Durham, NC — Nate Sheppard delivered a record-setting performance Saturday, rushing for five touchdowns to lead Duke to a commanding 47-2 victory over Boston College and keep the Blue Devils firmly in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship conversation.
Sheppard scored three times in the first half and added two more after the break, establishing a new Duke single-game record for rushing touchdowns. He finished with 97 yards on 20 carries, finding the end zone on runs of 1, 2, 54, 4 and 1 yards.
The victory improved Duke to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in ACC play. The defending conference champions have now won consecutive games and produced the second-largest margin of victory in an ACC contest in program history.
Sheppard credited the offensive line for creating opportunities throughout the afternoon.
“To be able to do that is a lot of credit to those guys up front,” Sheppard said.
Duke head coach Manny Diaz was equally impressed with the team’s overall execution, describing the performance as one of the most complete efforts since his arrival.
“That was a treat right there,” Diaz said. “Maybe as a complete of a performance in the 2½ years I’ve been here.”
Quarterback Walker Eget helped guide the offense, throwing for 201 yards and connecting with Jeremiah Hasley on a five-yard touchdown pass late in the first half. That scoring play pushed Duke’s advantage to 27-2 heading into halftime.
Gavin Strange added two field goals in the fourth quarter, connecting from 41 and 24 yards as the Blue Devils continued to control the contest.
Boston College, which entered the matchup riding a two-game winning streak after defeating Georgia Tech 49-27, struggled to generate offense against Duke’s defense. The Eagles managed just 213 total yards, while quarterback Mason McKenzie completed nine of 17 passes for 87 yards.
Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien pointed to the team’s mistakes and Duke’s execution as major factors in the defeat.
“Fifteen penalties. Duke did a lot of good things,” O’Brien said. “It was just a rough day by everybody.”
The Eagles’ only points came on an unusual play following Duke’s second touchdown. Carter Davis returned a blocked extra-point attempt 100 yards for two points, marking the first time Duke had surrendered a defensive extra point since 1999.
Despite that play, the Blue Devils’ defense dominated nearly every other aspect of the afternoon. Duke recorded six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, limiting Boston College’s ability to sustain drives and create scoring opportunities.
The Eagles did have one opportunity to make things interesting. With Duke leading 13-2, Boston College moved inside the Blue Devils’ 15-yard line but failed to convert on fourth-and-2 from the 12. The defensive stop prevented the visitors from gaining momentum.
Diaz acknowledged the significance of that moment, while expressing disappointment that the Eagles managed to put points on the scoreboard.
“My heart is broke that the scoreboard doesn’t say zero,” Diaz said.
Sheppard Adds to His Heisman Case
Sheppard’s historic afternoon further strengthened his growing national profile. He now has 14 rushing touchdowns and four receiving touchdowns this season, giving him 18 total scores and setting a new single-season Duke record.
After one of his touchdowns, Sheppard celebrated with a Heisman Trophy-style pose after teammates encouraged him from the sideline.
“I just gave them what they wanted,” he said.
The running back also recalled his high school days at Mandeville High School in Louisiana, where he once scored seven touchdowns in a single game as a senior.
Diaz praised Sheppard’s ability to continue producing performances that separate him from the program’s previous standouts.
“He still does things that no one has ever done,” Diaz said.
The Road Ahead
Saturday’s victory gave Duke an important boost heading into a challenging November schedule. The Blue Devils will travel to nearby N.C. State next Saturday before facing two ranked opponents on the road, Miami and Wake Forest. Clemson will also visit Durham later in the month.
The opportunity to remain in the ACC championship race is within reach, and Diaz believes the latest performance provides further evidence of what his team can accomplish.
“Internally, it provides more evidence of how good this team can be,” Diaz said.
What’s Next:
Boston College returns home next Saturday to host Florida State as the Eagles look to rebound from the disappointing loss.
Duke travels to face N.C. State in an important in-state ACC matchup.
