Duke Football Clinches Bowl Eligibility with Dominant Victory

Blue Devils Secure 8-4 Record, Await Bowl Announcement

Strong Defensive Performance Leads to Shutout Victory Over Georgia Tech

The Duke Blue Devils secured bowl eligibility on Saturday, November 26, with a dominant 45-0 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Blue Devils' defense put on a spectacular performance, holding the Yellow Jackets to just 193 total yards and forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns. The victory marked Duke's eighth of the season, their highest win total since 2018, and clinched their place in a bowl game.

The Blue Devils' defense was relentless throughout the game, shutting out the Yellow Jackets for the first time since 2016. Duke's defense forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by safety Darius Joiner and cornerback Jahiem Lawson, both of which were returned for touchdowns. The Blue Devils also recorded six sacks, led by defensive end RJ Oben with two, and held Georgia Tech to just 3.5 yards per carry on the ground.

Duke's offense also had a strong performance, led by quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard completed 18 of 26 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. Running back Jaylen Coleman added 75 rushing yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Jalon Calhoun had six receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. The Blue Devils' offense converted 50% of their third downs and averaged 7.2 yards per play.

The Blue Devils will now await their bowl assignment, which will be announced on Sunday, December 4. Duke is expected to participate in a bowl game in either the ACC or the American Athletic Conference, depending on the results of other conference games. The Blue Devils' last bowl appearance was in the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl, where they defeated Northern Illinois, 36-14.