Duke Improves to 2-0 After Nailbiter against Northwestern

© David Banks-Imagn Images

The Northwestern Wildcats (1-1) closed as a 2-point favorite against the Duke Blue Devils (2-0). However, head coach Manny Diaz led Duke to a double overtime 26-20 victory. The game was a roller coaster, featuring momentum swings, and it did not conclude until roughly 1:00 a.m. EST.

Game Notes

This game came down to the wire. Despite a rough start on Sept. 6, former Texas quarterback Maalik Murphy led the Blue Devils on an eight-play, six-and-a-half-minute drive in the fourth quarter, just for Duke kicker Todd Pelino to miss a game-tying 33-yard field goal. However, Duke's defense came to the rescue, forcing a three-and-out. Then Murphy led another drive that resulted in a field goal, tying the score at 13 and propelling the game into overtime.

Overtime moved fast. Northwestern scored a touchdown on the opening possession in only four plays. However, Murphy responded with a strike on Duke's first play. In the second overtime, Duke had possession first and scored a TD in two plays but failed to convert its two-point attempt. Then Duke made a game-winning defensive stand, forcing Northwestern QB Mike Wright to throw an incomplete pass through the middle of the endzone on fourth down.

Turning Point for Duke

This game was a back-and-forth affair until the end. Duke's game-tying field goal near the end of regulation time after forcing a stop on defense was the pivotal point in the game, halting Northwestern's momentum.

Significance for Both Teams

For the Wildcats, this is a heartbreaking loss. After Pelino's missed field goal with 2:04 remaining, the Wildcats only needed to convert a first down to seal Duke's fate. However, they didn't, giving the Blue Devils a chance to flip the script.

© James Guillory-Imagn Images

For Duke, this means a 2-0 start for Diaz, He has been on a long road in his coaching journey, and this strong start offers some redemption following his firing at Miami. Before his stint with the Hurricanes, Diaz was a highly regarded defensive coordinator at Penn State.

Although Murphy looked shaky at points in the game, he came through in the clutch. The Blue Devils have room for improvement as the season progresses, but they are off to a 2-0 start under a first-year head coach.