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Duke vs. Florida: 2025 ACC-SEC Challenge Betting Odds and Match-up Preview

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 9:53 GMT by CBSSports.com

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Duke vs. Florida: Betting Odds, Match‑up Analysis, and 2025 ACC‑SEC Challenge Preview

The 2025 ACC‑SEC Challenge is one of the most exciting match‑ups of the college‑basketball calendar, and this year’s showdown between the Duke Blue Devils and the Florida Gators is no exception. CBSSports’ in‑depth preview, released on March 4, 2025, offers a comprehensive look at the two teams’ recent form, key players, coaching strategies, and most importantly, the betting odds that will shape the wagering landscape for the contest. Below is a distilled summary of the article, enriched with extra context from the linked sources that were followed for a fuller picture.

1. The ACC‑SEC Challenge in Context

The ACC‑SEC Challenge is an annual series that pits the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against the southeastern Power Five conference (SEC). The tournament is organized into a bracket that rewards conference winners with a championship trophy and the bragging rights that come with a clean sweep. The Duke vs. Florida game is the opening match‑up, which sets the tone for the rest of the series. CBSSports highlights that this is the first time Duke and Florida have faced each other in the ACC‑SEC format, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Links in the article direct readers to the official ACC‑SEC Challenge page, which outlines the full schedule, the points system for each game, and how the winner of the series is determined. The article also includes a brief history of past ACC‑SEC match‑ups, noting that the ACC has dominated in recent years, but the SEC’s growth in talent makes every game highly contested.

2. Duke’s Season Snapshot

Current Record: 12‑1
Conference Standing: 1st in ACC
Recent Form: Three straight wins, including a 93‑76 win over North Carolina

The preview opens with an analysis of Duke’s dominant season. The Blue Devils are riding a 12‑game winning streak that has included standout performances from star guard Avery Johnson (18.5 points per game) and center R.J. Lewis (12.3 rebounds per game). According to the linked Duke team profile on CBSSports, the squad has shown a balanced offensive attack—averaging 79.3 points per game—paired with a stifling defense that limits opponents to an average of 70.1 points.

CBSSports notes that Coach Mike Krzyzewski (although retired in 2024, the team’s legacy under his leadership is still felt), has left a coaching philosophy that emphasizes discipline and aggressive perimeter play. The article’s statistical breakdown from the Duke page highlights a 45% three‑point shooting percentage and a 70% field‑goal percentage, making the team a formidable threat from all areas of the court.

3. Florida’s Road to the Game

Current Record: 11‑2
Conference Standing: 2nd in SEC
Recent Form: A 91‑77 win over Auburn, but a narrow loss to Tennessee

Florida’s Gators are equally impressive, boasting an 11‑2 record that showcases a potent offense run by Taj McConnell, who averages 20.7 points per game, and Dante Johnson, the team’s leading rebounder at 10.2 per game. The CBSSports link to the Florida roster provides a deeper dive into the Gators’ lineup, noting that their offense relies heavily on a high‑tempo approach that frequently pushes the pace to 110 possessions per game.

The article underscores Coach Mike White’s tactical adjustments, especially in the second half, where the Gators have improved defensive rotations and rebounding strategies. Florida’s defensive stats—allowing only 75.4 points per game—suggest a team that can keep Duke’s offense in check if the pace is managed correctly.

4. Historical Match‑ups and Rivalry

While Duke and Florida have never met in a regular‑season game, the preview touches on their historical performances against other ACC and SEC teams. The article links to a historical comparison page that shows Duke’s success in recent ACC‑SEC match‑ups (5‑2 record), whereas Florida has a slightly lower win‑rate (4‑3). These numbers, however, are less relevant given the unique pressures of a tournament setting.

5. Betting Lines, Odds, and Projections

CBSSports’ article dedicates a large portion to the betting market, providing both the spread and moneyline lines. The key figures are:

Interpretation: Duke is the favorite, with the odds indicating a modest advantage. The spread suggests a predicted win margin of roughly 6.5 points for Duke. The over/under indicates a predicted total score of 142.5 points.

The preview also includes a detailed prediction section, offering a consensus scoreline of Duke 71 – Florida 64. This prediction is based on the team statistics, recent performances, and betting trends highlighted in the linked CBSSports pages.

6. Key Players to Watch

Duke:
- Avery Johnson: Known for his three‑point shooting and clutch scoring.
- R.J. Lewis: A dominant interior presence who can disrupt Florida’s offense.

Florida:
- Taj McConnell: The primary playmaker who can control the pace and facilitate scoring.
- Dante Johnson: The inside defender who can double team Duke’s key players.

CBSSports includes video highlights linked to each player’s profile, giving bettors a visual sense of how each might impact the game.

7. Tactical Insights

The preview highlights Duke’s penchant for a “fast‑break” style that could capitalize on Florida’s slower transition defense. Conversely, Florida’s strategy involves a “half‑court set” that will test Duke’s defensive rotations. The article uses data from the linked team analytics pages to show that Duke’s turnover rate is low (1.7 per 100 possessions), while Florida’s defensive rebounds per game are above league average (12.4), indicating that Florida could keep the ball alive if they get the ball back quickly.

8. The Bigger Picture

The Duke‑Florida game is the first of a four‑game series, and the winner will carry momentum into the subsequent match‑ups. CBSSports notes that if Duke wins, the ACC gains a psychological advantage, while a Florida win could disrupt the SEC’s momentum and potentially level the series. The article also points to a “Series Standings” page that updates after each game, providing real‑time insight into how each game influences the overall challenge.

9. Final Thoughts

CBSSports’ comprehensive preview blends statistical analysis, historical context, player profiles, and betting odds to create a well‑rounded guide for fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re placing a moneyline bet, hedging with a spread, or simply interested in who will win the first game of the ACC‑SEC Challenge, the article offers a clear roadmap. By following the linked resources—team pages, player highlights, and betting trend charts—you’ll gain the depth needed to make an informed decision.

In short: Duke is the favored team with a 71‑point projection, Florida’s balanced attack could keep them close, and the odds favor a 6‑point margin. The stakes are high, the drama is palpable, and the 2025 ACC‑SEC Challenge is set to deliver one of the most thrilling games of the season.