Durham, N.C. — It didn’t start pretty, but the Duke Blue Devils stomped the Elon Phoenix 45-17 to kick off their campaign for the 2025 college football season.
Redshirt sophomore Darian Mensah made his debut for the Blue Devils after transferring in during the offseason, throwing for 389 yards and three touchdowns. It was the second-most yards by a Duke quarterback in their debut with the team.
It was a difficult start for the Blue Devils, who were tied with the Phoenix at halftime, but the Blue Devils came alive in the second half, outscoring them 35-7 in the third and fourth quarters.
The Blue Devils scored on the opening drive of the third quarter on an 83-yard drive capped off with a 15-yard touchdown reception by Sahmir Haggins, which was one of his two touchdown receptions on the night.
After extending their lead late in the third quarter on a 27-yard touchdown reception from Andrel Anthony, Elon’s Landyn Back scored early in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 24-17. The Phoenix didn’t get close again, with the Blue Devils scoring three unanswered touchdowns to close the game.
The Blue Devils will look to play spoiler on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host No. 12 Illinois.
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