Live Game Thread: Duke vs Wake Forest

Duke and Wake Forest have had some intense battles over the years. Last season's matchup might have been the best yet.

After trailing 17-3 late in the third quarter, the Blue Devils made a furious comeback to steal the game on the road. Former Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordan Moore as time expired to win 23-17.

Nov 30, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Maalik Murphy (6) looks for an open receiver against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

This time around should be another close battle. While Wake Forest is 8-3 this season, Duke still has a slim path to the ACC title game in Charlotte with a 6-5 record.

Right now, two scenarios exist where the Blue Devils could clinch a spot in the conference championship, both of which involve a win over the Demon Deacons on Saturday.

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

With a win, Duke needs Pitt to lose to Miami and SMU to lose against Cal. The other scenario includes a Duke win followed by a Pitt loss, a Virginia loss to Virginia Tech and either a win by Syracuse (vs Boston College) or NC State (against North Carolina).

Again, the chances are slim, but at the very least, a victory over Wake Forest would boost Duke's bowl positioning. Duke's defense remains a question, but facing a team that relies on the run, there is a chance Duke's explosive offense can gain the upper hand.

Aug 28, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) throws a touchdown pass against the Elon Phoenix during the second half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | James Guillory-Imagn Images

Darian Mensah has been great this season, despite recent struggles. In his first season with Duke, the sophomore quarterback has thrown for 3,182 yards, 26 touchdowns and four interceptions.

A quick preview of the Demon Deacons and live updates from the game can be found below. To read more about what to watch for Duke in this game, click here.

Wake Forest Preview

Sep 27, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; The Wake Forest Demon Deacon during the third quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Wake Forest has had big wins over SMU and Virginia this season, boosting the team to 8-3 on the season. Still, with a 4-3 conference record, the Demon Deacons don't have a chance to wind up in Charlotte.

The offense has been middle of the road in the ACC this season, averaging 26.4 points per game (11th in ACC) and 381.9 total yards per game (11th). The Demon Deacons take control on the ground, rushing for 159.6 yards per game (4th).

Sep 27, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) runs the ball against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Kyle Efford (44) during the fourth quarter at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Demond Claiborne leads Wake Forest on the ground with 849 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, picking up 5.1 yards per carry. He has some incredible quickness to bounce runs outside and has great contact balance. He's tough to bring down, which is concerning for the banged-up Duke defense.

Quarterback Robby Ashford is also a huge part of the run game. He has 460 rushing yards and six touchdowns, frequently using designed runs to keep Wake Forest in front of the chains or convert in short-yardage spots.

Oct 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Robby Ashford (2) looks to run the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Ashford is, however, a subpar passer, completing just 58.5% of his passes for 1,827 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. He is inaccurate at times over the middle and sometimes late outside the numbers. That's where the Duke secondary could take advantage.

Chris Barnes leads the team with 37 catches for 523 yards and three touchdowns, while Carlos Hernandez falls slightly behind him with 28 catches for 445 yards and three touchdowns. Hernandez has been a monster as of late, totaling 297 yards and three touchdowns over the past two games.

Nov 15, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver Carlos Hernandez (8) reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wake Forest Athletics via Imagn Images | Wake Forest Athletics via Imagn Images

On defense, Wake Forest can be beaten on the ground, but its pass defense is one of the best in the ACC. The Demon Deacons allow 193.5 passing yards per game (4th in ACC) and just nine passing touchdowns this season.

Safety Nick Andersen leads the team with 89 tackles, third-most in the conference. He also has seven pass deflections and patrols the back end of the defense and doesn't let much get over the top.

Oct 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Terion Stewart (8) runs with the ball against Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Davaughn Patterson (5) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Slot corner Davaughn Patterson has 69 tackles and nine pass deflections. Duke runs a lot of different players in the slot and throws there often, so Patterson could make life difficult on the Blue Devils.

Duke's offense got back on track using the ground game last week, but this is a game where the Blue Devils could opt to try to beat the Demon Deacons through the air to finish the season above .500.

Pregame

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

Duke's final availability report lists receiver Andrel Anthony and cornerback Landan Callahan as out for a second consecutive game. Linebacker Tre Freeman is good to go for the Blue Devils.

The Blue Devils will take the ball first.

First Quarter

Oct 4, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) high steps into the end zone for a touchdown ahead of California Golden Bears defensive back Cam Sidney (20) during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: Duke finishes a steady opening drive with a 5-yard touchdown run by Nate Sheppard to take a quick 7-0 lead.

How does Nate Sheppard score here... 👀 pic.twitter.com/dKzKi4kdLd
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 29, 2025

FIELD GOAL: Wake Forest responds with a 42-yard field goal from kicker Connor Calvert to get on the board, trailing 7-3.

Oct 4, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) throws a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: Mensah has started the game 8-of-8 passing as Duke runs a balanced offense. Mensah scrambles for a 4-yard touchdown, his first rushing score of the season, to extend the lead to 14-3.

Darian Mensah showing off the wheels 😈 pic.twitter.com/DUlNATxahr
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 29, 2025

End of Q1: Duke 14, Wake Forest 3

Second Quarter

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Anderson Castle (4) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Brian Parker II (53) during the second half against North Carolina at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: The Demon Deacons responded with a touchdown of their own, as Ashford found Sawyer Racanelli for a 22-yard touchdown to close the gap, making the score 14-10.

THREE-AND-OUT: Wake Forest gets the first stop of the day defensively as Gabe Kirschke sacks Mensah on third down. A nice punt return by Hernandez gives the Demon Deacons the ball near midfield.

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarter back Darian Mensah (10) hands the ball to Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

FUMBLE: Wake Forest was knocking on the door of the red zone, but Claiborne dropped the pitched ball and Duke's David Anderson falls on it. Blue Devils take over from their own 26-yard line.

THREE-AND-OUT: Blue Devils go back to the running game, but a holding call kills the drive and forces a punt.

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarter back Robby Ashford (2) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

TURNOVER ON DOWNS: Ashford carries the ball on fourth down and short, but Kimari Robinson makes the stop to take the ball with tremendous field position.

TOUCHDOWN: Mensah hit Que'Sean Brown for a big gain and Anderson Castle pays it off with a 1-yard touchdown run on senior day to extend the lead to 21-10.

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) runs the ball past Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Nick Andersen (45) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: Wake Forest only needs 1:09 to drive 75 yards and score on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ashford to Karate Brenson to make the score 21-17 before the break.

HALF: Duke 21, Wake Forest 17

Third Quarter

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarter back Darian Mensah (10) throws the ball under pressure from Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke (10) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

THREE-AND-OUT: A penalty and a tackle for loss put Wake Forest behind the sticks and it can't recover. The punt gives Duke the ball at midfield.

THREE-AND-OUT: Duke punts again and Kade Reynoldson pins the Demon Deacons on their own 9-yard line.

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba (99) tackles Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

THREE-AND-OUT: Both defenses are tightening up to start the second half. Another punt, the Blue Devils will get the ball at the Wake Forest 35-yard line after a punt of just 20 yards.

TOUCHDOWN: Duke needs just two plays as Mensah lofts a jump ball touchdown to Sahmir Hagans for a 30-yard score. Mensah now holds the Duke single-season record with 27 touchdown passes on the year, as the lead grows to 28-17.

DOT!!! pic.twitter.com/3OdtZQui8Q
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 29, 2025

INTERCEPTION: Ashford's throw over the middle is high and off his receiver's hands and intercepted by Duke safety DaShawn Stone.

TIPS AND OVERTHROWS pic.twitter.com/vqaqVqNVGS
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 29, 2025

TOUCHDOWN: Duke again gets down the field thanks to a pair of Wake Forest penalties and steady diet on the ground, leading to Castle's second touchdown plunge of the day, pushing the lead 35-17, the largest margin of the day.

TOUCHDOWN: A couple of nice throws by Ashford and runs by Caliborne lead to a 10-yard touchdown run by Ashford. Wake Forest goes for two, and Ashford flips into the end zone to make the deficit 10 points, trailing 35-25.

End of Q3: Duke 35, Wake Forest 25

Fourth Quarter

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Aiden Hall (21) tackles Duke Blue Devils tight end Jeremiah Hasley (85) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: After a long kickoff return by Hagans, Sheppard scoots off the left side for a 13-yard touchdown run to answer quickly, pushing the lead to 42-25.

TOUCHDOWN: Wake Forest won't go away. The Demon Deacons quickly go the length of the field and Ty Clark punches in a 1-yard score to make it a 42-32 ball game.

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarter back Darian Mensah (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

FAKE PUNT: Duke rolls the dice again and converts on fourth down as Reynoldson takes off for 26 yards to keep the drive going.

TURNOVER ON DOWNS: The Blue Devils risk it again on fourth down, this time with the offense on the field, but Mensah's [ass is incomplete. Demon Deacons get the ball from their own 40-yard line.

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz celebrates Duke Blue Devils quarter back Darian Mensah's (10) touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

FUMBLE: Claiborne fumbles for the second time as Chandler Rivers punches it out late, and Luke Mergott recovers for Duke.

TURNOVER ON DOWNS: In field goal range, the Blue Devils go for it on fourth down again but can't complete the pass. Just outside of the two-minute timeout, Wake Forest gets the ball back.

FUMBLE: Ma'khi Jones sacks Ashford and the ball comes loose, and Mergott recovers again. Inside two minutes to go, that could be the nail in the coffin for Wake Forest.

TOUCHDOWN: Mensah tossed the ball up to Jeremiah Hasley for a late touchdown in the final seconds.