Blue Devils Tested: Earn Victory With Strong Defense

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The Duke Blue Devils (7-3, 3-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) traveled to Raleigh, N.C. to play the NC State Wolfpack (5-5, 2-4) in a battle of ACC rivals on Nov. 9. In the 86th matchup between the two programs, this year's game would feature strong defenses as the Blue Devils were tested and earned the victory 29-19.

What Happened?

After struggling to gain momentum from the opening kickoff, the Blue Devils punted to the Wolfpack. On the first possession for the Wolfpack, defensive linemen Aaron Hall and Wesley Williams combined to sack quarterback CJ Bailey for a safety and a 2-0 lead for the Blue Devils and head coach Manny Diaz. After another punt by the Blue Devils, the defense forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Cameron Bergeron. With the favorable field position kicker Todd Pelino converted on a 50-yard field goal to extend the lead to 5-0. The Blue Devils and quarterback Maalik Murphy would find the end zone connecting on a 45-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordan Moore to extend the lead to 12-0 through the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Wolfpack convert three field goals by Kanoah Vinesett of 30, 28 and 37 yards to make the score 12-9 at halftime.

The second half of the game would see the Wolfpack add a 25-yard field goal by Vinesett to tie the game at 12. Murphy and the Blue Devils offense would answer with a touchdown drive moving the ball 75 yards in 10 plays. The highlight was a 3-yard run by Murphy to make the game 19-12. The Blue Devils would add another touchdown to extend the lead to 26-12 on a 9-yard touchdown throw from Murphy to receiver Sahmir Hagans. The Wolfpack would answer with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that was highlighted by a 16-yard reception by receiver Wesley Grimes for the touchdown to make the score 26-19. Pelino would add a 49-yard field goal to make the score 29-19.

Player of the Game

Maalik Murphy, Quarterback, Duke

Murphy finished his day completing 22-of-31 passes for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns. He distributed the ball to eight different receivers and averaged just under 8 yards per completion. He also added a touchdown rushing the ball to help put the game out of reach. Murphy showed off his leadership as well as his ability to make throws to all areas of the field.

What Does It Mean?

For the Blue Devils, the win was much needed after the loss last week against the fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-1, 5-1). With seven wins on the season, Diaz and his staff have quickly put their stamp on this team and are seeing results on offense and defense. The Blue Devils are positioned well for a bowl game this season. The Blue Devils next play Virginia Tech (5-5, 3-3) on Nov. 23 after a bye week on Nov. 16.

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For the Wolfpack, head coach Dave Doeren and company need at least a win in their final two games to become bowl-eligible. There is a lot to build on for the Wolfpack as Bailey continues to grow into the role of starting quarterback. He's got a solid arm and can distribute the ball to his playmakers where they can gain yardage. The Wolfpack defense also held the Blue Devils to 0-of-9 on third-down conversion attempts. After a bye week on Nov. 16, the Wolfpack travel to Georgia Tech (6-4, 4-3) for an ACC clash on Nov. 21.