Duke defeats Tulane in football season opener behind strong run game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 6:33 PM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Duke opened its football season with a 17-3 victory over Tulane on Saturday. The Blue Devils relied on a run-first offensive identity that centered on running back Nate Sheppard. Sheppard carried the ball 35 times for 227 yards and scored both of the team's touchdowns. The opening drive spanned 75 yards over nearly ten minutes of play, set up by blocks from the offensive line and three tight ends. Head coach Manny Diaz noted that the team played to its physical strengths despite the opposition knowing the run-heavy approach was coming.
- •Duke defeated Tulane 17-3 to open the football season.
- •Nate Sheppard rushed for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
- •The offense utilized three tight ends for a significant portion of the game.
- •Duke controlled the clock with a 17-play, 75-yard opening scoring drive.
- 6:33 PMYahoo Sports — Duke wasted no time showcasing its offensive identity
"Duke made it immediately clear what its offensive identity would be on the Blue Devils' first drive of Saturday's win against Tulane.
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