Duke secured the program’s first-ever win over Florida State with a 23-16 triumph Friday night. The Blue Devils (6-1) not only snapped a 22-game losing streak that dated back to 1992, they also reached bowl eligibility in Year 1 of the Manny Diaz era.
Florida State dropped to 1-6 less than a year removed from finishing the regular season 13-0 with a win in the ACC title game over Louisville. The Seminoles are off to their worst start since 1975 — the season before legendary coach Bobby Bowden took over the program. They also become the first preseason AP top-10 team to begin the season 1-6 since LSU in 1989.
The Blue Devils only strung together 180 yards of total offense, but their defense shined with six sacks and four turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown by Chandler Rivers. Duke also got three field goals from kicker Todd Pelino.
Florida State benched quarterback Brock Glenn in the second quarter after he committed turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) on three consecutive drives. Luke Kromenhoek, the No. 34 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class according to 247Sports, appeared in five drives before coach Mike Norvell turned back to Glenn for the remainder of the game.
Duke (6-1, 2-1 ACC) will host No. 21 SMU next Saturday in a critical matchup that could help clear up the ACC title race. Florida State (1-6, 1-5) will be on the road against No. 6 Miami on the same day.
