Duke football snapped its two-game losing streak Friday night, defeating Virginia 19-16 on the road after a dramatic late touchdown pass from running back Nate Sheppard helped the Blue Devils escape with a much-needed Atlantic Coast Conference victory.
With just 1:14 remaining, Sheppard threw a 28 yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Brody Keefe on a trick play, giving Duke the lead after Virginia appeared to have taken control late in the fourth quarter. The victory improved the Blue Devils to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play, keeping their hopes of returning to the ACC Championship Game alive.
Duke Starts Fast Before Offense Stalls
Duke opened the game with an impressive offensive drive, covering 78 yards in four plays. Sheppard capped the possession with a 32 yard touchdown run to give the Blue Devils an early 7-0 advantage.
Virginia answered with a touchdown of its own, as Jekail Middlebrook scored from one yard out to tie the game. The Cavaliers continued applying pressure and added two field goals in the second quarter, taking a 13-7 lead into halftime.
Duke struggled to find consistency offensively for much of the first half. The Blue Devils had difficulty sustaining drives and were unable to capitalize on opportunities to regain momentum.
The defense, however, kept the game within reach, giving the offense a chance to respond after the break.
Blue Devils Fight Back in the Second Half
Duke began chipping away at Virginia’s advantage in the third quarter. Kicker Gavin Strange connected on a 39 yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 13-10 and setting up a tense fourth quarter.
Strange added another 39 yard field goal with 8:50 remaining, tying the game at 13-13.
Virginia responded with a field goal of its own, taking a 16-13 lead with three minutes left. The Cavaliers appeared poised to secure the victory, but Duke had one final opportunity.
Rather than relying on a conventional passing play, the Blue Devils caught Virginia off guard with a trick play. Sheppard delivered a 28 yard touchdown pass to Keefe, putting Duke ahead 19-16 with just over a minute remaining.
Virginia attempted to answer, but Duke’s defense came through when it mattered most. Patrick Smith-Young intercepted Cavaliers quarterback Beau Pribula’s final pass, sealing the victory.
A Much Needed Win for Duke
Sheppard finished with 55 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, while Middlebrook led Virginia with 117 rushing yards and a score.
Although Duke’s offense struggled for stretches, the Blue Devils made the decisive play when the game was on the line. After consecutive narrow losses to Georgia Tech and North Carolina, the comeback victory provided a significant boost.
Duke will look to build on the momentum when it returns home to face Boston College on October 31.