In a historic Friday night showdown in Week 8 of the college football season, the Duke Blue Devils defeated the Florida State Seminoles 23-16, marking their first victory over the Seminoles after 22 consecutive losses. Duke’s win came after years of frustration in this matchup, making the victory even sweeter for the Blue Devils, who improved to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers provided a turning point early in the game, returning an interception for a touchdown that swung momentum in the Blue Devils’ favor. Rivers’ defensive score highlighted a game where turnovers played a significant role in shaping the outcome. Florida State’s quarterback Brock Glenn struggled mightily, turning the ball over on three consecutive first-half possessions, including two interceptions and a fumble. These errors proved costly, as Duke capitalized on the Seminoles’ mistakes to take control of the game.
Kicker Todd Pelino also played a crucial role for Duke, connecting on three field goals that helped the Blue Devils build and maintain a lead throughout the game. Running back Star Thomas contributed 88 rushing yards and a touchdown, providing stability to Duke’s offense in a game where yards were hard to come by.
The Seminoles, now 1-6 overall and 1-5 in the ACC, found themselves in a familiar position of frustration. Despite outgaining Duke by 111 yards in total offense, they were unable to translate those yards into points. With a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, Florida State drove deep into Duke territory but lost a fumble at the Duke 37-yard line with 5:18 remaining. Their last chance to mount a comeback ended on a failed fourth-down conversion that lost yardage, sealing the victory for Duke.
Brock Glenn, who finished 9-for-19 for 110 yards, struggled throughout the night, hampered by Duke’s aggressive defense and his own mistakes. Backup quarterback Luke Kromenhoek entered the game but was unable to turn things around, completing just 3 of 7 passes for 19 yards.
While Duke’s offense managed just 180 total yards, including 70 yards passing from quarterback Maalik Murphy, the Blue Devils’ defense and special teams made the difference. Rivers’ interception return for a touchdown, Pelino’s accuracy on field goals, and timely defensive stops allowed Duke to overcome Florida State’s yardage advantage.
Star Thomas’ performance on the ground helped Duke control the clock and keep Florida State’s offense at bay. The Blue Devils’ ability to bounce back from their first loss of the season nearly two weeks earlier was on full display as they played with determination and poise, especially in critical moments.
Duke’s victory over Florida State not only breaks a decades-long winless streak in the series but also keeps them in the hunt within the ACC standings. At 6-1, the Blue Devils have shown they can compete against tough competition, and this win could serve as a catalyst for the rest of their season.
For Florida State, the loss extends a season of disappointment. Despite moments of promise and a roster with talent, the Seminoles have been plagued by inconsistency and turnovers, making it difficult to find success in close games.
Duke’s long-awaited triumph over Florida State on Friday night will be remembered as a turning point in their season, as they finally shed the shadow of their historical struggles against the Seminoles. With a balanced effort on defense and a disciplined approach on offense, the Blue Devils earned a well-deserved victory and a place in the history books.
