Chandler Rivers’ interception return for a touchdown highlighted Duke’s strong defensive performance Friday night as the Blue Devils defeated Florida State for the first time, winning 23-16 at Durham, N.C.
Star Thomas ran for 88 yards and a touchdown and Todd Pelino kicked three field goals for Duke (6-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), which had lost all 22 previous meetings with Florida State.
The Seminoles (1-6, 1-5) outgained the Blue Devils 291-180 in total yards but sputtered late as their miserable season continued. Florida State reached Duke territory on its last two possessions, which ended with a fumble and failed fourth-down play.
Samuel Singleton Jr. returned the second half kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown to pull the Seminoles within 17-13. Pelino made it 20-13 on his 44-yard field goal in the third quarter and added a 39-yarder to put the hosts up 23-16 with 8:58 remaining.
Florida State moved to the Blue Devils’ 37-yard line on its ensuing possession before Kam Davis fumbled. The Seminoles got the ball back at their own 41 with 2:41 left but eventually failed on fourth-and-24 from their own 48.
Quarterback Brock Glenn was benched after he committed turnovers on three straight Florida State snaps in the first half. He returned late in the third quarter, finishing 9-for-19 for 110 yards and two interceptions for the Seminoles. Backup Luke Kromenhoek was 3-for-7 for 19 yards.
Maalik Murphy was 12-for-24 for 70 yards for Duke.
The Blue Devils punted on their first four possessions before Rivers stepped in front of Florida State receiver Jalen Brown for an interception and raced 36 yards untouched to the end zone to put the hosts up 7-3.
Glenn fumbled on the next snap, with Duke taking over at the Seminoles’ 36. Thomas later scored from 2 yards out on a fourth-and-1 run.
Ozzie Nicholas’ interception led to Pelino’s 27-yard field goal with 10 minutes left in the first half. Ryan Fitzgerald’s 53-yarder with 1:46 remaining cut the deficit to 17-6.
Fitzgerald opened the scoring with a 23-yard field goal and pulled Florida State within 20-16 on a 38-yarder early in the fourth.
