Duke Wins First Outright ACC Championship Since 1962 in Overtime Thriller Against Virginia

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke University claimed its first outright Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football championship since 1962 after defeating No. 16 Virginia 27-20 in overtime on Saturday night. The Blue Devils’ dramatic victory came thanks to a touchdown pass from Darian Mensah to Jeremiah Hasley and a game-sealing interception by Luke Mergott.

Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz immediately advocated for his team to be included in the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). “The ACC champion should go to the College Football Playoff this year and every year,” Diaz said. Despite the win, Duke’s 8-5 record is unlikely to secure a CFP spot, potentially opening the door for a second Group of Five team, likely James Madison, to participate. Diaz emphasized Duke’s strength of schedule, noting seven victories over ACC teams, compared to James Madison’s single Power Four opponent, Louisville. Virginia, the ACC regular-season champion, had a chance to reach the CFP for the first time in school history but fell short after Mergott intercepted quarterback Chandler Morris on Virginia’s first overtime possession. Cavaliers coach Tony Elliott praised his team’s effort, calling them “the heart of a champion” despite the loss.

Mensah finished with 196 passing yards and two touchdowns, both caught by Hasley, while running back Nate Sheppard added 97 yards and a touchdown. Virginia trailed by 10 points with just over five minutes left in regulation but rallied to tie the game at 20-all with a late touchdown drive led by Morris. In overtime, Duke reached the Virginia 2-yard line before Mensah found Hasley for the go-ahead score, aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty that pushed Virginia’s possession back to the 40-yard line.

Duke controlled much of the game, including the two longest drives in ACC championship history in the first half, and used strategic plays such as a fake punt and a hard count to gain an edge. Virginia’s offense struggled throughout, with star rusher J’Mari Taylor held to 65 yards on 15 carries. “To bring a championship to this school, which is primarily known for basketball, is a statement that me and the seniors on this team have been trying to make,” Mensah said. The victory capped a historic season for the Blue Devils, solidifying their place in ACC history.