Game Synopsis: If you didn't know who DeVon Edwards was before this game, you did by the time it was over. The redshirt freshman sparked the Blue Devils to a 38-20 victory against crosstown foe N.C. State by scoring three touchdowns—one on a kickoff return and two on interceptions. Quarterback Anthony Boone struggled and was eventually pulled from the game in favor of backup Brandon Connette, but it was defense and special teams that told the story for Duke. Edwards first struck after N.C. State rallied to take a 13-10 lead late in the fourth quarter with a field goal and the safety took the ensuing kickoff back 100 yards for the touchdown. He was not done, picking off passes on back-to-back plays and returning them both for touchdowns late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
The Quote: "DeVon Edwards pretty much took over the game," junior wide receiver Jamison Crowder said. "DeVon is somebody that we've just been waiting for, and he came out there and showed it.... It was crazy."
Key Stats: Duke scored 21 points with its defense and special teams, which is more than N.C. State's 20 points and the Duke offense's 17 points in the contest.
Milestone Alert: This win marked the Blue Devils' seventh victory of the year, securing them a winning season for the first time since 1994. Edwards became the first FBS player to score three non-offensive touchdowns in a game since 2003, and just the second player in NCAA history to return interceptions for touchdowns on back-to-back plays.
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