The Jackets continued their dream football season with an impressive 27-18 victory over the Duke University Blue Devils, improving their record to 7-0 (4-0 ACC). This marks Tech’s best start since 1966 and their first 4-0 conference record in 27 years. Tech remains one of six undefeated teams left in the nation, and the Jackets’ confidence is growing exponentially each week.
Duke’s offense came out strong with transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, as they cruised down to the Jackets’1-yard line in their opening drive, but Tech’s unit struck when the Blue Devils coughed up a nightmarish fumble. Tech defensive back Omar Daniels scooped it up and took it 95 yards the other way for a touchdown, setting the Institute record for longest scoop-and-score. The play silenced Wallace Wade Stadium and gave Tech a 7-0 lead, but the Jackets knew the effort it would take to maintain the advantage.
The game was defined by Tech’s “bend don’t break” defense and Duke’s mistakes. The Blue Devils were able to move the ball with ease, before repeatedly hurting themselves with costly miscues. First, they had a fumble at the goal line, then a botched hold on a field goal and finally a penalty on fourth-and-goal.
After the first half ended 7-7 thanks to a 20-yard Mensah touchdown pass with 27 seconds left, Duke took a 10-7 lead early in the third quarter. However, that advantage didn’t last long, as Buster Faulkner’s offense finally came alive. Two successive Jacket field goals were followed by a nine-play 72-yard drive capped by Malachi Hosley’s 10-yard touchdown run to put the Jackets ahead 20-10.
After Duke missed a field goal, late in the fourth King showed why his name has been in the national headlines, putting the game out of reach with his legs. He broke off a 32-yard scramble on third-and-14, then followed the effort with a 28-yard touchdown run on the very next play. That score extended the ’ lead to 27-10, effectively sealing the win for Tech. King finished the game with 205 passing yards and 120 rushing yards, once again proving to be the heart of Tech’s offense.
The Blue Devils tried to fight back, with Sahmir Hagans catching a 19-yard touchdown from Darian Mensah and a two-point conversion to make it 27-18, but it proved to be too little, too late as the ensuing onside kick dribbled out of bounds.
This conference road win against a slightly-favored Duke team could prove to be a program-defining win for Brent Key’s Jackets. Tech is in the driving seat of the ACC, and the bump to No. 7 in the AP Poll marks the Jackets’ highest regular-season national ranking in 16 years. Next Saturday, Tech returns home to face Syracuse in the homecoming game, looking to continue their special season and take another important step on the road to what could be a magical postseason.
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