Duke football kicked off their season with a commanding 26-3 victory over Elon, marking the debut of head coach Manny Diaz.
The Blue Devils (1-0) showcased a formidable defense, recording eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss throughout the game. Quarterback Maalik Murphy, a transfer from Texas, led the offense with two touchdown passes in his first appearance as Duke’s starting quarterback.
Wide receiver Jordan Moore stood out with seven receptions for 112 yards, while Eli Pancol contributed with seven catches totaling 81 yards and a touchdown. On defense, linebacker Cameron Bergeron recorded eight tackles.
Duke scored two of its touchdowns in the second half. In the first half, they established a 10-0 lead with key plays. Todd Pelino started the scoring with a 32-yard field goal in the first quarter. A catch-and-run by Pancol set up Jaquez Moore’s 7-yard touchdown run just before halftime.
The Blue Devils’ defense was relentless, notching four sacks in the first quarter alone, and they ended the half with five sacks and nine tackles for loss. Junior defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr. contributed significantly, finishing with two sacks.
After successful seasons with at least eight wins in the past two years, Duke aims for a third consecutive winning season for the first time since 2013-15. Team captains include defensive tackle Aaron Hall, wide receiver Jordan Moore, offensive lineman Justin Pickett, and Murphy.
In game updates, Duke took a decisive lead into the fourth quarter with a score of 19-0, following a field goal and touchdown in the third. Murphy connected with Moore for a 47-yard pass, setting up a short touchdown pass to Jeremiah Hasley. Pelino then added another field goal to further stretch Duke’s advantage.
Murphy did throw an interception in the fourth quarter, but Pancol later caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from him, securing the final score at 26-3.
The game began at 7:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium, broadcasted nationally on the ACC Network.
Duke’s football schedule includes matchups against Northwestern, UConn, and other teams through the season, while Elon will face NC Central next.