After a demoralizing loss in Louisville last week, the Duke Blue Devils demonstrated resilience and grit to defeat in-state rival Wake Forest in crunch time, 24-21. Duke relied on kicker Todd Pelino to complete a game-winning 26-yard field goal. With the win, Duke bounced back from a two-game losing streak and became bowl eligible.
“These kids put in so much work, they are so tough and fight so hard,” said Duke head coach Mike Elko.
Down two quarterbacks, the Blue Devils called upon third-string quarterback Grayson Loftis, a true freshman from South Carolina, to lead the offense to victory.
While Loftis’ performance was far from spectacular, Duke’s potent ground game and aggressive defense helped secure the win. Through the ground game, Duke accumulated 181 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, the Blue Devils amassed 89 total tackles, three sacks, five TFLs and batted down two passes.
“It was just one play at a time,” said Elko. “Really, that was our mindset – one play at a time.”
Entering the fourth quarter, Duke, down by seven, needed a big play to shift the momentum in their favor. Shortly after a quick three-and-out, Loftis shook off the rust and connected with wide receiver Jordan Moore for a 29-yard score. With the game tied at 21-21, the rejuvenated Blue Devils forced a punt and turnover to set up a walk-off field goal.
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