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- WHAT: Duke Blue Devils (3-0) vs. UConn Huskies (0-3)
- WHEN: Saturday, September 23rd, 3:30 pm ET
- WHERE: Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
The 2023 College Football season hits a massive speed bump as Duke visits UConn to face the Connecticut Huskies. Fans keep growing concerns about “Mother Nature” and we have some different NCAA Football Week 4 Picks. Expect a not so good field as these two teams tussle in a late afternoon Saturday quagmire. Again, some think this will be a cakewalk for Duke. However, any game on the road in September can be dangerous and costly.
Naturally, the online betting top sportsbooks are catching up to what may or may not happen this weekend. Below, we present some new numbers from Duke and UConn. Afterwards, we examine a few unique ways to try and time out some wagers. Again, this is a fluid situation. The action again starts just after 3:30 pm ET.
| Duke vs UConn NCAAF |  |  |  |
| Duke Blue Devils (-21.5) | -110 | -115 | -117 |
| Connecticut Huskies | -110 | -105 | -103 |
NCAA Football Week 4 Picks – A Fluid Weather Situation?
So, this week’s NCAA Football Week 4 Picks from Connecticut lament a fluid weather situation? Oh no, here we go again! For anyone, that remembers last weekend’s near brush with Hurricane Lee, this will not be quite so easy. Basically, there is a coastal low which could form into something tropical. No matter what happens, there will be a good deal of rain up in the Northeast. Ducks may find this weather pleasant but people and football often do not mix. There are a few more wrinkles here too.
The Huskies play in a stadium that is technically below ground level. Okay, so what does that mean? Simply, when it rains, the water has to flow somewhere. If the water drains too fast, it could wind up on the natural grass field and easily puddle. Given that parts of the region are anywhere between 5-10 inches above normal for rainfall and there is potential for ugly conditions. Bettors should be aware of this.
Gusty winds are anticipated this Saturday as an area of low pressure impacts the region. Gusts of 30-40 mph will be possible for coastal areas. pic.twitter.com/XSv4P84B7I
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 21, 2023
There is no Heisman Trophy hype for this contest but again, the weather has to be watched. Winds could be a little higher than forecasted in gusts. Again, the problem may prove more to be the rain rate come later Saturday afternoon. Since, this is a developing situation, that creates more difficulty in betting. Nonetheless, we trudge onward.
Duke is giving up 21.5 points depending on the site (Bovada just made its move). This may feel odd but a half point is. not terrible given the -105 number. Some experts think this could move to 22 or 22.5. Still, road games like this with uncertain weather hazards always carry potential for sloppy football. NCAA Football Week 4 Picks like taking a shot that UConn might be able to keep it close.
NCAA Football Week 4 Picks – Can We Consider The Under?
So, now let’s get to the main points err point. That is the fun part. Now, when scouring through college football betting sites, it never hurts to explore all those NCAA Football Week 4 Picks. One asks the question. Can we consider the under for Saturday afternoon?
After all, Duke normally has an excellent offense. What people forget is their defense is pretty stout. Maybe, the quality of opponent has not been the greatest (Clemson is not the same this year). However, they have yielded only 9.3 points per game. UConn manages only 15 a game themselves. The Jim Mora coached team is outmatched but that great equalizer again could prove to be the weather.
Heading into this late September game, do the 18th-ranked Blue Devils look ahead to their rumble with Notre Dame next weekend? Also, remember this section is only about the points. Seeing 45 trend down to 44.5 on BetOnline and MyBookie was not surprising. So far, Bovada holds firm at 45. That number comes in at -115 for the Under, however.
A coastal storm likely leading to a cloudier weekend with rain chances both days… pic.twitter.com/OX9hiZfrRJ
— Alyssa Caroprese (@CBS6Alyssa) September 21, 2023
Again for Duke and UConn, the worst of the weather is expected to be present late Saturday afternoon into the evening. This bodes poorly for those even pondering the two teams scoring more than 45 points. Also, the consider the first half Under which is a surprising 23.5 points (-110). If a bettor takes a small risk on the Over at 43.5 points, that does pay out in plus territory (now +105). Even a 42.5 number may come about closer to game time, so keep an eye out.
A Few More Saturday Numbers
After all, NCAA Football Week 4 Picks beg for a few more numbers on Saturday. For this Duke and UConn matchup, some options outside the norm are still lurking. Total points in the first half for UConn is a surprising one at only 6.5. It might be a tough ask but a fluke touchdown could happen. Consider that +110 for the Over as something to watch.
Conversely, Duke may have a tougher time mustering points early. It comes across as quite a risk to expect Duke to score 35 points or more if the conditions come close to panning out. That is a tough number to put money on and not likely worth the investment for Saturday. There are better wagers to place one’s money on.
For perspective, even a UConn field goal in the first quarter could be helpful. The Over of 0.5 first quarter points rolls in at -145. However, the first team to score for UConn is at +215. That may be something to consider. With crazy weather expected, there may be a few unusual events. Again, it is okay to be creative in small doses.
BetOnline Has One More Flier?
So, BetOnline has one more flier.
Thankfully, the BetOnline Sportbook Review site offers up the Defense/Special teams touchdown special at +238 for this game. Again, rain plus wind could equal chaos with kicking, handling footballs, and beyond.
