Duke Hammered by Notre Dame to Lose Third Straight

Duke was overwhelmed by No. 15 Notre Dame at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday night, losing to the Fighting Irish, 38-7.

The Blue Devils suffered their third 30-plus point loss of the season, after having just three such losses combined in the previous five years, dropping their third straight game to fall to 4-5 on the year.

Duke’s defense, usually its strong point, struggled to contain Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book who threw for four touchdowns and had 139 yards rushing. Book’s 45-yard run set up a touchdown and a 53-yard run set up a field goal.

The Irish rushed for 288 yards in the game, the most the Blue Devils have given up this season. Duke also gave up 205 yards in its last game, a loss to North Carolina.

The Duke defense also allowed the Irish to convert 9-of-17 on third down, the Blue Devils’ worst defensive performance on third down this season.

On the other side of the ball, Duke’s offense continued its season-long struggle to move the ball consistently.

After gaining a first down on their first offensive snap, the Blue Devils went three-and-out on five straight possessions, while Notre Dame built a 21-0 first-half lead.

Quarterback Quentin Harris finished 16-of-28 for 102 yards. He threw a 29-yard touchdown to Aaron Young and also had an interception.

Duke’s 95 net rushing yards were its lowest of the season. Again, the last game against North Carolina (100) was the previous worst. Duke’s 197 yards of total offense were also a season worst.

Duke now needs to win two of its last three games—home against Syracuse and Miami and on the road at Wake Forest—to become bowl eligible.

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