Duke Blue Devils Claim ACC Championship in Dramatic Overtime Victory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a thrilling twist to the College Football Playoff picture, the Duke Blue Devils secured their first outright Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title since 1962. The unranked Blue Devils pulled off a stunning upset against No. 16 Virginia, winning 27-20 in overtime, with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Darian Mensah to Jeremiah Hasley on fourth down.

Historic ACC Championship Win

• First Outright Title: Duke’s victory marks their first outright ACC championship since 1962, ending a long wait since they last shared the title with Virginia in 1989 during the coaching tenure of Steve Spurrier.
• Fifth Team Tiebreaker: This year, the Blue Devils clinched a spot in the ACC championship game after navigating a five-team tiebreaker, a unique situation since the championship game’s introduction in 2005.

Game Recap

Duke’s victory showcased a narrative of resilience, especially as Virginia, the ACC regular-season champion, aimed for their inaugural College Football Playoff berth. The Blue Devils (8-5) are unlikely to enter the playoff conversation, which opens the door for a second Group of Five team, likely James Madison.

Key Game Highlights

• Fourth Quarter Drama: With just over five minutes left, Virginia was trailing by ten points but rallied back. Will Bettridge booted a field goal, followed by Chandler Morris leading a dramatic 96-yard drive culminating in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Eli Wood, tying the game at 20.
• Overtime Showdown:
  • Duke’s defense stepped up in overtime, with Luke Mergott intercepting Morris’s first throw.
  • The Blue Devils then advanced to the Virginia 2-yard line, executing plays that led to Mensah’s clutch touchdown pass to Hasley.

Player Performances

• Darian Mensah: Completed 22 of 36 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were to Hasley.
• Jeremiah Hasley: Key receiver, contributing with both touchdown receptions.
• Nate Sheppard: Dynamic in the ground game with 97 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Virginia’s star quarterback Chandler Morris finished the night with 216 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, visibly emotional after the hard-fought loss.

Additional Notes on Virginia Players

• J’Mari Taylor: The ACC’s leading rusher was held to just 65 yards on 15 carries but managed to score on an 11-yard reception.

Strategies Behind Duke’s Success

Duke controlled the line of scrimmage early in the game, executing two of the longest drives in ACC championship history. The first, lasting 9:38 minutes, and the second, 8:02 minutes, concluded with a touchdown catch from Hasley and a rushing touchdown from Sheppard.

Key Play:

• Head Coach Manny Diaz’s strategic decision to call a fake punt during a critical moment in the second quarter proved pivotal. Kevin O’Connor successfully ran for a first down, effectively shifting the game momentum.

Conclusion

Duke’s remarkable win not only adds a historical chapter to their program but also creates ripples in the ACC landscape as they move forward. For more updates on college football and potential playoff implications, visit the NCAA website.

With this victory, the Blue Devils have set themselves apart, and while their playoff hopes may be dim, the celebration for their hard-earned championship will resonate throughout the season.