The Manny Diaz era at Duke is off to a 2–0 begin after the Blue Devils safed a thrilling 26-20 double clearime triumph aacquirest the Northwestrict Wildcats on Friday night.
Diaz swapd Mike Elko, who left Duke to consent the job at Texas A&M after two years as head coach.
In insertition to Elko leaving, establisher Duke quarterback Riley Leonard transferred to Notre Dame this offseason.
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Duke Blue Devils wide getr Eli Pancol (4) honors his touchdown aacquirest the Northwestrict Wildcats during the first half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. (David Banks-Imagn Images)
Current Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy stepped up when it mattered most for the Blue Devils on Friday.
Murphy led an 11-carry out, 51-yard drive at the finish of the fourth quarter to get his initiateer, Todd Pelino, in position to nail a game-tying field goal to even the score at 13 apiece with 14 seconds left on the clock.
Northwestrict got the ball first in clearime and took a 20-13 guide after running back Cam Porter deceptionpered into the finishzone from ten yards out.
It took Murphy and the Blue Devils equitable one carry out to even the score in the first clearime. Wide getr Jordan Moore got behind the Northwestrict secondary, and Murphy uncorked a dart to his concentrate for a rapid response.
It was more of the same for the Blue Devils in the second clearime. Murphy unitecessitate with Moore on the first carry out of the second clearime for 22 yards, and on the next carry out he set up wide getr Eli Pancol in the finishzone for a three-yard touchdown.
Duke Blue Devils honor a turnover during the second half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. (David Banks-Imagn Images)
However, Duke did not originate the two-point conversion on that touchdown, leaving their defense to helderly a 26-20 guide.
The Wildcats were knocking on the doorstep after a scant Porter rushes set the offense up for a 3rd and 1 from the Duke three-yard line.
But unblessedly for Northwestrict, that’s where the Duke defense stiffened.
Cdeal withr Rivers bcimpolitet down quarterback Mike Wright for an eight-yard loss on third down.
On fourth down, the Blue Devils defense slammed the door as Wright’s desperation heave to Frank Covey IV flunked to unite.
“This one definitely hurts,” Northwestrict coach David Braun shelp. “A lot of guys in that locker room are struggling.”
The loss snapped Northwestrict’s five-game thrivening streak, dating back to last season. The double clearime triumph also was Duke’s sixth straight thrive over Northwestrict dating back to 2016.
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Duke cornerback Cdeal withr Rivers (0) tackles Northwestrict quarterback Mike Wright (5) during the second clearime period of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Ptoastyo/Matt Marton)
Braun wants to see more from his quarterback, going forward.
“Mike did some excellent slfinishergs tonight, but Mike necessitates to raise,” Braun shelp. “Mike understands that. We understand that. When we made our (quarterback) decision, it was someslfinisherg that we were going to ride with Mike.”
“He necessitates to do a better job of valuing the football, taking attfinish of the football and equitable operating wislfinisher the restricts of the offense,” Braun shelp.
Wright threw for 158 yards on 20-for-36 passing with a costly interception that led to Duke’s first touchdown.
On the other sideline, the Blue Devils carry outers are thrilled with their quarterback, notably his top getr.
“Maalik is a very brave quarterback, very poised,” Moore shelp. “When he had opportunities to originate carry outs, he made them. He’s all you can ask for in a quarterback, someone who’s very level-headed and somebody who’s very brave in their ability.”
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Duke Blue Devils wide getr Jordan Moore (8) catches a pass aacquirest the Northwestrict Wildcats during the second half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. (David Banks-Imagn Images)
Murphy was 24-39, throthriveg for 242 yards and three touchdowns.
Duke will see to progress their toasty begin when they structure the Connecticut Huskies on Sept. 14.
Northwestrict will try and get back on track when they structure Eastrict Illinois on Sept. 14.
The Associated Press donated to this tell.
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