**Duke Edges Army After Slow Start**

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Duke Edges Army After Slow Start

The Duke Blue Devils escaped a potential upset on Saturday, edging out the Army Black Knights 28-21 in a game that saw the Blue Devils stumble out of the gate.

A Slow Start for the Blue Devils

Duke found themselves in a surprisingly tight battle early on. Army, known for their triple-option offense, marched down the field with ease on their opening drive, scoring a touchdown just four minutes into the game. The Black Knights' relentless rushing attack kept the Duke defense on their heels, and the Blue Devils' offense struggled to find their rhythm.

The first quarter ended with Army leading 7-0, and it looked like a potential upset was brewing.

Duke Finds its Footing

However, Duke regrouped in the second quarter. Quarterback Riley Leonard, known for his dual-threat ability, started to connect with his receivers, and the Blue Devils' rushing attack finally found some traction.

Leonard's touchdown pass to Jalon Calhoun tied the game at 7-7, and Duke took a 14-7 lead into halftime.

A Tense Fourth Quarter

The third quarter saw both teams exchange scores, with Army battling back to tie the game at 21-21 going into the final frame. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both teams fought for the lead.

Ultimately, it was Duke's defense that made the difference. After Army failed to convert on fourth down, the Blue Devils marched down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown with just over two minutes left.

Key Takeaways

• Army's Tough Defense: The Black Knights' defense gave the Duke offense a hard time, forcing turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities.
• Leonard's Dual Threat: Riley Leonard's ability to both pass and run proved crucial for Duke's success, especially in the second quarter when they needed to find their offensive momentum.
• Defensive Stand: Duke's defense held strong in the fourth quarter, making crucial stops to secure the victory.

This game highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability for both teams. Army's relentless rushing attack gave Duke a real challenge, but the Blue Devils were ultimately able to overcome the early deficit and secure a hard-fought win. The victory will likely be a valuable learning experience for Duke, as they head into the latter half of their season.