Photo by Zachary Taft, Imagn Images Led by the dynamic freshman duo of Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, Duke dominated North Carolina on Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, cruising to an 87-70 victory. The final score made the game seem closer than it actually was. Flagg finished with 21 points, while Knueppel added 22. They were joined in double figures by Tyrese Proctor, who contributed 17 points, and Sion James, who chipped in 13. From the opening minutes, it was clear this game was never truly in doubt. North Carolina briefly kept it close down by 1 point at 7-6 before Duke erupted for a commanding 16-0 run, seizing control of the game early. By halftime, the Blue Devils had built an overwhelming 47-25 lead, evoking memories of the historic 82-50 beatdown Duke delivered to UNC during Jon Scheyer’s senior year. Though North Carolina attempted to fight back in the second half, cutting into the deficit with an 11-0 run, Duke quickly regained momentum following a timely timeout by Scheyer. The Blue Devils never let the Tar Heels get within striking distance, securing a convincing win. Duke’s defense was stifling, overwhelming UNC’s smaller lineup and setting the tone throughout the game. Following the victory, Scheyer praised the Cameron Crazies and the electric atmosphere inside Cameron Indoor Stadium: “First, I just want to thank our fans. It was such an incredible environment tonight. I thought our guys really helped with the defense and how we played on that end, it got the crowd going. From the get-go, you could just feel a special environment and its credit to all the students; I'm really thankful for that." Maliq Brown’s return to the court was a welcome sight for Duke fans, as his defensive instincts and quick reactions elevated the team’s defensive intensity. As expected, ESPN College GameDay was in attendance for this rivalry showdown. While Duke-UNC matchups are often unpredictable, this one was a statement from the Blue Devils. There was no need for an Austin Rivers buzzer-beater or a Tre Jones miracle to force overtime—this was a wire-to-wire domination, spearheaded by the freshman duo of Flagg and Knueppel. With this being what is almost certainly Cooper Flagg’s only UNC rivalry game inside Cameron, he made sure to acknowledge the fans who fueled the Blue Devils’ performance: “It was an incredible game, incredible atmosphere. The students really brought it tonight, so it was just really fun to be able to play in front of them and get the win. I thought it was a great start. We came out with really good energy. The building was jumping. Something Coach (Scheyer) stressed to us was that this is just another game, but you could definitely feel a different energy in the gym tonight." Duke now holds a 1-0 lead over UNC this season, with the rematch set for March 8th in Chapel Hill. But for now, the focus shifts to Syracuse, where the Blue Devils will look to extend their win streak beyond 15 games in a road matchup this Wednesday. It’s a one-game-at-a-time mentality for this Duke squad, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
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Photo by Laura Murphy - Duke Football Talk Duke Football is riding high after a remarkable 9-4 campaign under first-year head coach Manny Diaz. Despite a tough loss to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl, the season was a major success. The Blue Devils shattered expectations, surpassing Vegas oddsmakers’ preseason win total of 5.5, reclaiming the Victory Bell for the first time in six years, and earning the title of state champs by defeating North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest in the same season. The ACC officially released the 2025 schedule yesterday, giving fans a first look at what’s ahead. While it’s still early—spring games and another transfer portal window could shake things up—we’ve put together an early list of Duke’s six most intriguing matchups for the upcoming season. These games were selected based on last season’s performances, rivalries, and potential excitement. As kickoff approaches, this list may evolve, but for now, here are the six games we’re most excited about. 1. Duke vs. Illinois - Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC – September 6, 2025 Illinois will be a major early test for the Blue Devils. The Fighting Illini are coming off a stellar 10-3 season, capped with a win over South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, and finished ranked #16 in the final AP Poll. This matchup will give Duke fans a chance to see how their team stacks up against a solid Big Ten opponent early in the season. 2. Duke at Tulane - Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA – September 13, 2025 This road trip to Tulane is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing matchups of the season. Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah transferred to Duke, adding an intriguing layer to the game. Tulane finished last season at 9-5 and appeared in the Gasparilla Bowl, though they fell to Florida. Expect a lively, potentially hostile environment in New Orleans. 3. Duke vs. NC State - Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC – Date 9/20/25 This in-state showdown is always a fan favorite, and this year should be no different. Duke has won the last two meetings, including a home victory in 2023 and a road win in Raleigh in 2024. NC State is coming off a 6-7 season, which ended with a loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl. With state bragging rights and the potential for a packed Wallace Wade Stadium on the line, this game is sure to deliver plenty of excitement. 4. Duke at Syracuse - JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY – Date 9/27/25 Syracuse quietly had an impressive 2024 season, finishing 10-3 and earning a #20 ranking in the final AP Poll after defeating Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. This matchup will test Duke in a tough environment, making it a key game to watch. 5. Duke at Clemson - Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC – Date 11/1/25 The last time these two teams met, Duke stunned Clemson with a 28-7 upset in primetime on Labor Day to open the 2023 season. The two teams did not meet last season. Clemson earned a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff and finished last season at 10-4, ranked #14 in the AP Poll. This year, the Tigers will look for revenge on their home turf, making this one of the most anticipated games of the year for Duke fans. 6. Duke at North Carolina - Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC – Date 11/22/25 The annual rivalry game for the Victory Bell always delivers, and this year promises to be no different. Last season, Duke ended a six-year drought by reclaiming the Bell with a victory at Wallace Wade Stadium. UNC is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 6-7 season, which ended with a loss to UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. Adding to the intrigue, the Tar Heels will be led by new head coach Bill Belichick, who makes his college coaching debut after a legendary NFL career. Honorable Mentions A few other games could have easily made this list. UConn, fresh off a 9-4 season and a victory over North Carolina in the Fenway Bowl, will be another challenging opponent. Georgia Tech, despite a grueling 2024 schedule, finished 7-6 and will be hungry to build on that success. Final Thoughts Duke’s 2025 schedule is packed with tough competition. Nine of the Blue Devils’ 12 regular-season opponents played in bowl games last year, including Illinois, Tulane, UConn, California, Clemson, Georgia Tech, NC State, North Carolina, and Syracuse. Stay tuned to Blue Devils Blog, follow us on Twitter (@DukeReport), and subscribe to our YouTube channel (@Skeelow22) for updates, predictions, and more coverage as the season approaches. It may be a cold winter now, but the spring game will be here soon—followed by the thrill of college football under the lights in the fall. As the college basketball season moves well past its halfway point, Duke basketball stands in a strong and enviable position. Boasting a 16-2 record, the Blue Devils have demonstrated both resilience and consistency, with their only two losses coming against blue blood programs Kentucky and Kansas on neutral courts. These defeats, however, were far from setbacks, as both teams rank among the nation’s elite: #9 Kentucky and #12 Kansas.
Some of Duke’s season highlights so far include marquee victories over currently ranked #1 Auburn in the electrifying atmosphere of Cameron Indoor Stadium and road wins against Arizona and Louisville. While the number of wins against current AP Top 25 teams might not overwhelm, it’s important to note that the Blue Devils sit atop the KenPom rankings, underscoring their overall strength. With the ACC experiencing a down year, Duke’s non-conference schedule has been crucial in showcasing the team’s quality. Matchups against top-tier opponents such as Auburn, Kentucky, and Kansas have prepared them well. An upcoming neutral-site clash against Illinois on February 22nd will serve as another critical test, arriving just weeks before the start of the ACC and NCAA Tournaments. While the ACC may lack depth this season, Duke’s conference schedule still presents hurdles. This Saturday, the Blue Devils will travel to Winston-Salem to face a solid Wake Forest team sitting at 15-4 (7-1 ACC) and fresh off a thrilling 67-66 win over North Carolina. Duke will also host Wake Forest in the regular-season finale in March. Factor in the always-unpredictable home-and-away series against rival North Carolina, where rankings often go out the window, along with challenging road games like Clemson, and it’s evident that Duke’s path to the postseason is lined with potential pitfalls. Does it matter if Duke goes undefeated in ACC play? Not really. The focus is on being battle-tested and ready for March Madness. The losses in January or February won’t define the season; what matters is how prepared the team is for the intensity of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Jon Scheyer, his staff, and the players have shown adaptability throughout the season, particularly in responding to adversity like Maliq Brown’s injury. While his absence is felt, it’s also provided opportunities for others to step up and contribute to the team’s current 12-game win streak. The most dominant team doesn’t always win the national championship. Take 2015, for example: Kentucky entered the Final Four undefeated and seemingly unstoppable, only to be stunned by Wisconsin in a shocking upset that ended their dream season. I was at that Final Four and vividly remember walking into the postgame press conference with John Calipari and the players—it was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Duke, under the leadership of Coach K, capitalized on the moment and defeated Wisconsin to secure their fifth national championship. That tournament showcased a critical truth: adaptability, focus, and timing often triumph over sheer dominance. This year’s Duke team mirrors some of those same traits. Whether or not they are the most dominant team in college basketball right now is irrelevant. What matters is their ability to handle adversity, play the opponents in front of them, and peak at the right time. With a 12-game win streak, a top-ranked KenPom rating, and the resilience shown in Maliq’s absence, the Blue Devils are shaping up to be a serious contender for a deep March run. For now, the focus remains on taking each game as it comes, but the future looks bright for Duke basketball. Photo by Lance King Duke basketball returned from its exam break to take on George Mason, just a week after their victory over Incarnate Word. This matchup featured two of the nation's top five field-goal percentage defenses, setting the stage for a defensive battle.
As expected, both teams struggled offensively in the first half. Duke held a 25-16 lead at the break, but George Mason limited them to just 27% shooting. At times, the slow pace resembled a classic Virginia game, drawing a chuckle-worthy comparison. The second half, however, belonged to Duke and their star freshman, Cooper Flagg. Flagg exploded for 17 of his 24 points after halftime, finishing with an impressive stat line of 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. “That was a great team,” Flagg said postgame. “Extremely physical, scrappy. They played really composed and with a lot of poise. It’s a team that, if you’re not careful and you don’t come out with the right mindset, they can really jump on you. I thought we came out with a great mindset, a very defensive-based mindset, and I thought we did a great job.” Duke’s defense stood tall once again, holding George Mason to under 50 points—the second straight game they've accomplished this feat, a first for the program since November 2022. While the offense is still finding its rhythm, the Blue Devils are showing signs of improvement as ACC play begins, with plenty of time to sharpen their form before March Madness. Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team’s effort and the challenge George Mason presented. “I thought it was a really good win for us,” Scheyer said. “I have a ton of respect for Tony Skinn, George Mason, and their team. Coming in, they were 7-3. They lost two games that they either should have won or could have won. They’re experienced, incredibly well-coached, and disciplined. We knew how tough they were on defense. And for us, having a week off, we've obviously worked on a lot. I thought we had good carryover. I think there’s obviously a lot we can do better. Khaman impacts the game in so many ways. Protecting the rim, had eight rebounds, guarding two really good big men. And I thought Sion had such an impact on winning. He had a +31. Cooper was a warrior out there. I think that comes with his competitive spirit and being in attack mode. We need him that way. We have to help him be that way all the time." Duke's 68-47 victory not only surpassed the -19.5 spread but also marked the conclusion of their non-conference schedule for the time being. Their next non-ACC matchup is slated for February 22nd against Illinois at Madison Square Garden. With a challenging out-of-conference slate that included showdowns against Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas, and Auburn, the Blue Devils have positioned themselves well for what looks to potentially be an unpredictable ACC season. Up next, Duke hits the road to face Georgia Tech in Atlanta this Saturday. The conference championship games wrapped up last night, and now we have the final Duke Football bowl projections from Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk and Freddie from Duke Report. Read on to discover where we predict Duke will land this bowl season! Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk Duke fans, we have made it! We are at selection Sunday, and boy what a journey it has been. First things first, what a way for the ACC to cap off its season with the ending between Clemson and SMU last night. I must admit, I did not watch the entire game through as I thought Clemson had the game in the bag. I should have known better as we have seen this entire season, "Coastal Chaos" continues to run wild in the ACC. Even with the loss, I still see SMU finding a way to get one of the final At-Large bids for the CFP. They made it to the conference title game, and only have 2 losses on the year. If that happens, things should fall in place relatively easy. On the flip side, if the committee stays in love with the SEC, and SMU is out, that is where things could be shaken up. SMU being booted would mean another team in the ACC Bowl pool. SMU is a team all bowls would like to try and have, so my hope is the committee does the right thing and keeps SMU in. So where do things land for Duke now that Clemson has won the ACC and SMU is on the bubble? As crazy as it may sound, I think regardless of the outcome of the CFP being released at noon, there is only 1 spot for Duke. Remember when I wrote about speaking with bowl reps of various bowls throughout the season? There was one group of bowl reps who had nothing but great things to say about Duke. They even vocalized how they were wanting Duke at their bowl and were going to do everything they could to make it happen. I think those reps today are going to be the biggest cheerleaders for Duke when Selection Sunday starts later today. Of course I am talking about the GATOR BOWL. This is one of the few prestigious bowl games Duke has never been to. I think it is time, especially with Duke's record and storylines they would bring to Jacksonville. Don't get me wrong fans, the Duke's Mayo Bowl would be great too, but with everything I am seeing, it is looking like sunny Jacksonville, Florida on Janury 2nd is where Duke will be. Thank you everyone for taking time this season to read mine and Freddie's thoughts through the 2024 season. We are already looking forward to starting things back up in 2025! Freddie Hodges of Duke Report Duke fans, the moment we’ve been waiting for is almost here! In just a few hours, the bowl selection process will unfold, and we’ll finally know where Duke is heading this bowl season. What an incredible season it has been for Duke Football! From reclaiming the Victory Bell to winning the state championship by defeating North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest, the Blue Devils have capped it all off with an impressive 9-3 record. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the ACC without a little “Coastal Chaos”—or should we say “ACC Chaos”—to top things off. Last night’s ACC Championship game delivered a thrilling finish. I dozed off in my recliner with Clemson in full control, only to wake up just in time to see SMU mount a stunning comeback. But in the end, Clemson clinched the title with a walk-off field goal. What a game! It’s clear that the spirit of "Coastal Chaos" is alive and well in the ACC. I’m with Brian on this one: even with SMU’s loss, I still see them securing a spot in the CFP and bumping Alabama out of the final playoff position. After a game like that, coming down to the wire, SMU has earned their place over a brand-name team like Alabama, who sat at home during conference championship weekend. Regardless of whether SMU or Alabama gets the final spot, I don’t think it changes where Duke is headed for bowl season. So, what’s the bowl game? Brian and I agree once again: I’ve got Duke heading to sunny Jacksonville to play in the Gator Bowl on January 2nd. Gator Bowl representatives have attended Duke games this season, and with an impressive 9-3 record, the Blue Devils deserve to be playing in a top-tier bowl. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl was my backup pick and would also be a great destination. However, everything I’ve seen leads me to believe that Duke will land in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl to face off against an SEC opponent. Thank you all for taking the time this season to follow Blue Devils Blog and read our bowl projections! If you’re not already, be sure to check out the Section 17 Podcast. Brian and the crew do an incredible job covering everything Duke Football—you won’t want to miss it!
Now, Duke fans, the waiting game begins. In just a few hours, we’ll find out where the Blue Devils are heading for bowl season. As for Brian and me, we’re already looking ahead to the 2025 season. Who knows—maybe we’ll even put together a way-too-early bowl projection in the spring. Or maybe we won’t... you’ll just have to stay tuned! 😉 Morning views over T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas the day of the Duke vs Kansas game In the world of college basketball, greatness is forged through relentless challenges, and Duke’s early-season schedule has been a prime example of that. As December begins, the Blue Devils have already been tested against some of the nation’s toughest opponents—and the challenges keep coming.
Over just 22 days, Duke will have faced a grueling stretch of games, taking on three current top-five teams in the AP Poll: No. 4 Kentucky, No. 1 Kansas, and tomorrow night, No. 2 Auburn. These aren’t just headline-grabbing matchups—they’re critical opportunities for growth and a chance to prove their mettle against elite competition. Tomorrow night, the tests continue as Duke hosts No. 2 Auburn at 9:15 PM in Cameron Indoor Stadium for the ACC/SEC Challenge. The clash pits two top 10 teams of college basketball against each other in what promises to be an electric atmosphere in Cameron Indoor Stadium. By the time this game concludes, Duke will have faced elite opponents across home, away, and neutral venues—well before the grind of ACC play begins next Sunday, December 8, against Louisville. Adding intrigue to tomorrow’s matchup is the battle of strengths. According to KenPom’s adjusted national ratings, Duke boasts the No. 1 defense in the country. Auburn, on the other hand, enters the contest with the nation’s top-ranked offense. When the irresistible force meets the immovable object, something has to give. While the stakes for this showdown are undeniably high, maintaining perspective is key. For fans, players, and coaches alike, the ultimate goal is clear: to be prepared for a deep run in March. Whether Duke secures a signature win against Auburn to bolster its resume or endures a hard-fought third loss on this grueling early schedule, these games transcend the scoreboard. They’re about growth, resilience, and laying the groundwork to excel when it matters most—during the madness of March. Tomorrow night’s clash in Cameron Indoor Stadium has all the ingredients of a classic. For the Blue Devils, it’s another chapter in a season defined by grit, perseverance, and preparation. The ultimate objective? To be ready for the brightest stage when everything is on the line. After a brief hiatus in Week 14—thanks to Brian and me heading to Las Vegas to catch Duke Basketball (and me picking the wrong flight back)—we’re back with our Week 15 bowl projections. My bad for the missed week, but let’s dive into what has been an absolutely thrilling Duke Football season. Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk Duke fans, I am at a loss for words as I write this. NO, not because of how Duke walked off against Wake Forest with no time left in regulation, but with all that transpired in the ACC. First things first, how about Duke finishing the season 9-3. No one in the media, except the Duke Football Talk crew and Freddie, gave this team a shot to win more that 4 games. Now Duke is playing the waiting game alongside all Duke fans as bowl games will come out on December 8th. When I was watching the games this past Saturday afternoon, I thought my bowl projections were looking stout. I had a good idea of where I thought Duke was going to be playing.....then the Miami and Syracuse game happened. Kudos to the Orange, they did a great job in showing America they are the real deal. The only down side is Miami is out of the ACC title game, which muddies the waters. SMU and Clemson will vie for the ACC title, and the outcome of the game could very well sway the outcome of bowls. A reminder Duke fans, Miami had 0 wins against ranked opponents this year. (You read that right) With what I am reading from various sports writers, the committee looks at these things when seeding for the playoffs. Honestly, if SMU wins the title, I could Miami getting in the back door and in the playoffs. On the flip side, if Clemson were to silence their critics and defeat SMU, there could be a realistic chance the ACC only gets 1 team in. (Duke doesn't want that) So with all that being said, Freddie and I are going to call an audible as we head into selction weekend. We are giving our predictions of where we think Duke will go if SMU wins, and if Clemson wins. First, if SMU wins. This is the outcome that Duke fans want, as I stated earlier, Miami could still get in the playoff. If SMU does in fact win, I still have Duke in Florida playing in the Gator Bowl. This is going off SMU and Miami getting in, Clemson going to the Pop-Tarts, and Louisville heading west to the Holiday Bowl. On the flip side, if Clemson were to win, and the scenario played out where only 1 ACC school made the playoffs, I see Duke in Charlotte for the Duke's Mayo Bowl. It's simple, with SMU and Miami out of the playoff, they would take one of the top tier ACC Bowl games, which would bump the Devils down. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but part of me wants to head to Florida. And don't worry Duke fans, Freddie and I are going to make sure we put out our final bowl projections, once all the conference title games are played. As a famous theologian once said, "The only thing that is for sure, is that nothing is for sure." Until later this week Duke fans! Freddie Hodges of Duke Report First off, what an exciting regular season for Duke Football. Back in my preseason predictions, I had Duke finishing 7-5 and heading to the Gasparilla Bowl. Fast forward to now, and the Blue Devils sit at 9-3, with a legitimate shot at a top-tier bowl game. This season has been nothing short of remarkable, and as I reflect, there’s a lot to be thankful for. Duke brought the Victory Bell back to Durham for the first time in years, and also claiming the title of state champs after beating North Carolina, NC State, and most recently, Wake Forest. Even in the three losses this season, Duke was competitive and just a few plays away from potentially finishing with double-digit wins. Credit to Brian, the crew at Duke Football Talk, and me (humble brag) for believing this team could deliver a winning season. For the record, that’s two years in a row I’ve taken the Over on Duke’s win total and watched FanDuel pay me out. Now, let’s talk bowl projections. As Brian mentioned, we’re calling an audible this week and offering two possible scenarios. With the ACC Championship game on Saturday, things will become clearer, but for now, let’s embrace the chaos. Speaking of chaos, this past weekend delivered peak "ACC Chaos." Georgia Tech took Georgia to an unheard-of eight overtimes before falling short. Louisville demolished Kentucky to cap an impressive season, and Syracuse stunned Miami in a game no one saw coming. Looking ahead, the ACC still has three teams in the mix for the College Football Playoff: Miami, SMU, and Clemson. The question remains: Will the ACC get one or two teams into the playoff? Currently, SMU is a 2.5-point favorite over Clemson in the ACC Championship. If SMU wins, I agree with Brian—both SMU and Miami should make the playoff, which would send Clemson to the Pop-Tarts Bowl and Duke to the Gator Bowl. If Clemson wins, things get trickier. The ACC could still place two teams in the playoff (Clemson and SMU, even with two losses), but if only one makes it, the domino effect likely lands Duke in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. As Brian and I have said, we’ll release our final bowl projections after all the conference title games are settled. There’s still a lot to unfold, so buckle up and enjoy Championship Weekend! Stay tuned to Blue Devils Blog for our final bowl projections coming this weekend!
After taking Week 12 off due to Duke Football's bye, we're back with fresh bowl projections as the Blue Devils gear up for their final stretch of games. Duke hosts Virginia Tech this Saturday night at Wallace Wade Stadium and wraps up the regular season with a short trip to Winston-Salem for an early afternoon matchup against Wake Forest. Here’s where Brian and I see Duke football heading as the postseason looms. Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk Duke fans, we are down to the nitty gritty of the ACC season, and things are quickly heating up. First things first, how about Duke going to Raleigh two weeks ago and handling business against NC State. That is exactly what this team needed heading into the BYE week to prepare for this week's game against Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech comes into this weekend's game 5-5, and still need 1 win to become bowl eligible, so they will be hungry Saturday night. As I take a step back and look at the ACC and all the competition near Duke, things are slowly starting to fall in place, but there are still a lot of unknowns. Will SMU find a way into the 12-team playoff? Will Pitt continue to free fall? Will CHC win out and go 8-4? So many scenarios, so little time to figure things out. With all that being said, Duke is in control of its own destiny. As I stated earlier, Virginia Tech comes in in survival mode, and will look to get their 6th win. If Duke can get past VT this weekend, things are looking really good for the Blue Devils to win out and finish the season 9-3. Based off everything I have seen so far this year, I don't see any reason why it will not happen, and because of that Duke is on the move. I have had the Blue Devils in Charlotte the past couple of weeks waiting for the ACC dust to settle. Now that things are becoming clear, I truly believe Duke will be in Florida in the land of microwavable pastries. Duke will be in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. Duke fans, please show up and show out for this team and all the seniors that will be honored on Saturday night for Senior Day. Freddie Hodges of Duke Report Welcome back! With Duke’s bye behind us, let’s quickly revisit their November 9 victory over NC State, a 29-19 statement win that underscored Duke's dominance in the Triangle this season. The Blue Devils came out firing in the first quarter with what my friend called a "Manny Diaz hat trick," scoring a safety, a field goal, and a touchdown to jump out to a 12-0 lead. From there, Duke controlled the game in Raleigh and solidified their claim as the top team in the region this season. Now, the Blue Devils face a 5-5 Virginia Tech team on Saturday night. The Hokies are fighting to secure bowl eligibility and have had a rollercoaster season, boasting impressive moments like a win over Georgia Tech and a narrow four-point loss to Miami. Coming into this game, oddsmakers have Virginia Tech as slight favorites (-3), making it clear that Duke will need to bring their A-game to get the win. With two games left in the season, the Coastal... I mean "ACC Chaos" remains unpredictable. Some burning questions include:
The final stretch promises plenty of intrigue as ACC teams jockey for postseason positioning. Two weeks ago, after Duke’s tough loss to Miami, I had the Blue Devils slotted for the Pinstripe Bowl. But with their victory over NC State and a bye week to regroup, my projection now shifts to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte. (Extra mayo on your cheeseburger, anyone?) As Brian mentioned earlier, if you can, show up for Duke’s last home game at Wallace Wade. Also if you're able to make the short trip to Winston-Salem, join the Blue Devils’ faithful in supporting the team in their season finale at Wake Forest. Stay tuned to the Blue Devils Blog for weekly updates on bowl projections as the season comes to a close. With just two games left, there's still potential for plenty of movement depending on Duke’s results. Let’s see how this exciting season wraps up!
Duke Basketball delivered a defensive clinic on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium, holding Wofford to a mere 35 points in an 86-35 blowout victory. The Blue Devils' defensive dominance set a historic benchmark, with Duke Men's Basketball X account noting that it was the fewest points allowed by the program in the shot-clock era. The last time a Duke opponent scored fewer points was on March 8, 1968, when NC State managed just 12 points. The offensive production was just as impressive. Duke spread the scoring load, with Tyrese Proctor leading the way with 15 points. Contributions also came from Isaiah Evans (14 points), Caleb Foster (13 points), and Khaman Maluach (11 points). Cooper Flagg continued to fill up the stat sheet with 8 points, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. By halftime, Duke had raced to a commanding 51-14 lead, effectively sealing the game early. With such a cushion, head coach Jon Scheyer had the luxury of spreading minutes across the roster, and 11 players scored in the win. This dominant performance came just days after Duke's narrow loss to Kentucky in the Champions Classic. While many expected the Blue Devils to bounce back at home, few could have foreseen such a thorough dismantling of Wofford. A Grueling Schedule Ahead The road ahead, however, gets significantly tougher. Duke embarks on a challenging stretch, facing No. 17 Arizona in Tucson on Friday night, followed by a showdown with No. 1 Kansas at the Vegas Showdown in T-Mobile Arena on November 26. The Blue Devils will return to Durham for a Black Friday matchup against Seattle to close out November. By the time the calendar flips to December, Duke will have faced three Top 25 teams in just seven games. The tests won’t stop there—Duke is set to host No. 4 Auburn on December 4 as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. The gauntlet serves as preparation for the start of ACC play, which begins on the road against Louisville on December 8. Despite the brutal schedule, head coach Jon Scheyer emphasizes staying grounded. When asked about the upcoming matchups, graduate transfer Mason Gillis, who previously played four seasons at Purdue, highlighted the team’s focused mindset: “You have to prepare for every game the same way and respect every opponent. The ball doesn’t change, the rim doesn’t change—nothing about the game changes. It’s just in a different place against another opponent. We’re going to approach it the same way and do our best.” Battle-Tested for ACC Play Duke’s challenging non-conference schedule ensures the team will be battle-tested by the time ACC play begins. With strong leadership from Scheyer and contributions from a deep, talented roster, the Blue Devils are primed to handle the rigors of a demanding season. Photo by Laura Murphy - Duke Football Talk The Victory Bell has proudly rung in Durham since Duke’s victory over North Carolina on September 28th. Now, with a 29-19 win over NC State at Carter-Finley Stadium, Duke football has staked its claim as the Triangle's top team this season. The showdown in Raleigh kicked off with an unusual sequence, as Duke quickly racked up points in all three phases. By the end of the first quarter, Duke held a 12-0 lead, thanks to a safety, a field goal, and a touchdown. My friend Drew called it the "Manny Diaz hat trick"—a perfect start that showcased Duke’s versatility. NC State clawed back with three field goals in the second quarter, trimming Duke's lead to 12-9 by halftime. The Wolfpack kept up the pressure after the break, adding another field goal to tie the game at 12-12. But then Duke responded with a statement drive: a 10-play, 75-yard march down the field, capped off by Maalik Murphy's first career rushing touchdown on a surprising three-yard dash. This momentum-swinging drive helped the Blue Devils reclaim the lead. Duke held firm, finishing the night with a 29-19 victory to bring their record to an impressive 7-3. In the post-game press conference, Manny Diaz praised his team’s balanced approach: "It was a complete performance in all three phases, which it needed to be to win in an environment like this tonight. So I’m really proud of our guys. Our bye week comes at a good time for us to heal up for the stretch run. But right now, let’s enjoy being 7-3 and move on from there." The Manny Diaz era at Duke has ignited an exciting new chapter for Blue Devils football. Fans have already celebrated milestones this season: early bowl eligibility, reclaiming the Victory Bell for the first time since the 2018 season, and now, taking the crown as the Triangle’s top team. With a well-timed bye week to recover, Duke is gearing up for a primetime showdown against Virginia Tech under the lights at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 23rd. Then, they’ll hit the road for a quick trip to Winston-Salem to close out the regular season against Wake Forest on November 30th. With momentum and the potential to finish strong, Duke football fans have plenty to look forward to in this thrilling season finale before the team heads to bowl season. |
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