No. 2 Duke and No. 4 Syracuse Face Off in Durham Thursday

The Opening Faceoff

Duke is 8-0, its best start through eight games since the 2008 squad started 8-0. The Blue Devils are coming off a 10-day break after playing three games in eight days. Duke has not allowed more than eight goals in each of its past six victories.

Duke once again had a balanced offensive effort against Jacksonville. Michael Sowers had a goal and six assists, while Brennan O'Neill had five goals. Ten different Blue Devils scored in the win. Duke held Jacksonville scoreless for 26:01, going on an 11-0 run in that span.

Thursday's matchup will be the first ACC game for the Blue Devils and second for Syracuse. The Orange beat Virginia, 20-10, on Feb. 27 behind seven points from…