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

DURHAM, N.C. — A historic result didn't seem all that unusual for Duke on Friday night.

Chandler Rivers scored on an interception return, Todd Pelino hit three field goals and the Blue Devils beat Florida State for the first time in 23 all-time meetings, winning 23-16 on Friday night.

“I really feel like they expected to win the game,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said of his players.

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.

“The game went exactly as we expected,” Diaz said. “The game was won by our defense. … The most important value is victory.”

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.

“We know we didn’t play our best,” Thomas said of the offense. “We just left it to those guys (on defense) to put the finishing touches on things.”

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.

“It's unfortunate that we missed the plays and some of the mistakes that were made,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “I truly believe this team was ready to play at a very high level.”

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

But back in the day, those gifts from the Seminoles were crucial to Duke's defense.

“This is crazy,” Rivers said of the series of turnovers. “That brought a lot of momentum.”

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. Nicholas forced Glenn's fumble on the previous possession.

Duke's first four possessions ended in punts.

REPEAT THIEF

Rivers had a pick-6 against the Seminoles for the second straight game. This one felt better because it wasn't caused by a distraction, it was all his work.

“Just catch the ball, run and score,” he said.

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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