Durham – For the first time in 33 years, the Duke football team has beaten a top-10 team.
With their 28-7 victory over No. 9 Clemson Monday night at Wallace Wade Stadium, the Blue Devils snapped a streak that had lasted 12,392 days.
Duke (1-0) last beat a top-ten opponent with a 21-17 victory over No. 7 Clemson on September 30, 1989 under Steve Spurrier. Spurrier and members of the 1989 Blue Devils team were in attendance for Duke’s 2023 home opener against the ACC champions.
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Duke quarterback Riley Leonard got the go-ahead for a touchdown and the Blue Devils had five game-changing plays with two blocked field goals and a trio of turnovers.
The Blue Devils had lost 28 straight games to teams ranked in the top 10 in the AP Football Poll before Monday’s win. Here are some notes from Duke’s season opener and a look at their next opponent.
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard is on the run
Leonard was on the run for much of the first half against Clemson’s impressive defensive line. On the first drive of the second half, Leonard would run the Tigers while chipping through a would-be tackler in the backfield and driving down the sideline for a 44-yard touchdown run to give Duke the lead early in the third period. a fourth. The Blue Devils will lead the rest of the way.
Duke blocks two Clemson field goal attempts, and forces three turnovers
Duke’s special teams had a collegiate binge against the Tigers (0-1) with two field goal attempts. Defense captain Jameon Franklin had a kick in the first half and fellow defensive lineman Wesley Williams got another kick in the second half to keep the Blue Devils in control. Duke also had a pair of fumble recoveries and an interception in the second half to get away from the Tigers.
Lafayette is up for the Duke football team
The Blue Devils will return to Durham next week to take on Lafayette (1-0) at 6 p.m. before taking on their next Power Five opponent – Northwestern – on September 16. The Leopards had a 19-14 win over Sacred Heart in Week 1. .
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at [email protected] or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.
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