 The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina is always intense, but Saturday night’s showdown in Chapel Hill felt like it had a little more edge to it. While bragging rights for Tobacco Road are always on the line, this game felt like it meant even more. Earlier in the week, Duke entered the contest favored from 12 to 14 points, but that line began to shrink to around 8 or 9 points as the game drew closer. North Carolina had just come off a six-game win streak, entering the rivalry match hot and ready to defend home court. Meanwhile, Duke had been on a seven-game win streak of their own, dominating ACC opponents with blowout victories of 21, 36, 18, 43, 37, 35, and 33 points in their previous seven games. As the teams took the floor, you could feel the tension in the Dean Dome. A venue once known for a more subdued wine and cheese crowd atmosphere had become electric, with the Blue Devils traveling the short 8 miles down Tobacco Road to face their rivals. For Duke, the stakes were with a win, they would clinch the #1 seed for the ACC Tournament and extend their impressive run. For North Carolina, the stakes were higher as it was about securing a signature win against a top-tier opponent, one that could boost their NCAA Tournament chances. While Duke was already likely a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Tar Heels were and are still battling to solidify their place in March Madness. Duke quickly asserted control in the first half, jumping out to a 29-19 lead in the first 10 minutes. It seemed like the Blue Devils were on track for another blowout victory. But as we all know, this rivalry is unpredictable. North Carolina responded with a 14-2 run and entered the locker room just one point behind, with Duke leading 43-42 at halftime. The second half started with a surge from the Tar Heels, who took their first lead of the game, 48-45. The Dean Dome was rocking as the crowd cheered. But Duke remained poised under pressure, battling back to secure a 82-69 victory, highlighted by a spectacular dunk from Cooper Flagg in the closing moments. After the game, head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team for their resilience. "I thought it was incredible to go through," Scheyer said in his post-game press conference. "I even said that at halftime to our team — this is great. We're always preaching inflection points in the game, and the end-of-half is one of them. We're up 15, and they cut it to one, but I knew we needed it. Even the start of the second half when we went down seven. It was a real test of your trust in those moments. And we showed we have great trust in each other in that situation." I caught up with Kon Knueppel in the hallway after the game and asked him about his mindset heading into the postseason. "Just battle every possession. Got to battle," he said. He’s absolutely right. This game was a battle — one that Duke needed to experience as they now enter the "win or go home" phase of the season. A battle mentality is essential for any coach, team, and player as March Madness and tournament play kicks into high gear. With the win over North Carolina, Duke clinches the ACC regular-season title and the #1 seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament. The Blue Devils will face the winner of the #8 Georgia Tech vs #9 Virginia game on Thursday, with a 12:00 PM tipoff on ESPN. 
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 On the final Saturday night of the season in Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke basketball put on a clinic, easily dismantling Florida State 100-65. Even more impressive? The Blue Devils did it with Cooper Flagg playing just 19:39 due to a first-half injury. Flagg bounced back in the second half, finishing with 16 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. Duke also secured the dominant win without leader Tyrese Proctor and defensive specialist Maliq Brown. The 35-point rout unfolded before a star-studded crowd, with Ken Jeong and Dez Bryant on one end of the court and Coach K watching on the other. It was a complete team victory, as several players stepped up in key moments. Khaman Maluach recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Isaiah Evans, in his first start, dropped 19 points. The exclamation point came when Spencer Hubbard entered the game and drilled a three-pointer to put Duke at 100, sending Cameron Indoor into a frenzy as players, coaches, and fans erupted in celebration. This marked Duke’s fourth 100-point game of the season and its third in the last five games. Jon Scheyer praised the team effort postgame, stating: "I'm really proud of this win because we're missing Tyrese and Maliq, Cooper goes out in the first half, and it was really what a team is all about. Darren Harris steps up. Mason Gillis and his minutes. Isaiah starts, and wasn't making shots. I think we're used to him making shots all the time and then stuck with it. He ends up being our leading scorer. Kon Knueppel ended up playing point guard for us, he led us in assists, no turnovers. So many guys stepped up, and that’s what I’m most proud of. Khaman with a double-double, just a complete team win. Couldn't be more proud of these guys." Scheyer is right. On a night when Duke needed others to step up, they delivered, securing a dominant win. Now, Duke faces a quick turnaround with its final home game against Wake Forest tonight before closing the regular season in Chapel Hill on Saturday against North Carolina, with ESPN College GameDay in attendance. Despite injuries, Duke shows no signs of slowing down. If Proctor and Brown return soon, the Blue Devils will be a formidable force come March Madness. For now, it’s business as usual—taking it one game at a time.  Coming off a dominant win over Stanford on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke faced a quick turnaround, heading to Charlottesville for a Monday night showdown against Virginia at John Paul Jones Arena. The Blue Devils didn’t miss a beat, delivering a commanding 80-62 victory—one that was even more lopsided than the 18-point margin suggests. Duke’s success came from a balanced attack, with Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg, and Isaiah Evans each scoring 17 points. Flagg stuffed the stat sheet once again, finishing with 17 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals. Meanwhile, Evans torched Virginia from deep, shooting a scorching 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team’s performance, emphasizing their preparation and effort on the glass. “Really, really proud of our team tonight,” Scheyer said in his postgame press conference. “Short turnaround—I think [Virginia is] a hard team to prep for on a short turnaround. Proud of the preparation, their focus, what they did. To me, I think the big thing was the rebounding. That's something we've talked about.” With the win, Duke remains atop the ACC standings at 15-1 and improves to 23-3 overall. Virginia, on the other hand, falls to 6-9 in conference play and sits at 13-13 overall. Despite the dominant win, the night wasn’t without setbacks for the Blue Devils. Forward Maliq Brown suffered a shoulder injury and did not return. Scheyer later confirmed it was a dislocation, with further testing pending. From 2012 to 2023, Duke-Virginia matchups were consistently tight battles, with no game decided by more than 10 points. But times have changed—Duke has now handled Virginia comfortably in back-to-back meetings, winning last season in Cameron and again last night in Charlottesville. (See more stats from Mike Barber below.)  Next up, Duke heads to Madison Square Garden for a neutral-site matchup against Illinois on Saturday night.  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.  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!
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