loss to Boston College pointed out a flaw in this team that was not quite visible this season so far due to multiple neutral site games and buy-games – playing well in true road games. In their two so far, Duke has struggled against Indiana and lost to Boston College.

The good news is that this is a potential problem that can be put to bed in the Blue Devils’ next game, as Duke travels to face the NC State Wolfpack.

NC State still has that juicy win over Arizona to hang their hat on, but have been unable to defeat any other potential NCAA Tournament team that they have faced this season. A win over Duke could change that, but, with the way NC State has looked so far in ACC play, they might have to play their best game of the season to knock off the Blue Devils.

Next: Where do these teams rank in current bracketology?

NC State looks better than expected under Kevin Keatts, but the upset is not happening in this one. Duke gets back on track on the road and shows why they deserve to be No. 1.

Prediction: Duke 85, NC State 66