CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke’s football team just pulled off a stunning victory, beating No. 17 Virginia 27-20 in overtime. This win sparked a celebration reminiscent of the last time the Blue Devils truly triumphed in the ACC, back in 1989.
The excitement reached a peak when linebacker Luke Mergott made a game-winning interception during the extra period. Coach Manny Diaz, initially feeling secure, was caught off guard when safety Caleb Weaver drenched him with a cooler full of ice water. “I thought I could dodge it,” Diaz joked, “but I guess I got hit in the lower back. It’s chilly, but I’ll accept it—it feels like victory!”
Mergott was over the moon, cradling the game ball tightly. “I’ll probably sleep with it tonight,” he said, ranking this moment as his top football experience ever.
Fans and players had mixed feelings while watching the upset unfold; some were concerned about the implications for the ACC’s College Football Playoff (CFP) chances. According to a model from Austin Mock of The Athletic, Duke has less than a one percent chance of securing a Playoff spot. Meanwhile, Miami, another ACC contender, has about a 17 percent chance despite not taking the field that night after a tiebreaker loss.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed confidence in his teams, stating, “The winner of the Virginia-Duke game should absolutely be in this College Football Playoff.” The feeling among Duke players was equally hopeful, despite the tension regarding their Playoff eligibility. Defensive end Wesley Williams stated simply, “We’re a Power 4 conference champion. Simple enough.”
Historically, Duke hadn’t won an outright conference title since 1962. There’s a sense of nostalgia surrounding this victory, especially as fans recall coaches from the past. Diaz even received a voicemail from Steve Spurrier, the coach who led Duke to a share of the ACC title in 1989, wishing him luck.
The game had its ups and downs. Duke once led by 10 points, but Virginia managed to tie it up, sending the game into overtime. Yet, when the moment arrived, Duke took it in stride. “We pride ourselves on being comfortable in uncomfortable moments,” Mergott noted.
As the final whistle blew, relief and joy spilled over for Duke’s players and fans. After Mergott’s decisive interception, players rushed the field, celebrating the historic win with tears and laughter.
Now, all eyes turn to the committee’s decision on Sunday. What seemed tough for the ACC could become a thrilling story for Duke.
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Virginia Cavaliers, Duke Blue Devils, College Football
