Mensah Throws Four TDs, Leads Duke Past Arizona State 42-39 in Sun Bowl.

EL PASO, Texas – Darian Mensah passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns to lead Duke to a 42-39 victory over Arizona State in the Sun Bowl on Wednesday (AP). Mensah, named the game’s Most Valuable Player, completed 29 of 51 passes with one interception, helping Duke secure its fourth consecutive win and tie the Sun Bowl record for touchdown passes in a single game. His 17-yard touchdown to Que’Sean Brown with 2:10 remaining clinched the win. Reflecting on a late turnover on downs when Duke trailed 39-35, Mensah credited his teammates for keeping spirits high. “I was pretty defeated after the fourth down where we didn’t convert,” he said. “My teammates did an exceptional job of lifting me up. It’s my teammates. All I have to do is get it to my playmakers.” Despite being ACC champions, the Blue Devils (9-5) focused solely on the victory rather than playoff aspirations. Head coach Manny Diaz called the game “an instant classic” and praised his team’s resilience in the fourth quarter. Nate Sheppard led Duke in rushing with 170 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, while Que’Sean Brown hauled in 10 receptions for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Brown described the game as a “roller coaster” but credited Mensah for providing opportunities on the final drive.

Arizona State (8-5) quarterback Jeff Sims threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 70 yards with two additional scores. Sims’ 38-yard run in the second quarter tied the game at 21-all. Despite the Sun Devils’ offensive production, they committed three turnovers compared to Duke’s single miscue. Arizona State briefly led 39-35 on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Sims to Malik McClain with 12:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, a fumble by Jason Brown Jr. on the ensuing possession allowed Duke to regain possession at the ASU 22-yard line. Two plays later, Mensah found Brown for a 17-yard touchdown, giving Duke the decisive lead. An interception by Luke Mergott sealed the game. Duke has now won nine games in back-to-back seasons for only the second time in program history. The Blue Devils also improved their bowl record to 9-9 and have won five of their past six bowl appearances. Arizona State, hampered by the absence of 22 roster players, has a 15-18-1 record in bowl games and 4-3-1 in the Sun Bowl.

In addition to Mensah’s MVP award, Duke defensive lineman Aaron Hall was named the most valuable lineman, while punter Kade Reynoldson earned special teams honors.

Looking ahead, Arizona State will open the 2026 season at home against Morgan State on September 5, while Duke will host Tulane on the same date.