Raleigh, North Carolina, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Duke University triumphed over North Carolina State University with a score of 45-33, ending NC State’s perfect season. The game showcased key moments such as a game-changing interception by Duke’s Tre Freeman and strong performances from both teams. Duke’s quarterback, Darian Mensah, along with the running game led by Anderson Castle, was instrumental in securing the victory for the Blue Devils against a struggling NC State defense dealing with injuries.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Duke Defeats NC State 45-33, Ending Wolfpack’s Undefeated Run
Duke University secured a significant victory against North Carolina State University (NCSU) with a final score of 45-33, marking the Blue Devils’ fifth win in their last six meetings with the Wolfpack. The game was played in Raleigh, North Carolina, and showcased a competitive and intense rivalry matchup that kept fans engaged throughout.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game initially saw NC State establishing early dominance, holding a 20-7 lead during the first half. However, Duke mounted a resilient comeback, fueled by a series of critical turnovers and a robust offensive performance. The defining moment came in the second quarter when Tre Freeman, a Duke linebacker, intercepted a pass from NC State’s quarterback and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown. This play gave Duke a 21-20 lead going into halftime and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Blue Devils.
Player Performances
Duke’s quarterback, Darian Mensah, showcased efficiency with a performance of 19 completions on 28 attempts for 269 yards and three touchdowns. His leadership on offense was instrumental in maintaining the team’s offensive rhythm. The running game was powered by Anderson Castle, who rushed for 92 yards and scored three touchdowns. His most notable contribution was a 66-yard touchdown run late in the game that helped seal the victory for Duke.
On the other side, NC State’s quarterback, CJ Bailey, delivered a standout passing performance with 364 yards and two touchdown passes. Despite his strong aerial performance, Bailey faced difficulties with three interceptions and a lost fumble, which proved costly for the Wolfpack’s overall offensive efforts.
Defense and Special Teams Impact
Duke’s defense played a pivotal role in the game, forcing a total of four turnovers from NC State. Freeman’s interception was particularly impactful, shifting the game’s momentum in Duke’s favor. The Blue Devils also benefitted from special teams miscues by NC State, including a missed extra point and a blocked field goal, which hampered the Wolfpack’s scoring opportunities and contributed to their defeat.
Team Dynamics and Injuries
NC State entered the matchup without several key defensive players due to injuries and suspensions, which noticeably affected their defensive performance throughout the game. The absence of these players may have allowed Duke to execute their offensive game plan more effectively, especially in the latter stages of the game.
Background and Context
Prior to this game, NC State boasted a perfect 3-0 record and aimed to continue their undefeated streak. Conversely, Duke sought to rebound from earlier losses against Illinois and Tulane, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience ahead of their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener. The victory was seen as a boost for Duke in confidence and strategic execution.
The game underscored the intensity typical of ACC rivalries, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum multiple times. The contest demonstrated the importance of turnovers, special teams play, and offensive performance in determining the outcome of high-stakes college football games.
Overall, Duke’s victory not only ended NC State’s undefeated run but also highlighted their ability to capitalize on mistakes and execute under pressure. Meanwhile, NC State’s efforts, especially Bailey’s passing and receiving by Anderson, showed their offensive potential despite the setbacks in defense and turnover management.
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