— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS
Building on two high-scoring wins, the Duke Blue Devils amplified their momentum during Saturday’s exciting victory against North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State’s Aggies.
There was no shortage of fans cheering on the Blue Devils during their second home game of the season. For the first time since 2019, Duke University’s Wallace Wade Stadium hosted over 32,000 fans. The fans’ electrifying energy, echoing across the stadium, overwhelmed the Aggies.
The Devils’ offense, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, started hot, executing a 38-yard passing touchdown in fifteen seconds. Stunned and overpowered by Duke’s potent offense, the Aggies allowed two additional scores in the first quarter. Leonard completed 11 of his 12 pass attempts before the conclusion of the first half and finished the game with an impressive 98.9 QBR rating.
After achieving a comfortable lead, Leonard exited the field to provide an opportunity for other offensive assets to showcase their abilities and allow Duke’s ground game to take charge. Backup quarterback Henry Belin IV finished 5-for-6 for 43 yards, and running backs Jaquez Moore, Jordan Waters, and Eric Weatherly collectively rushed for 122 yards on 16 attempts.
On defense, Duke’s starters were nothing short of exceptional. Right out of the gate, the pressure from the Blue Devils’ front seven was immense. After Duke’s second scoring drive, defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles broke through the Aggies’ offensive line, took down quarterback Jalen Fowler, and knocked the ball loose. Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, who was in the right place at the right time, scooped up the fumble and ran it down the field for a touchdown. That touchdown extended Duke’s lead to 21 in the first nine minutes into the game.
Duke’s defense acquired 75 tackles (11 for a loss), four sacks, and deflected two passes. Linebacker Nick Morris Jr. led the team in tackles, and Jaylen Stinson, Brandon Johnson, Cam Dillon, and Peebles earned a sack.
What’s next?
Duke (3-0) will travel to Kansas for a matchup against the Jayhawks (3-0). Both teams are operating under a new head coach, and their rebuilding efforts are moving in the right direction.
Fresh off of a 48-30 win against Houston, the Jayhawks are eager to test the limits of Duke’s potential. Considering Kansas is averaging 53 ppg, their offense poses a real threat.