Duke Blue Devils Dominate Middle Tennessee with a Commanding 45-17 Victory

The Duke Blue Devils have once again demonstrated their prowess on the football field, securing a resounding 45-17 win over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. This victory at Johnny Red Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro propels the Blue Devils to an undefeated record of 4-0, while the Blue Raiders find themselves struggling with a 1-3 standing for the season.

Key Highlights from the Game

The game was marked by impressive performances from several Duke players. Quarterback Maalik Murphy led the charge with 216 passing yards, completing 67 percent of his attempts and throwing for three touchdowns. His connection with tight end Nicky Dalmolin was particularly lethal; Dalmolin racked up 100 receiving yards on four receptions, including two touchdowns, one of which was a spectacular 71-yard score.

On defense, Wesley Williams stood out by recording two sacks and contributing significantly to Duke's six total sacks for the game. The defensive unit as a whole was formidable, forcing three fumbles and recovering all three, showcasing their ability to pressure opponents and capitalize on their mistakes.

Star Thomas also had an exceptional day running the ball, accumulating 111 rushing yards over seventeen carries and finding the end zone twice. His performance underscored Duke's balanced offensive attack that saw them amass a total of 340 yards against Middle Tennessee.

Looking Ahead

As fans revel in this latest triumph, attention now turns to Duke's next challenge. The Blue Devils will host North Carolina Tar Heels at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham on September 28th at 4:00 PM EDT. This upcoming game promises to be another exciting chapter in this storied rivalry and will be broadcasted live on ESPN2 for fans unable to make it to Durham.

This victory not only solidifies Duke's position as one of the teams to watch this season but also sets up an intriguing matchup against North Carolina that could have significant implications for both teams' seasons moving forward.