What Duke Fans Should Expect from Florida in Tuesday’s ACC/SEC Clash
Duke is off to a blistering 8-0 start, and the Blue Devils’ early résumé already looks like something you’d expect to see in March. Wins over Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas have them trending in the right direction, but the real tests are just getting started.
Tuesday night brings another big one: a visit from No. 15 Florida as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge.
This is the kind of non-conference gauntlet that toughens a team - and reveals a lot in the process. For Duke, it’s a chance to keep stacking quality wins. For Florida, it’s a chance to prove they belong in the national conversation after a rocky start to their season.
Let’s break down what Duke fans need to know about this Gators squad ahead of the matchup.
Florida’s Early Season Pressure Is Mounting
Florida enters this game at 5-2, but the two losses - to Arizona and TCU - have raised some eyebrows. The Gators missed a big opportunity to notch a marquee win against TCU on Thanksgiving, and that stumble puts even more weight on this trip to Durham.
Yes, the SEC schedule will offer more chances for Quadrant 1 wins, but if Florida walks out of non-conference play without one, the margin for error shrinks considerably. This isn’t the same Gators team from last season. There are questions about the backcourt, the offensive rhythm, and whether they can consistently compete with elite teams.
A win at Cameron Indoor would change the tone of their season - and fast.
Can Florida Contain Cam Boozer Without Sending Help?
Duke’s freshman phenom Cam Boozer has been a force early, and Florida’s game plan to deal with him could set the tone for the night. The Gators do boast one of the more physically imposing frontcourts in the country, and that size has been their anchor through some inconsistent guard play.
But there’s a catch.
When Florida faced Arizona, they struggled to contain Koa Peat - a forward with a similar physical profile to Boozer. That game exposed some vulnerabilities in their post defense, especially when the opponent can stretch the floor and force rotation.
The expectation is that Florida head coach Todd Golden will start out playing Boozer straight-up, relying on his bigs to hold their ground. But if Boozer gets going early, don’t be surprised if the Gators are forced into sending doubles - and that’s where things could unravel. Duke has the shooters to make teams pay if they overcommit in the paint.
Guard Play Could Be Florida’s Undoing
If Florida is going to pull off the upset, they’ll need steadier play from their backcourt - plain and simple.
Xaivian Lee has shown flashes, but against high-major competition, he’s struggled to create separation and make plays under pressure. His handle looks more like a mixtape than a half-court offense, and that’s become a problem when Florida needs someone to settle things down and run the show.
The Gators do have Urban Klavzar coming off the bench, and while he’s been a reliable spot-up threat, he’s not a true floor general. That lack of a primary creator has been exposed when opponents - like TCU - apply even modest pressure.
Duke’s defense thrives on forcing mistakes and turning them into transition points. If Florida’s guards can’t handle the ball cleanly, this one could get away from them in a hurry.
The X-Factor: The Battle on the Glass
If there’s one area where Florida can tilt the game in their favor, it’s on the boards.
The Gators rank third in the country in offensive rebounding percentage - and that’s not a fluke. They crash hard, they’re physical, and they generate a lot of second-chance opportunities. That rebounding edge has kept them in games even when the offense stalls out.
On the other side, Duke has been solid but not elite on the defensive glass. They currently sit 57th in defensive rebounding percentage, which leaves a window for Florida to exploit.
If the Gators can dominate the offensive boards and extend possessions, they can slow the game down, frustrate Duke’s rhythm, and keep themselves within striking distance. But if Duke holds their own on the glass, Florida may not have enough firepower in the half court to keep pace.
What This Means for Duke
This is a classic “don’t overlook them” game for Duke. Yes, Michigan State looms on Saturday, and yes, the Blue Devils are riding high. But Florida’s frontcourt is legit, and if they get rolling on the glass, this could turn into a grind-it-out kind of night.
For Jon Scheyer, the key will be finding creative ways to get his shooters involved early. Florida’s size inside could make life tough for Boozer, so Duke will need to be sharp with off-ball movement, spacing, and quick decision-making. Expect to see a few wrinkles designed to free up open looks on the perimeter.
This is also another chance for Duke’s guards to show they can control tempo and take care of the ball against a physical, athletic opponent. If they do that, and Boozer draws enough defensive attention to open up the floor, Duke should be in a good spot to stay unbeaten.
Bottom Line
Florida is still figuring itself out, especially in the backcourt. But their size, rebounding, and defensive potential make them a dangerous opponent - especially if Duke doesn’t bring its A-game.
For the Blue Devils, this is another test in a loaded non-conference slate. Win it, and the momentum keeps building. Slip up, and the road ahead gets a little bumpier.
Tip-off at Cameron should be electric. And with both teams looking to make a statement, expect a physical, high-stakes battle that could reveal a lot about where each program is heading this season.