Duke 23-16 Florida State (Oct. 18, 2024) Game Recap

DURHAM, N.C. — Chandler Rivers scored on an interception return, Todd Pelino kicked three field goals and Duke beat Florida State for the first time in 23 all-time meetings, winning 23-16 on Friday night.

Star Thomas ran for 88 yards and a touchdown and the Blue Devils (6-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) rebounded from their first loss of the season nearly two weeks earlier.

Florida State's (1-6, 1-5) misery extended even as it outgained Duke by 111 yards.

With a chance to tie the game, the Seminoles drove to the Duke 37-yard line before a first-down fumble occurred at 5:18. Florida State's final possession ended with a fourth down play that lost yards.

Blue Devils quarterback Maalik Murphy threw for 70 yards as part of the team's total offense of 180 yards.

Florida State quarterback Brock Glenn had turnovers on three consecutive snaps in the first half, with two interceptions sandwiched around a fumble. He finished the game going 9-for-19 passing for 110 yards. Backup Luke Kromenhoek was 3 of 7 for 19 yards.

Florida State's Samuel Singleton Jr. returned the second-half kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.

Duke, which had 51 yards of total offense at the time, led 17-3 on Pelino's 27-yard field goal with 10 minutes left in the first half.

Rivers grabbed Glenn and ran 36 yards untouched for Duke's first touchdown. Glenn fumbled on Florida State's next snap, meaning the Blue Devils had just 36 yards left for their second touchdown, with Thomas' 2-yard run on fourth-and-1 providing the points.

Ozzie Nicholas' interception and return to the Florida State 11 yielded just three points.

Duke's first four possessions ended in punts.

THE TAKEAWAY

Florida State: The Seminoles tried two quarterbacks, but the offense sputtered most of the game and failed to score a touchdown. The defense had a strong performance, but the defending ACC champions must win the rest of their games to maintain bowl eligibility.

Duke: The Blue Devils have barely functioned offensively, but defense has been their foundation this season and it was needed this time. Six sacks came in handy.

NEXT

Florida State: Oct. 26 at No. 6 Miami

Duke: Home Oct. 26 vs. No. 21 SMU

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