Duke outlasts a Gutty Virginia Tech Team, 31-28

Nothing in Duke’s win over Virginia Tech was exactly what you might have expected, starting with the opening play, a long pass from Maalik Murphy to Eli Pancol for a rushing touchdown. Then the two hooked up again on the next possession for another touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

However, Virginia Tech showed some heart and stayed close, only down 21-17 at the half.

It was such a night.

Duke took a 28-17 lead shortly after halftime on a 74-yard drive and a Star Thomas run for a touchdown.

Todd Pelino made a 42-yard field goal after an interception and Duke went up 31-17 with 3:24 left in the third quarter. That would be all the scoring for Duke, and thankfully it was enough — if just barely.

Virginia Tech got a 38-yard field goal with 13:22 left in the fourth and Bhayshul Tuten tacked on another TD with 9:19 left to play. QB William Watson got the two point conversion to cut the lead to three at 31-28.

The end of the game got wild.

Duke made a nice late drive and got to Virginia Tech’s 16…only to see Star Thomas lose 16 yards and then fumble at the 32 yard line. We weren’t panicked because Duke’s defense is really good, but it got nervous.

And indeed Duke’s D held, but on 4th down Tre Freeman was called for unsportsmanlike conduct and it was to the 50 and first down for the Hokies. All they needed was a field goal to tie the game, but Duke’s D held again.

Virginia Tech punted and Duke got minimal movement and punted again themselves…but with :05 left on the clock.

It wasn’t easy, but the Blue Devils held on for the 31-28 victory.

With the win, Duke moves to 8-3 on the season. The Blue Devils close out the season next Saturday at Wake Forest. If they can pull that off, Duke has a chance, with a bowl win, to put a 10-win season in the books.