Duke entered the game 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the ACC. Their only loss was 19-10 at then number 23 Northwestern in September. The Blue Devils welcomed the 4-3, 1-2 Miami Hurricanes to Wallace Wade Stadium with a three-game winning streak.
The Miami Hurricanes suffered their worst loss in school history the week prior. The 58-0 annihilation by Clemson at Hard Rock Stadium cost Al Golden his job.
Senior cornerback Artie Burns mom passed away unexpectedly and Miami was going on the road with then Freshman Malik Rosier replacing Sophomore starting quarterback Brad Kaaya who was out with a concussion suffered against Clemson.