Durham, NC, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Duke University secured a vital victory against North Carolina State University with a score of 45-33, halting NC State’s unbeaten streak. The Blue Devils showcased their prowess, particularly in the second half, led by quarterback Darian Mensah, who threw for three touchdowns. The match highlighted key defensive plays from Duke, including a pivotal interception by Tre Freeman. While NC State started strong, turnovers ultimately hindered their performance, emphasizing the need for improvements as the season progresses.
Durham, NC — Duke University pulled off a significant victory against North Carolina State University (NCSU) on Saturday, winning 45-33 and effectively ending the Wolfpack’s undefeated season. The Blue Devils’ triumph marks their fifth win in their last six encounters with NC State, showcasing their dominance in this ACC rivalry.
Entering the matchup with a perfect 3-0 record, NC State aimed to extend its winning streak. However, Duke’s performance was marked by key defensive plays and an impressive offensive showing that turned the tide in the second half. Quarterback Darian Mensah led the Blue Devils, successfully completing 19 of 28 passes for 269 yards and three touchdown passes, proving instrumental in the team’s offensive strategy.
On the opposing side, NC State’s quarterback CJ Bailey showcased his skills with 364 passing yards and two touchdown passes. However, he also faced significant struggles, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble that greatly hindered the team’s momentum. As the game progressed, the Wolfpack was unable to recover from these critical errors.
A pivotal moment in the game was when Duke linebacker Tre Freeman intercepted a pass in the late second quarter and returned it 67 yards, giving Duke a 21-20 lead at halftime. This marked a turning point in the game as NC State, who initially led with 20-7, lost control and allowed Duke to score 38 of the final 51 points.
Duke’s running back Anderson Castle also made significant contributions, rushing for 92 yards and scoring three touchdowns, including a crucial 66-yard touchdown run late in the game that cemented Duke’s advantage. Meanwhile, NC State’s Terrell Anderson had a solid performance, making six receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive 75-yard touchdown on the first possession of the game.
Despite the Wolfpack’s strong early showing, special teams errors proved costly. NC State missed an extra point and had a field goal attempt blocked, further complicating their efforts to regain the lead. The absence of several key defensive players due to injuries and suspensions also significantly impacted NC State’s ability to contain Duke’s offensive onslaught.
This victory comes as a much-needed boost for Duke, alleviating concerns from earlier losses against Illinois and Tulane. The game emphasized the need for mental toughness as they move deeper into the season and set the stage for their upcoming ACC opener.
The matchup exemplified the intense nature of ACC rivalries, with both teams trading leads and momentum throughout the contest. Duke’s defensive resilience, evidenced by forcing four turnovers against NC State, ultimately proved decisive in securing the victory.
As the teams progress through the season, Duke’s win solidifies their confidence and strategic direction while presenting challenges for NC State, who will need to address their turnover issues and bolster their defense moving forward.
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