The University of Duke was unable to make a comeback in the fourth quarter on Saturday night, resulting in a 30-27 loss to Virginia at Scott Stadium.

The score was tied at 10-10 during halftime, but the Cavaliers (3-8, 2-5 ACC) managed to score 14 consecutive points in the third quarter and take the lead 24-10 with 6:33 left. A 34-yard field goal by Todd Pelino brought the deficit down to 24-13 going into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils (6-5, 3-4 ACC) outscored the home team 14-6, but were unable to recover from the deficit and win the game after failing to execute an on-side kick.

Jaquez Moore, the running back for Duke, had a total of 100 yards rushing, including a 58-yard touchdown run. In addition, Jordan Moore, the wide receiver, had 117 yards receiving. This is the first time since October 9, 2021 against Georgia Tech that two players from Duke, Mataeo Durant (152 rushing yards) and Jalon Calhoun (103 receiving yards), have both achieved 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game.

In his first year as quarterback, Grayson Loftis had a strong performance, completing 26 out of 45 pass attempts for a season-best 278 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Jeremiah Lewis, who recently graduated, and Jaylen Stinson, a senior, were the top performers on the team in terms of tackles. Both had 10 tackles, with Lewis also recording the highest number of tackles for loss at 2.0.

How It Happened

Malik Washington scored a 34-yard touchdown for the home team in the first quarter.

Duke responded with a seven-yard touchdown reception by Calhoun from Loftis to tie the score at 7-7 with 11 minutes left in the second quarter.

During the next drive, Virginia successfully kicked a 46-yard field goal and regained the lead at 10-7.

At the end of the first half, Pelino successfully kicked a 29-yard field goal, bringing Duke to a tie and completing a 15-play, 60-yard drive.

The Cavaliers managed to score on two consecutive possessions, with one being assisted by a Duke interception, in the third quarter to regain the lead at 24-10 with 6:33 left in the period.

Pelino scored a 34-yard field goal in the third quarter, bringing the score to 24-13.

With 10:18 remaining in the game, Will Bettridge scored a 21-yard field goal, increasing the Cavaliers’ lead to 14 points at 27-13.

A little more than 60 seconds later, Jaquez Moore ran for a 58-yard touchdown, bringing the Blue Devils within 7 points at 27-20.

Even though Virginia scored another field goal to increase their lead to 30-20, the Blue Devils kept fighting and managed to score one last touchdown. Loftis connected with Mehki Wall for a two-yard touchdown reception, bringing the score to 30-27 with only 1:13 left in the game.

Regrettably, the Blue Devils were unsuccessful in their attempt to recover the on-side kick, putting an end to their chances of staying in the game.

Notables

Jordan Moore’s second game with over 100 yards receiving was against Pittsburgh in 2022, marking a career milestone for him.

Jaquez Moore achieved his second 100-yard rushing game in his career (110 yards at Florida State, 2023).

After catching four passes for a total of 52 yards and scoring one touchdown, Calhoun needs only 69 more receiving yards to reach a career total of 3,000.

Wall had a record-breaking performance with five catches for 36 yards and his inaugural touchdown, all achieved in the final quarter.

RJ Oben recorded Duke’s only sack in the game, placing him in a tie with James Kirkland and Ryan Fowler for the ninth spot on Duke’s all-time career sack list.

Aeneas Peebles recorded 1.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, making it his fourth game this season with 1.0 or more tackles for loss.

The Blue Devils achieved 5.0 or more tackles for loss for the ninth time this season, with a season-best of 9.0 on Saturday.

Up Next

The Duke University football team will host the University of Pittsburgh in their last game of the regular season at Brooks Field in Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday, November 25th. The game will begin at noon and will be broadcasted on the ACC Network. Pittsburgh previously won against Boston College with a score of 24-16 in their most recent game.

Source: wralsportsfan.com