DURHAM, N.C. –– The Blue Devils earned yet another home triumph at Wallace Wade Stadium Friday night. That win meant more than all the others, however, as it came against a Florida State team that’s beaten them 22-0 in all other matchups.
It was a significant win for the surging Blue Devils, a team that was once known primarily as a basketball school is now establishing themselves as a force on the gridiron.
The seeds of this transformation were planted under former head coach Mike Elko, who took a 3-9 team and led them to a 9-4 record and a Military Bowl victory during his first year in 2022. This momentum has strengthened under first-year head coach Manny Diaz, who has further honed the program’s culture and identity despite the challenges of three head coaches in four seasons.
“A lot of people haven’t been through what we’ve gone through,” said redshirt junior Sahmir Hagans. “Just going through so many different staff is a testament to the family atmosphere and our brotherhood. We’re pretty unselfish and want to see everybody win.”
The Devils have built to an impressive 6-1 (2-1 ACC) record heading into week eight in remarkable fashion, namely with a struggling offensive unit.
In the first quarter it looked as though the team’s offensive struggles in the first half would define the night, as they were consistently unable to move the ball downfield and get a first down. Both their passing and running game were ineffective against the Seminoles’ defense. By the end of the night, Duke finished with just 180 total yards of offense. Yet a perfectly timed Chandler Rivers interception with 1:38 left in the first quarter resulted in a 36-yard touchdown, jumpstarting a historic stretch for the Devils’ defense.
“The game was won by our defense creating turnovers in the first half,” Diaz said. “The three turnovers on the three straight possessions allowed us to take control of the game. So even though we didn’t capitalize on the turnovers with all the points we wish we would have, we were still able to get a double-digit lead, and then once we had the lead, we never relinquished it.”
FSU made a habit of getting in its own way with drops and penalties – giving their opponents an opportunity to capitalize. On Friday they committed nine penalties for 65 yards, a number of them coming in critical situations.
Duke’s defense was the clear strength of the team in their latest victory, dominating Florida State with relentless performance. Diaz has preached the importance of forcing turnovers, and his defense delivered with the unit recording six sacks and multiple key stops.
After an early mishap in the third quarter led to a Seminoles touchdown, Duke held firm, not allowing them to see the end zone again. They played with discipline and poise, an attitude they’ve had for much of the season.
This stifling defensive effort is a testament to Diaz’s coaching and the unit’s cohesion. Just a few years ago the thought of Duke football being a competitive force was unthinkable. Now the Blue Devils expect to be bowl-eligible for the third straight season—a benchmark that is no longer seen as an accomplishment, but rather the new standard. In the locker room, the players weren’t even surprised to beat the Seminoles. They have their eyes set on higher aspirations.
“We want to win an ACC Championship,” Hagans said.
While it’s something that hasn’t been done since 1962, the Blue Devils look closer to reaching that mark every week. If they can establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the league, acclaim on the national stage is up next.
Duke’s transformation from an afterthought to a program demanding respect is a remarkable turnaround and it’s time for other teams to take notice