Duke defense limits Tulane to three points in season opening win

The Duke football defense opened the 2026 season with a dominant performance, holding Tulane to three points in a 17-3 victory at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Green Wave were kept out of the end zone for the first time since 2019, managing only 258 total yards of offense. Duke defensive end Bryce Davis recorded a team-high six tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks to lead the effort. The Blue Devils also forced seven punts and limited Tulane to a 3-of-14 mark on third downs. Head coach Manny Diaz cited the unit's ability to adjust to Tulane’s personnel changes as a significant factor in the game. Duke prepares for its next contest on the road against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 12.

• 4:11 PMYahoo Sports — Duke football defense has 'a new energy' in 2026. It showed vs Tulane.