Blue Devils Soar to 2-0 Victory in Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph Over Northwestern

Duke's Manny Diaz era starts with a bang, as the Blue Devils secure a hard-fought double overtime win against Northwestern. Quarterback Maalik Murphy shines, leading the team to a come-from-behind victory and showing promise for the future.

The Manny Diaz era at Duke has begun with a thrilling 26-20 double overtime victory over the Northwestern Wildcats. Despite the departure of former head coach Mike Elko and quarterback Riley Leonard, the Blue Devils have shown resilience and determination under their new leadership.

Quarterback Maalik Murphy stepped up when it mattered most for Duke on Friday. With the game tied at 13 and 14 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Murphy led an 11-play, 51-yard drive, culminating in a game-tying field goal by Todd Pelino.

Blue Devils Soar to 2-0 Victory in Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph Over Northwestern

In overtime, Northwestern took an early 20-13 lead, but Murphy responded with a quick touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordan Moore. The Blue Devils then sealed the victory with another touchdown pass, this time to Eli Pancol, in the second overtime.

Murphy's performance was impressive, completing 24 of 39 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns. He showed poise and confidence under pressure, leading the Blue Devils to a come-from-behind victory.

Blue Devils Soar to 2-0 Victory in Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph Over Northwestern

Wide receiver Jordan Moore, who caught Murphy's touchdown pass in overtime, praised the quarterback's leadership and ability to make plays when needed. "Maalik is a very confident quarterback, very poised," Moore said. "When he had opportunities to make plays, he made them."

The Blue Devils' defense also played a crucial role in the victory, forcing turnovers and stopping Northwestern on fourth down in the second overtime. Chandler Rivers brought down quarterback Mike Wright for an eight-yard loss on third down, and the Blue Devils slammed the door on fourth down as Wright's pass to Frank Covey IV failed to connect.

Blue Devils Soar to 2-0 Victory in Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph Over Northwestern

Northwestern coach David Braun expressed disappointment in the loss, but acknowledged the need for improvement from his team, particularly from quarterback Wright. Wright threw for 158 yards on 20-for-36 passing with a costly interception that led to Duke's first touchdown.

Braun said, "Mike did some good things tonight, but Mike needs to improve. Mike knows that. We know that. When we made our (quarterback) decision, it was something that we were going to ride with Mike."

Blue Devils Soar to 2-0 Victory in Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph Over Northwestern

"He needs to do a better job of valuing the football, taking care of the football, and just operating within the confines of the offense," Braun added.

Despite the loss, Braun remained confident in Wright's potential. "Mike's a very gifted young man. He's very talented. He's going to continue to learn, he's going to continue to grow," Braun said.

Duke's victory marks their sixth straight over Northwestern, dating back to 2016. The Blue Devils will look to continue their hot start when they host the Connecticut Huskies on Sept. 14. Northwestern will try to get back on track when they host Eastern Illinois on the same day.