Duke Football Triumphs 45-21 Over California in ACC Showdown

Duke University’s football team pulled off a stunning comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat the California Golden Bears 45-21 in a thrilling ACC matchup on Saturday night, October 5, 2025. The Blue Devils’ dominant performance was fueled by a 24-point explosion in the second quarter, which set the tone for the rest of the game.

The game got off to a rocky start for Duke, with Cal marching down the field on their opening drive and scoring a touchdown on a six-yard pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to Jordan King. The Golden Bears extended their lead to 14-0 with a five-yard scoring rush by Kendrick Raphael. Duke finally got on the board with a 12-yard Nate Sheppard touchdown run around the end, but Cal responded with another score to take a 21-7 lead.

However, the Blue Devils refused to back down. A 39-yard kickoff return by Sahmir Hagans set up Duke with great field position, and Anderson Castle punched in a two-yard touchdown run to make it 21-14. The Duke defense then intercepted a pass, and the offense took advantage, with Que’Sean Brown hauling in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Darian Mensah to tie the game.

The Blue Devils took control with a 10-point scoring spree before halftime, capped off by a 25-yard field goal by Todd Pelino as time expired. The second half was a different story, with both teams struggling to score. However, Duke’s defense continued to shine, holding Cal to just 41 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers.

Que’Sean Brown led the Blue Devils with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Anderson Castle and Nate Sheppard each rushed for two touchdowns. Freshmen Elliott Schaper and Andrew Pellicciotta made a significant impact on defense, with Schaper recording two sacks and Pellicciotta picking off his first career pass.

The win marks Duke’s sixth consecutive ACC victory and improves their record to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in ACC play. California falls to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference. The Blue Devils have an open week before hosting No. 17 Georgia Tech.

Key Takeaways:

• Duke’s ability to overcome a 14-point deficit and score 38 unanswered points was a testament to their determination and resilience.
• The Blue Devils’ defense was stifling, holding Cal to just 41 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers.
• Freshmen Elliott Schaper and Andrew Pellicciotta made a significant impact on defense, showcasing their talent and potential.

What’s Next:

Duke’s next game will be against No. 17 Georgia Tech at home. The Blue Devils will look to continue their winning streak and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.

FAQs:

• What was the final score of the Duke vs. California game?: The final score was Duke 45, California 21.
• Who led the Blue Devils in rushing yards?: Que’Sean Brown led the team with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown.
• How many interceptions did Duke’s defense record?: Duke’s defense recorded four interceptions.
• What’s next for Duke Football?: Duke has an open week before facing No. 17 Georgia Tech at home.

Duke University’s football team surged to a 45-21 victory over California on Saturday night, October 5, 2025, at California Memorial Stadium. The Blue Devils overcame a 14-point deficit to score 38 unanswered points and secure their sixth consecutive ACC win.

Que’Sean Brown led the team with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown. Freshmen Elliott Schaper and Andrew Pellicciotta shone on defense, with Schaper recording two sacks and Pellicciotta picking off his first career pass.

Duke improves to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in ACC play, while California falls to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference. The Blue Devils have an open week before hosting No. 17 Georgia Tech.

Blue Devils Bite Golden Bears: Duke’s Thrilling 45-21 Victory Over Cal

Duke University’s football team pulled off a stunning comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat the California Golden Bears 45-21 in a thrilling ACC matchup on Saturday night, October 5, 2025. The Blue Devils’ dominant performance was fueled by a 24-point explosion in the second quarter, which set the tone for the rest of the game.

The game got off to a rocky start for Duke, with Cal marching down the field on their opening drive and scoring a touchdown on a six-yard pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to Jordan King. The Golden Bears extended their lead to 14-0 with a five-yard scoring rush by Kendrick Raphael. Duke finally got on the board with a 12-yard Nate Sheppard touchdown run around the end, but Cal responded with another score to take a 21-7 lead.

However, the Blue Devils refused to back down. A 39-yard kickoff return by Sahmir Hagans set up Duke with great field position, and Anderson Castle punched in a two-yard touchdown run to make it 21-14. The Duke defense then intercepted a pass, and the offense took advantage, with Que’Sean Brown hauling in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Darian Mensah to tie the game.

The Blue Devils took control with a 10-point scoring spree before halftime, capped off by a 25-yard field goal by Todd Pelino as time expired. The second half was a different story, with both teams struggling to score. However, Duke’s defense continued to shine, holding Cal to just 41 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers.

Que’Sean Brown led the Blue Devils with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Anderson Castle and Nate Sheppard each rushed for two touchdowns. Freshmen Elliott Schaper and Andrew Pellicciotta made a significant impact on defense, with Schaper recording two sacks and Pellicciotta picking off his first career pass.

The win marks Duke’s sixth consecutive ACC victory and improves their record to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in ACC play. California falls to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference. The Blue Devils have an open week before hosting No. 17 Georgia Tech.

Key Takeaways:

• Duke’s ability to overcome a 14-point deficit and score 38 unanswered points was a testament to their determination and resilience.
• The Blue Devils’ defense was stifling, holding Cal to just 41 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers.
• Freshmen Elliott Schaper and Andrew Pellicciotta made a significant impact on defense, showcasing their talent and potential.

What’s Next:

Duke’s next game will be against No. 17 Georgia Tech at home. The Blue Devils will look to continue their winning streak and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.

FAQs:

• What was the final score of the Duke vs. California game?: The final score was Duke 45, California 21.
• Who led the Blue Devils in rushing yards?: Que’Sean Brown led the team with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown.
• How many interceptions did Duke’s defense record?: Duke’s defense recorded four interceptions.
• What’s next for Duke Football?: Duke has an open week before facing No. 17 Georgia Tech at home.

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