Duke Stuns Virginia in Overtime to Capture ACC Title, Upending College Football Playoff Outlook
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a thrilling overtime showdown at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Duke University clinched its first outright Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship since 1962 by defeating the Virginia Cavaliers 27-20. The Blue Devils’ victory came courtesy of a decisive one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Darian Mensah to tight end Jeremiah Hasley on a critical fourth-down play in overtime, following a game-changing interception by Duke defensive back Luke Mergott on Virginia’s initial possession of the extra period.
Virginia entered the contest as the ACC regular season champion and was poised to secure its inaugural berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP) with a win. Instead, Duke’s upset victory has thrown the CFP picture into flux, as the Blue Devils’ unlikely title run complicates the playoff selection process and opens the door for a second Group of Five team, such as James Madison University, to potentially earn a spot. Notably, JMU alumni Ben Overby and James Turner were present at the game, vocally supporting Duke’s effort.
“Nothing against UVA,” Turner remarked, “but we’re just here to support Duke.” The game’s outcome has sparked debate among ACC leadership, with Commissioner Jim Phillips recently advocating for the conference to receive two CFP bids: one for No. 12 Miami, the highest-ranked ACC team, and another for the conference champion, whether Duke or Virginia. The ACC championship game itself, established in 2005, had eluded Duke until this season, when the Blue Devils advanced through a five-team tiebreaker to reach the title game.
Duke’s last share of the ACC regular season title came in 1989, coinciding with Virginia’s championship and marking the final season under legendary coach Steve Spurrier. This season’s triumph not only ends a decades-long drought but also highlights the evolving dynamics within college football’s power conferences.
Quarterback Darian Mensah’s poise under pressure was instrumental throughout the game, culminating in his clutch overtime touchdown pass. On the defensive side, Luke Mergott’s interception early in overtime set the tone for Duke’s eventual victory, underscoring the team’s resilience and opportunistic play.
The College Football Playoff’s selection committee now faces a complex decision, balancing conference champions, rankings, and potential at-large bids amid an increasingly competitive landscape. The ACC’s push for multiple bids reflects broader discussions within collegiate athletics about playoff expansion and equitable representation.
For more on the evolving CFP landscape and ACC developments, visit the College Football Playoff official site and the Atlantic Coast Conference website. Coverage of the championship game and its implications can also be found at the NCAA’s official site and ESPN College Football.
As the postseason unfolds, Duke’s remarkable victory serves as a reminder of college football’s unpredictability and the high stakes of conference championships. The Blue Devils’ success not only energizes their program but also reshapes the national conversation about playoff access and the future of the sport.
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