Duke
For the first time in more than six decades, Duke football stands alone atop the ACC.
The Blue Devils claimed their first outright conference title since 1962 on Saturday night, defeating No. 16 Virginia 27-20 in overtime in the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium. Duke (8-5) earned its eighth ACC crown in program history and its 34th win over the past four seasons — a school record.
Quarterback Darian Mensah fueled the victory with an efficient 19-of-25 passing performance for two touchdowns, while Nate Sheppard added 97 rushing yards and a score. After Duke found the end zone on its opening possession of overtime, linebacker Luke Mergott sealed the title with an interception on Virginia’s first play of the extra period.
The win marked Duke’s first over Virginia (10-3) since 2022 and avenged a 34-17 loss to the Cavaliers on Nov. 15.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Duke opened the night with a commanding 16-play, 75-yard drive that drained 9:38 off the clock. Mensah converted a third-and-nine with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Hasley for a 7-0 lead, the Blue Devils’ fifth opening-drive score in their last six games.
Virginia answered early in the second quarter, capitalizing on Mensah’s first ACC interception of the season. Chandler Morris found J’Mari Taylor for an 11-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
Duke responded with another grinding march, extending the drive twice on fourth-down conversions and again on a 35-yard third-and-14 strike to Sahmir Hagans. Two plays later, Sheppard powered through multiple tackles for a 16-yard touchdown and a 14-7 advantage after an 8:02 possession.
The Cavaliers opened the second half with a 24-yard Will Bettridge field goal to cut the deficit to 14-10. Duke countered with a 29-yard kick from Todd Pelino for a 17-10 lead late in the third.
Punter Kade Reynoldson pinned Virginia at the 1-yard line on Duke’s next series, and the Blue Devils defense forced its first turnover when Caleb Weaver intercepted an errant throw. Duke converted the takeaway into points, with a 30-yard Mensah-to-Cooper Barkate pass setting up Pelino’s second field goal for a 20-10 edge with 5:02 remaining.
Virginia mounted a late comeback, driving 50 yards for a Bettridge 42-yard field goal with under four minutes left. After forcing a punt, the Cavaliers then marched 96 yards in 10 plays, tying the game at 20 to force overtime.
Sheppard carried Duke’s offense in the extra period, rushing three times for 24 yards to set up fourth-and-goal at the 1. Mensah again found Hasley for a touchdown — their second connection of the night.
On the first play of Virginia’s possession, Mergott intercepted a trick-play double pass, clinching Duke’s historic championship.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
