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Duke Downs Northwestern in Double Overtime


Ozzie Nichols celebrates recovering from a fumble at Northwestern on September 6, 2024.





26




Winner

Duke
YOU

2-0, 0-0

20




Northwestern
NOW

1-1, 0-0

Winner

26

20


Northwestern
NOW

1-1, 0-0



























Score per quarter
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT OT F

YOU
Duke
7 0 3 3 7 6 26

NOW
Northwestern
3 7 0 3 7 0 20


Match Summary: Football |





EVANSTON, Illinois – Duke trailed 13-10 with less than 15 seconds left in regulation and 20-13 after Northwestern’s first possession of overtime. Yet Duke answered both times to earn a 26-20 victory in double overtime on Friday night at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Malik Murphy hit Eli Pancol for a three-yard touchdown on Duke’s second overtime possession and the defense kept the Wildcats out of the end zone to secure the victory.

The Blue Devils defense forced two turnovers, recorded 11.0 tackles for loss and broke up seven passes in a strong performance.

Todd Pelino tied the game at 13-14 with 14 seconds left on a 22-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. Murphy came on fire in the second half, throwing for 197 yards and two scores, one in each overtime period, after the break as Duke rallied for the win.

It was Duke’s first overtime win since beating Indiana 44-41 in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 26, 2015.



HOW IT HAPPENED

  • Northwestern started with the ball and opened with a field goal on a drive that lasted just over three minutes. Duke’s defense came back on the Wildcats’ next attack as Terry Moore jumped for a Northwestern pass at NU’s 26-yard line, making for Duke’s first catch of the season.
  • The Blue Devils offense then struck quickly with the short field, scoring just four plays later. Malik Murphy connected with Eli Pancol with a 16-yard strike to give the Blue Devils a 7-3 lead with 4:50 left in the first quarter.
  • Northwestern picked up a failed punt at Duke’s 11-yard line with just over seven minutes left before halftime and scored again two plays later to cut the lead to 10-7.
  • The margin remained the same at halftime. Northwestern’s defense forced a three-and-out to start the second half and blocked the ensuing punt, putting the home team on the Duke nine-yard line with 13:46 left in the third quarter. Duke’s defense held firm, however, forcing a Wildcats field goal attempt that deflected off the post from 29 yards out.
  • The teams traded turnovers on the next two drives, eventually putting Duke at midfield on a fumble recovery by Ozzie NicholasThe Blue Devils tied the score at 10-10 thanks to a 49-yard field goal from Todd Pelino with seven minutes left in the third quarter.
  • Northwestern regained the lead, 13-10, with a 35-yard field goal at 11:39 in the fourth quarter.
  • After Duke went three and missed a 33-yard field goal, Pelino scored a 22-yard field goal with 14 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
  • Murphy made contact with Jordan Moore on the first play of Duke’s first overtime possession. Murphy then hit Pancol on the game-winning play in the second overtime.

NEXT

  • The Blue Devils return home to take on Connecticut next Saturday, September 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.

For more information about Duke Football, you can follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram by searching “https://goduke.com/news/2024/9/7/DukeFOOTBALL”.

Centenary of the Duke
In 2024, Duke will celebrate its Centennial, marking 100 years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen understanding of its history, inspire pride, and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. For more information, visit 100.duke.edu