WINSTON-SALEM – In a heart-stopping conclusion to their ACC rivalry matchup, the Duke Blue Devils snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring a dramatic 39-yard touchdown with no time remaining to defeat Wake Forest 23-17 on Saturday morning.
The game, played in chilly 41-degree weather at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, was a testament to Duke's resilience and quarterback Maalik Murphy's clutch performance. Murphy orchestrated a remarkable comeback, leading two fourth-quarter scoring drives that transformed a 17-10 deficit into an improbable victory.
With just 1:22 left on the clock and facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Murphy connected with wide receiver Jordan Moore on a breathtaking 39-yard touchdown pass that will be remembered as one of the season's most electrifying moments. The play capped a seven-play, 76-yard drive that epitomized the Blue Devils' never-say-die attitude.
The victory improved Duke's record to an impressive 9-3 overall and 5-3 in conference play, while Wake Forest concluded a challenging season at 4-8 and 2-6 in ACC competition.
“I’m so proud of the fact that we don’t panic. That’s a big part of it. We did start having more fun, even when we were down by 14 points.” Duke head coach Manny Diaz said. “I know that sounds funny, but guys started loosening up on the sideline. That made a big difference on our performance.”
Wake Forest seemed poised for victory after building a 17-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier had methodically moved the Demon Deacons' offense, connecting with receiver Horatio Fields for a pivotal 9-yard touchdown in the third quarter that appeared to give Wake Forest control.
But Murphy and the Blue Devils had other plans. With 12:57 remaining, Murphy himself punched in a 2-yard rushing touchdown to knot the game at 17-17, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.
Statistically, the game was remarkably balanced. Duke finished with 333 total yards compared to Wake Forest's 318, with both teams displaying offensive efficiency. Murphy completed 26 of 34 passes for 235 yards and the game-winning touchdown, while Star Thomas emerged as a critical ground threat, rushing for 66 yards and a crucial third-quarter touchdown.
Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne led all rushers with 67 yards, and Horatio Fields was a bright spot with six receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. However, the Demon Deacons' offense struggled to maintain momentum when it mattered most.
Defensively, Duke's pressure was relentless. The Blue Devils recorded five sacks and 11 tackles for loss, with Cameron Bergeron's one-sack, one-tackle-for-loss performance standing out. Wake Forest's defense fought hard but couldn't prevent Murphy's late-game heroics.
The game's turning points were numerous, but none more significant than the final play. Moore's game-winning catch will undoubtedly be replayed countless times, a fitting conclusion to a thrilling ACC contest.
“Malik and I had made eye contact and I just decided to take it down the field," Moore said after the game. “I think that's a testament to our chemistry and having that trust in him to be able to make that kind of play.”
For Duke, the victory serves as a triumphant punctuation mark on a remarkable season. For Wake Forest, it was a bitter conclusion to a challenging year.
Next up for Duke is bowl season, where they'll look to carry this momentum forward. Wake Forest will begin preparations for a rebuilding campaign, hoping to learn from this season's challenges.
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