Duke Stuns Wake Forest, Keeps ACC Title Hopes Alive

Duke Blue Devils Dominate Wake Forest, Keep ACC Title Dreams Alive

In a thrilling ACC showdown that had major conference implications, the Duke Blue Devils delivered a convincing 49-32 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on November 29, 2025. This emphatic win kept Duke's hopes alive for a spot in the ACC Championship Game while extending their dominance in-state rivalries.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

The victory was built on critical plays that shifted momentum throughout the contest. Five standout moments proved pivotal:

1. First-Quarter Conversion: Facing 3rd-and-2 near the end of the first quarter, quarterback Darian Mensah connected with running back Anderson Castle on a screen pass that he took 17 yards for a first down. This set up Duke's opening touchdown and established an early 14-3 lead.
2. Goal-Line Stand: With Wake Forest driving deep into Duke territory in the second quarter, a botched pitch led to a fumble recovery by defensive tackle David Anderson at the Duke 23-yard line, halting a promising Demon Deacons drive.
3. First-Half Punch: Mensah's 16-yard completion to Que'Sean Brown on 3rd-and-7 set up Anderson Castle's first rushing touchdown, extending Duke's lead to 21-10 just before halftime.
4. Game-Changing Return: Sahmir Hagans' 80-yard kickoff return to start the fourth quarter instantly shifted momentum. Two plays later, Nate Sheppard's touchdown run pushed Duke's lead to 42-25.
5. Defensive Stop: Cornerback Chandler Rivers' forced fumble and linebacker Luke Mergott's recovery at Duke's 18-yard line with 6:38 remaining secured Wake Forest's final scoring threat.

Coach Manny Diaz's Leadership Shines Through

Head coach Manny Diaz emphasized persistence as the cornerstone of Duke's success, mirroring their season-long approach. "The game was about as we expected," Diaz stated. "I think kind of somewhat similar to our season. It was never going to be about perfection. It was going to be about persistence."

Diaz's strategic brilliance was evident in special teams execution. After last week's fake field goal against North Carolina, Duke executed a crucial fake punt with punter Kade Reynoldson running 26 yards for a first down. "Maybe he's just been tired of watching Todd Pelino highlights all week," Diaz quipped about his punter's rare rushing role.

Duke's Path to the ACC Championship Game

With this win, Duke (7-5, 6-2 ACC) remains mathematically alive for the ACC title game. While they haven't beaten a team with a winning ACC record this season, their 4-0 mark against in-state opponents (including sweeping the "Big Four" rivals for the second consecutive year) showcases their resilience.

Quarterback Darian Mensah made history, setting Duke's single-season record with his 27th touchdown pass. Mensah finished 24-for-35 for 268 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Running backs Nate Sheppard and Anderson Castle each contributed two touchdown runs, powering a balanced offensive attack.

What's Next for Duke and Wake Forest?

Duke's immediate plans are uncertain, as their ACC Championship hopes depend on other results. "I said don't go on some nature retreat without your phone nearby," Diaz joked about the team waiting on news.

Wake Forest (8-4, 4-4 ACC) saw its three-game winning streak snapped. Despite a strong defensive performance, four turnovers—including the crucial goal-line fumble—and 97 yards in penalties proved too costly. "A lot of disappointment," admitted Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert. "They beat us in every area of the game on offense, defense, and special teams."

For Duke, this victory underscores their growth under Diaz's leadership. Their ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes while minimizing errors themselves (Duke committed zero turnovers to Wake Forest's four) proved decisive in a game full of explosive plays and momentum swings.

Looking Ahead

Whether Duke reaches the ACC Championship or prepares for a bowl game, this win serves as a statement about the program's trajectory. Meanwhile, Wake Forest will regroup for a postseason matchup, seeking to correct the turnover issues that plagued them in Durham.