Durham, North Carolina, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Duke University emerged victorious over North Carolina State University, winning 45-33 and ending NC State’s undefeated streak. The match showcased Duke’s strong performance, highlighted by key plays and turnovers that shifted momentum. Quarterback Darian Mensah and running back Anderson Castle led the Blue Devils to a significant win, while NC State struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities. This victory marked Duke’s fifth win in their last six matchups against the Wolfpack and provides a boost as they head deeper into their season.
Durham, North Carolina – Duke University triumphed over North Carolina State University (NCSU) in a thrilling college football match on Saturday, securing a 45-33 victory that ended the Wolfpack’s undefeated season. This win marked Duke’s fifth victory in their last six meetings against NCSU, showcasing their dominance in this ACC rivalry.
Entering the game with a perfect 3-0 record, NC State aimed to extend their winning streak. However, pivotal turnovers and standout performances from Duke’s offensive unit thwarted their efforts. Quarterback Darian Mensah led the Blue Devils, completing 19 of 28 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns, while his counterpart, NCSU’s CJ Bailey, despite throwing for 364 yards and two touchdowns, struggled with three interceptions and a crucial lost fumble.
The game significantly shifted late in the second quarter when Duke linebacker Tre Freeman intercepted a pass from Bailey and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown, propelling Duke to a 21-20 lead at halftime. This pivotal moment not only altered the scoreline but also shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Blue Devils. NC State initially jumped out to a strong 20-7 lead before Duke erupted with a scoring run, dominating to score 38 of the final 51 points of the game.
Duke’s offense was further bolstered by running back Anderson Castle, who rushed for 92 yards and found the end zone three times. His performance included a crucial 66-yard touchdown run that solidified Duke’s advantage late in the contest. Despite a commendable effort from NC State’s Terrell Anderson, who caught six passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns (with one touchdown covering 75 yards on the opening drive), the Wolfpack were unable to recover from the turnovers and missed opportunities.
Ultimately, Duke capitalized on four critical turnovers from NC State. The Blue Devils’ defense was instrumental in forcing these errors, which included the pivotal interception by Freeman that energized the team and shifted the balance of the game. NC State also faced issues on special teams, notably a missed extra point and a blocked field goal, which contributed further to their defeat.
The win for Duke was significant not only for the scoreboard but also for the psychological momentum it provided after earlier losses this season against Illinois and Tulane. The team emphasized the importance of mental toughness leading into their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener, and this victory certainly reflected that resolve.
Compounding NC State’s struggles, the absence of several key defensive players due to injuries and suspensions severely limited their ability to counter Duke’s offensive onslaught. The matchup exemplified the fierce competitive nature characteristic of ACC rivalries, with both teams exchanging leads and back-and-forth scoring throughout the game.
This defeat leaves NC State at 3-1 for the season as they regroup and prepare to face their next opponent, seeking to bounce back following a challenging loss. Meanwhile, Duke improves to 3-1, gaining vital momentum as they head deeper into their schedule.
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