Duke opens season 1-0 with 17-3 win over Tulane
· Yahoo Sports
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) -- After a delayed start due to inclement weather, the Duke Blue Devils opened the season with a 17-3 win over Tulane, starting the year 1-0.
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It wasn’t the flashiest performance, but Duke leaned heavily on its ground game to get the job done. Running back Nate Sheppard powered the Blue Devils with 35 carries for 227 yards and two touchdowns, including a 47-yard run. His 227 rushing yards surpassed his previous career high of 170.
Quarterback Walker Eget made his Duke debut, completing 13 of 26 passes for 131 yards. With a revamped receiving corps, Jeremiah Hasley and Jonah Burton led the Blue Devils through the air. Hasley finished with two receptions for 36 yards, while Burton added three catches for 38 yards.
The passing game struggled to find much rhythm, but Duke’s rushing attack provided enough production to keep the offense moving. The Blue Devils finished with 20 first downs compared to just ten for Tulane.
Duke also played complementary football, with the defense keeping the Green Wave in check throughout the night. Defensive end Bryce Davis led the Blue Devils, recording 6 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Duke entered the season coming off a 9-5 campaign and an ACC Championship in 2025. Tulane, meanwhile, was coming off an 11-3 season that ended with an appearance in the College Football Playoff.
For the Blue Devils, the season-opening win provides an important first step as they look to build on last year’s ACC title.
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