Duke Parties Like It’s 1989 – And Makes Its Case for the College Football Playoff
Duke University celebrated its first outright conference championship since 1962, securing the ACC title in a dramatic fashion and now turning its attention to a potential, and unlikely, College Football Playoff berth. The Blue Devils defeated Virginia in overtime after a back-and-forth contest that saw a 10-point Duke lead evaporate in the final four minutes of regulation.
The victory marks a historic moment for the program, echoing a bygone era. The 1962 team,coached by William D. Murray (who passed away in 1986), last claimed an outright ACC crown. The program’s previous conference success came in 1989, when Steve Spurrier led Duke to a share of the ACC title before departing for the University of Florida. Spurrier even left a voicemail for current duke coach Mike Diaz wishing him luck this week.
The path to the championship wasn’t easy. Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris connected with Eli Wood for an 18-yard touchdown with seconds remaining, capping a 96-yard drive and forcing overtime. However,Duke remained composed.
“We try to pride ourselves on being comfortable in the uncomfortable moments,” said [player name – not provided in text] Mergott.
That composure carried into overtime, culminating in an interception by Mergott.”Once it went up, I knew I was coming down with it. I didn’t think he was going to throw it. I was on that kid,” Mergott stated. The interception sparked a jubilant celebration as the Duke sideline flooded the field. Defensive tackle Aaron Hall collapsed in emotion, while Virginia’s Eli Wood expressed his frustration by spiking his helmet.
The win has Duke making a bold case for inclusion in the expanded 12-team College football Playoff, despite finishing the season with a 5-loss record. Coach Diaz believes Duke’s championship merits consideration over James Madison, who won the Sun Belt title with a 31-14 victory over Troy.
“You just can’t compare going through the Sun Belt this year,” Diaz argued. “It’s been a really good conference in years past. But most of their top teams are just having down years. So (JMU was) probably just not challenged in a way they would have been going through a normal sun belt season.” He emphasized the value of a Power Four schedule, stating, “You gotta look at who you’re playing against…There’s a reason why these coaches are all leaving to take Power 4 jobs. There’s a recognition that that’s were the best competition is.”
Defensive end Wesley Williams succinctly summarized the team’s perspective: “We’re a Power 4 conference champion. simple enough.”
While acknowledging the long odds against a five-loss team making the playoff, Diaz and the Blue Devils are focused on the significance of their achievement. Duke will await the committee’s decision on Sunday, hoping to turn what could have been a disappointing season for the ACC into a dream scenario for royal blue. The team celebrated with newly printed championship shirts, and coaches were seen embracing and wiping away tears, savoring a moment decades in the making.
