Live Game Thread: Duke vs Clemson

Kickoff from Death Valley in South Carolina is near as Duke (4-3, 3-1 ACC) tries to get back on the horse and stay in the conference title race in the first of a two-week road trip, starting at Clemson (3-4, 2-3 ACC).

Oct 18, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) runs with the ball during 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 Blue Devils and Tigers both had the last week off to prepare for a renewal of their rivalry. Duke suffered its first loss in ACC play against Georgia Tech after a series of mistakes, falling 27-18.

Manny Diaz has not faced Clemson yet as coach of the Blue Devils, but Duke did win their last matchup with the Tigers back in 2023, upsetting No. 9 Clemson in Durham. However, Duke has not won in Death Valley since 1980.

Oct 18, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz looks on during 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

Dabo Swinney's Tigers have underperformed this season. After entering the year with national championship dreams, Clemson is 1-3 at home and trying to turn things around. They lost to SMU last time out, 35-24, with backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina filling in for the injured Cade Klubnik.

A quick preview of the Tigers and live updates from the game can be found below. To read the biggest storylines for the matchup, click here.

Clemson Preview

Sep 20, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney joins in the Walk of Champions march after pregame practice before their game against the Syracuse Orange in Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard/GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Tigers have historically owned this series and the ACC, but the tides have turned. Clemson has underachieved this season. The reigning conference champions haven't hit their stride offensively this season, and an injury at quarterback could continue that trend in this one.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) reacts near Louisiana State University Head Coach Brian Kelly on sidelines after getting a first down during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, Aug 30, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Klubnik missed a start for the first time against SMU with an ankle sprain. Vizzina filled in nicely, topping 300 passing yards and three touchdowns. However, Klubnik appeared on the availability report this week as "probable" meaning a return to play is possible against the Blue Devils.

Sep 10, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; A Duke Blue Devils helmet sits on an equipment chest during the third quarter of the game against the North Carolina A&T Aggies at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images

Defensively, the Tigers have stars at several positions that has NFL scouts watching. Yet, they have struggled against better quarterback competition. Clemson's losses have come against LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Georgia Tech's Haynes King, Syracuse's Steve Angeli and SMU's Kevin Jennings.

Clemson defensive lineman T.J. Parker (12) reacts with defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) after sacking Florida Atlantic quarterback Daniel Richardson (10) during the second quarter Sep 16, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; at Memorial Stadium. | Ken Ruinard- staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

Clemson's defense has been vulnerable in the red zone this season, allowing scores on 10 of their last 11 attempts. Peter Woods, Will Heldt and T.J. Parker highlight an impressive defensive line, while Avieon Terrell and Ashton Hampton patrol the sidelines and are great at getting their hands to the ball. Still, for one reason or another, they've struggled near the end zone and at the end of games.

Sep 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Tigers are scoring 29 points per game in conference play and picking up 445.6 yards of offense per game, second in the conference only to the Blue Devils. Swinney is still a veteran coach an offensive mind and system that is friendly to his quarterback. The records can be thrown out for this one. Clemson is a big threat to the visiting Blue Devils.

Live Updates

Aug 28, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) comes running out onto the field before the start of the game against the Elon Phoenix at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | James Guillory-Imagn Images

Pregame

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is available today and will likely start. He was previously on the availability report as probable with an ankle sprain, but is now off the report.

Duke will be without corner Kimari Robinson today. Moussa Kane and Landan Callahan will need to step up in his place.

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

First Quarter

Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) warms up Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, ahead of 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

THREE AND OUT: Duke's Moussa Kane comes on a corner blitz and gets the sack to force a punt by the Tigers.

TOUCHDOWN: Darian Mensah drops one in the bucket to Que'Sean Brown at the pylon for a 19-yard touchdown pass. Duke converted a pair of fourth downs on the drive as well, both completions to Cooper Barkate. The Blue Devils take a 7-0 lead.

WHAT A CATCH!

Que'Sean Brown from Darian Mensah and we score on our opening drive 😈 pic.twitter.com/UmR6MWSiJP
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 1, 2025

TOUCHDOWN: Clemson evens the score on a 5-yard rushing score by receiver Antonio Williams. Cade Klubnik also hit Williams for a 64-yard gain to quickly move the Tigers down the field.

Oct 18, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Cooper Barkate (18) celebrates a down during 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

TOUCHDOWN: A bust in Clemson's coverage leaves Barkate wide open for a 77-yard touchdown pass from Mensah. Duke quickly retakes the lead, 14-7.

Not sure if Cooper Barkate could've been more open... 👀 pic.twitter.com/Q8KpIyn6n7
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 1, 2025

THREE AND OUT: Clemson can't get anything going and punts back to the Blue Devils.

TOUCHDOWN: Mensah throws his third touchdown pass of the first quarter, this time a 20-yard strike to Andrel Anthony down the middle of the field. Duke also converted another fourth down on the drive, a perfect 3-for-3 today. Duke takes a 21-7 advantage.

A little pitch and catch 👀

That's three first-quarter passing touchdowns for Darian Mensah! pic.twitter.com/TTz2P1gfnA
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 1, 2025

End of Q1: Duke 21, Clemson 7

Second Quarter

Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Que'Sean Brown (7) celebrates with Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Matt Craycraft (72) and Duke Blue Devils safety Terry Moore (1) after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: Klubnik finds Williams for a short 4-yard touchdown pass to get the Tigers back within a score. Duke still leads, 21-14.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Antonio Williams (0) stiff-arms Duke Blue Devils safety DaShawn Stone (8) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

THREE AND OUT: Nate Sheppard can't find any running room and Mensah is sacked on third down to force a Duke punt for the first time today. Clemson will take over at their own 32-yard line.

TOUCHDOWN: Adam Randall pounds forward for a 2-yard touchdown, and suddenly Clemson has tied the game. Blue Devils have some work to do. Game is tied, 21-21.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) looks down field Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

THREE AND OUT: Clemson's Jahiem Lawson gets home for the second sack of the day for the Tigers, and the Blue Devils can't recover and punt to the Clemson 23-yard line after a 57-yard punt by Kade Reynoldson.

TOUCHDOWN: Randall punches in another 2-yard touchdown run with 61 seconds left before halftime. After Duke scored on it's first three possessions, Clemson has responded and taken the lead through the ground game, picking up 5.7 yards per carry. Tigers take a 28-21 lead.

Clemson Tigers cornerback Ashton Hampton (23) reacts after a defensive stop of fourth down Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN: The Blue Devils quickly drive the field and Mensah finds Brown over the top for a 43-yard touchdown to tie the game with just 11 seconds before the half. Four touchdown passes in the first half for Mensah. Game is tied, 28-28.

Another one for Que'Sean Brown! pic.twitter.com/AQKBLOwbaN
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 1, 2025

Halftime: Duke 28, Clemson 28

Duke will receive the second half kickoff.

Third Quarter

Duke Blue Devils safety Ma'Khi Jones (26) goes to tackle Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

BLOCKED PUNT: Duke punts on the opening drive of the second half, but the punt is blocked by Clemson's Tyler Venables. Tigers will take the ball at midfield.

TOUCHDOWN: Defensive tackle Peter Woods enter the game on offense for Clemson and takes a direct snap and dives over the goal line from a yard out for a touchdown. Tigers retake the lead, 35-28.

Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Andrel Anthony (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown 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

KICKOFF RETURN TOUCHDOWN: Sahmir Hagans takes the kickoff from two yards deep in his own end zone and sprints untouched down the Duke sideline for 100-yard kickoff return touchdown to tie the game. A big shot of adrenaline for the Blue Devils, tying the game at 35-35.

THERE. GOES. MIR. pic.twitter.com/FrqtifPT82
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 1, 2025

FIELD GOAL: A long drive by the Tigers ends in a 22-yard field goal from Nolan Hauser to take the lead, 38-35.

End of Q3: Clemson 38, Duke 35

Fourth Quarter

Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) yells to the sideline 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

FIELD GOAL: A 12-play drive by Duke sets up kicker Todd Pelino for a 37-yard field goal to tie the game, which he knocks through. Blue Devils tie it up again, 38-38.

TOUCHDOWN: On the first play of the drive, Klubnik throws a screen pass to receiver T.J. Moore, who takes off for a 75-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead for the Tigers, 45-38. The shootout continues.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) looks towards the sideline Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PUNT: Duke picks up one first down but then has to boot it back to the Tigers. Blue Devils are 2-for-11 on third down today. Clemson will start its next drive from its own 15-yard line.

PUNT: Clemson punts for the first time in the second half, and it's a good one bouncing and rolling down the Duke 6-yard line. Mensah and the offense have 5:19 remaining to score.

Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz high-fives players 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

TWO-MINUTE TIMEOUT: Mensah completed a 56 yard pass to tight end Jeremiah Hasley to get the Blue Devils down the field. Now, Duke faces a 4th & 1 from the Clemson 26-yard line out of the timeout.

Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Cooper Barkate (18) celebrates after picking up a first down 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

UPDATE: Duke converted the fourth down, but now faces a 4th & 10 with the game on the line. Manny Diaz calls timeout to talk it over.

UPDATE: Mensah was under pressure and the ball fell incomplete, but Clemson's Avieon Terrell is called for pass interference. The game continues, it's first down and goal-to-go for the Blue Devils.

Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) hands the ball off to Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) 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

TOUCHDOWN & TWO-POINT CONVERSION: Mensah hands to Sheppard for a 3-yard touchdown. Diaz opts to go for two and the lead, and Mensah rolls and finds Hagans to convert the 8-point play. Gutsy call, and Duke leads, 46-45, with 40 seconds to play. No timeouts for Clemson.

LAST PLAY: Clemson tries a hook-and-ladderal play from midfield, but the Blue Devils sniff it out and force the ball out to end the game. Duke has its first win in Death Valley since 1980.