Duke University celebrated its fifth consecutive season-opening victory on September 5, 2026, defeating the Tulane Green Wave 17-3 at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. The standout performer for the Blue Devils was running back Nate Sheppard, who carried the ball 35 times for an impressive 227 yards and scored two touchdowns. Quarterback Walker Eget struggled to find his rhythm, completing 13 of 26 passes for 131 yards throughout the contest.
The game began with a strong showing from Duke's offense. With just over five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Sheppard rushed for a nine-yard touchdown, capping off a lengthy 17-play, 75-yard drive that set the tone for the game. This opening drive highlighted Duke's commitment to a powerful running game, which they relied on heavily throughout the match.
Defensively, Duke made significant contributions to their victory. A pivotal moment occurred late in the second quarter when defensive lineman David Anderson deflected back-to-back pass attempts from Tulane, forcing the Green Wave to attempt a field goal that ultimately missed its mark. This defensive stand was crucial in maintaining Duke's lead going into halftime.
As the second half commenced, Tulane aimed to regain momentum. However, Duke linebacker Luke Mergott made a critical play, forcing a fumble during Tulane's opening drive of the half. The fumble was recovered by linebacker Nick Morris at the Duke 17-yard line, effectively halting Tulane's advance and preserving Duke's lead.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Duke's defense continued to shine. A critical play occurred with just over 13 minutes left in the game when cornerback Kyon Loud broke up a pass intended for Tulane's Anthony Brown-Stephens on a crucial third down. Although Tulane managed to convert the ensuing field goal, bringing the score to 10-3, Duke's defense remained steadfast.
In the final minutes, Sheppard capped off his stellar performance with a 14-yard touchdown run, extending Duke's lead to 17-3. This touchdown was the result of a meticulously executed 12-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes of game time, effectively sealing the victory for the Blue Devils.
Despite the win, Duke's coaching staff acknowledged that there are areas for improvement, particularly in the passing game. The team will be reviewing game tape and preparing for their upcoming matchup against Illinois next Saturday afternoon. Overall, the victory over Tulane serves as a promising start to the season for Duke football, showcasing both offensive prowess and defensive resilience.
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