Live Game Thread: Duke vs UConn

Kickoff from East Hartford in Connecticut is coming up as Duke (5-3, 3-1 ACC) finishes up a two-week road trip at UConn (6-3).

Oct 18, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz runs out before the first half of the game against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

The teams are set to battle for the third consecutive season, with the Blue Devils coming out on top in the previous two bouts.

The Huskies and Blue Devils are both coming off big wins. UConn took down UAB last Saturday, 38-15, while Duke traveled to Clemson and won a thrilling, back-and-forth shootout, 46-45.

Duke Blue Devils celebrates after the final play Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While this is not a conference game for the Blue Devils, they are hoping to keep their momentum rolling offensively from last week into this one. However, a big matchup with No. 14 Virginia looms, so it's crucial that Duke stays focused and doesn't let this one slip away.

Jim Mora has led the UConn program since 2022 and turned the program into a competitive team every year very quickly. The Huskies have already hit the six-win mark to qualify for a bowl game.

Aug 30, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Jim Mora watches from the sideline as they take on the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

UConn has not lost at home this season, and all three of its losses have come in overtime. The Huskies fight to the end and have not been blown out this year. They can compete with Duke.

A quick preview of the Huskies and live updates from the game can be found below. To read more about UConn and who to look out for, click here.

UConn Preview

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell (1) reacts after his touchdown against the UAB Blazers in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Huskies are no longer a program to look past. Mora has a powerful offense led by a veteran, seventh-year quarterback in Joe Fagnano. UConn is scoring 36.9 points per game (15th in FBS) and slinging the rock all over the yard, averaging 299.3 passing yards per game (12th in FBS).

Fagnano has plenty of experience and has put it to good use this season. He has 2,529 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He lit up UAB with 267 yards and four touchdown passes in his previous outing.

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano (2) throws a pass against the UAB Blazers in the first half at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

When you throw the ball as much as the Huskies do, you'd think there would be some mistakes or turnovers. Not for UConn. The Huskies have just one turnover this season, and Fagnano has completed 68.8% of his passes.

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell (1) makes the touchdown against UAB Blazers cornerback Tariq Watson (24) in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Fagnano's favorite target is another transfer who has developed into a star. Skyler Bell, a former Wisconsin Badger, is statistically one of the best receivers in college football. He leads the nation in catches (74) and touchdown catches (11), and he is second in receiving yards (997).

Bell's speed and ability to high-point the ball on contested balls make him a difference-maker, and one the Blue Devils' defense will have their hands full with.

Oct 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; UConn Huskies running back Cam Edwards (0) runs with the ball as Rice Owls safety Jack Kane (27) attempts to make a tackle during the second quarter at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

On the ground, Cam Edwards has dominated the workload with 144 carries for 815 yards and nine touchdowns. He has some speed at 210 pounds, but he can also run through defenders and fight through contact. UConn occasionally leans on him to slow games down, but Edwards has not run more than 100 yards since September.

Defensively, the Huskies aren't great, allowing 23.9 points per game. Duke can hurt them in both the rushing and passing games. They allow 216.8 passing yards per game (66th in FBS) and 174.9 rushing yards per game (105th in FBS).

North Carolina's Darwin Barlow is tackled by, from left, UConn's Rante Jones, Jayden McDonald and Cam Chadwick during the third annual Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Darian Mensah should stay hot against this defense, but it could develop into another slugfest with fast points and big chunk plays all over the place.

Live Updates

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz on the field for warm up before the start of the game against the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

First Quarter

Duke won the toss and deferred to the second half. UConn will get the ball first.

THREE-AND-OUT: A sack by Josiah Green helps the Duke defense get off the field quickly with a punt. Duke will take over at their own 45-yard line.

TOUCHDOWN: Nate Sheppard takes it off the right edge and scores from 13 yards out. A three-play drive gets Duke off to a fast start, leading 7-0.

Nate Sheppard making it look easy 😈 pic.twitter.com/O6s73IFW5c
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 8, 2025

TOUCHDOWN: After a roughing the passer penalty on Wesley Williams kept the drive alive on fourth down, Joe Fagnano hit Juice Vereen for a 10-yard touchdown pass to tie the game, 7-7.

INTERCEPTION: Darian Mensah tries to throw middle, but the pass is batted up in the air and intercepted by UConn's Bryun Parham. Huskies take over at the Duke 27-yard line.

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) warms up before the start of the game against the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

FIELD GOAL: The Huskies stall and settle for a 29-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead.

PUNT: The Blue Devils pick up one first down but then have to punt. Kade Reynoldson pins the Huskies on their own 1-yard line after the kick was caught by Sahmir Hagans in front of the end zone.

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano (2) warms up before the start of the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

MISSED FIELD GOAL: A couple of big plays for UConn get the offense down the field, but Duke's Caleb Weaver comes up with a sack on third to force a 40-yard field goal, which sails wide left. Blue Devils take possession on their own 24-yard line.

End of Q1: UConn 10, Duke 7

Second Quarter

TOUCHDOWN: Mensah connects with Andrel Anthony for a 10-yard score on a fade to the back pylon to retake the lead, 14-10.

Andrel Anthony finds the end zone in back-to-back games! pic.twitter.com/zhR6F7rzvf
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 8, 2025

TOUCHDOWN: UConn responds as Fagnano finds Skyler Bell wide-open on a slant for a 4-yard touchdown. Huskies retake the lead, 17-14.

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Terrence Smith (15) runs the ball against the Duke Blue Devils in the first quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

THREE-AND-OUT: Blue Devils get nothing going after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty pulled back a good kickoff return. Lots of flags for chippy play so far. UConn will get the ball at its own 27-yard line.

PUNT: Huskies punt it back to Duke, and the ball goes into the end zone for a touchback. Blue Devils will get another chance before the half.

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) throws a pass against the UConn Huskies in the first quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

INTERCEPTION: Mensah misfires and throws his second pick of the day along the sideline. He had only two interceptions all season entering today, and has now doubled that. UConn gets the ball at the Duke 31-yard line.

FIELD GOAL: Duke's defense gets another stop and the Huskies settle for a 45-yard field goal to extend their lead to 20-14.

THREE-AND-OUT: Duke punts again back to the Huskies. UConn will take it to the half.

Halftime: UConn 20, Duke 14

Third Quarter

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; The UConn Huskies take on the Duke Blue Devils in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: After a first down pass, Duke runs the ball eight straight times, capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by Sheppard to retake the lead, 21-20.

Another one for Nate Sheppard! pic.twitter.com/4OB9svRiJK
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 8, 2025

FIELD GOAL: The Blue Devils' defense stands tall at the goal line, and UConn kicker Chris Freeman knocks through his third field goal of the day, this time from 20 yards out, to take a 23-21 lead.

TOUCHDOWN: On fourth down from the 1-yard line, Mensah rolls right and throws up a floater to the corner of the end zone to Landen King for a touchdown. The Blue Devils, once again, retake the lead, 28-23.

FEED THE BIG MAN 👑 pic.twitter.com/opcm3g7KKv
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 8, 2025

End of Q3: Duke 28, UConn 23

Fourth Quarter

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz watches from the sideline as they take on the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

FAKE PUNT: UConn snaps it to Alex Honig from punt formation and he picks up 26 yards to move the chains.

TOUCHDOWN: Cam Edwards punches in a 3-yard touchdown run to reclaim the lead after the fake punt conversion. UConn goes for two, but the try is intercepted by Wesley Williams. Huskies back on top, 29-28.

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) scores against the UConn Huskies in the first quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: Duke answers with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Mensah to Jeremiah Hasley, who leaked straight up the field and was wide-open. Two-point try was no good. Blue Devils swing back in front, 34-29.

Our lead! 😈 pic.twitter.com/bpEPcD9fnY
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 8, 2025

TOUCHDOWN: Fagnano finds Bell for a 19-yard touchdown on a contested ball in the corner. Huskies go for two and Fagnano takes a shot at the goal line but converts. Huskies take a 37-34 lead with 1:58 to go.

FUMBLE: Near field goal range, Mensah is sacked by Parham and loses the ball, and UConn recovers. Huskies are going to win it.

FINAL: UConn 37, Duke 34

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