Sheppard Powers Duke to 35-7 Win Over Stanford

Duke’s victory highlights a run-first identity that gives the defending ACC champion an early conference edge.

Overview

Nate Sheppard carried 23 times for 154 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns, including a receiving TD that capped Duke’s balanced scoring in the 35-7 win on Saturday.
Duke piled up 268 rushing yards as a team and leaned on its offensive line and tight end Jeremiah Hasley, who finished with five catches for 88 yards.
Quarterback Walker Eget completed 14 of 24 passes for 202 yards and threw an early end-zone interception after Duke recovered an opening onside kick.
Duke’s defense held Stanford to about 237 total yards and seven points, extending the Cardinal’s road losing streak and leaving Stanford at 1-2 and 0-2 in ACC play.
The result gives Duke a 3-0 start and reinforces coach Manny Diaz’s plan to let the run set the tone, a trend that could shape the Blue Devils’ title defense and be worth watching in conference play.