The Duke Blue Devils faced a tough matchup against the fifth-ranked Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables, Florida, concluding the first half with a surprising lead of 21-17.
Duke’s head coach, Manny Diaz, returned to Hard Rock Stadium for the first time since his firing from Miami in 2021. While Diaz did not focus on his past with the Hurricanes during the week leading up to the game, the hostile atmosphere was palpable as the crowd rallied against the Blue Devils. Early in the first quarter, Duke’s Mishael Powell capitalized on an errant pass from Miami’s Maalik Murphy, intercepting the ball and setting the stage for Cam McCormick’s touchdown catch just eight plays later, providing Duke a crucial early lead.
Miami’s quarterback, Cam Ward, made an immediate impact with a touchdown pass to Xavier Restrepo on the Hurricanes’ first drive, putting them ahead 14-0. However, Duke’s defense adjusted well, limiting Ward’s effectiveness and forcing him into a series of incompletions. After a slow start, Murphy found his stride, leading Duke on a swift scoring drive that showcased their offensive potential.
The Blue Devils faced adversity early, with penalties and turnovers hindering their progress, but key penalties against Miami late in the first half provided Duke with favorable field position. Murphy navigated through the pressure and connected on a touchdown pass to Jones, marking Duke’s first lead of the game.
While the Hurricanes dominated in terms of total first downs and time of possession, Duke’s resilience came through in critical moments. The defensive efforts included multiple tackles for loss, limiting Miami’s scoring opportunities.
As the game unfolded, Duke demonstrated the ability to overcome early struggles. With adjustments on both sides of the ball, the Blue Devils showcased a fighting spirit that bodes well for their season ahead. If they continue to build on this strong performance, they have the potential to secure more victories in the coming weeks, making them a team to watch out for.
Summary: The Duke Blue Devils lead the Miami Hurricanes 21-17 at halftime in a closely contested matchup. Despite an early deficit, Duke’s defense and timely offensive plays propelled them to the lead. Coach Manny Diaz’s return to Miami added to the game’s intrigue, and Duke’s resilience could signal a positive outlook for their season.