Blue Devils at Cavaliers

Game Summary

The Duke Blue Devils defeated the Virginia Cavaliers 19-16 on October 23, 2026, at Scott Stadium. Running back Nate Sheppard delivered the decisive play through the air rather than on the ground.

Sheppard threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Brody Keefe with 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter. Duke had driven 75 yards following Virginia's go-ahead field goal.

Will Bettridge had put the Cavaliers ahead 16-13 through a 30-yard kick with 3:00 remaining. Virginia could not protect that advantage against Duke's late trick play.

Patrick Smith-Young intercepted Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula with 36 seconds remaining to secure the victory. The Cavaliers suffered their first home defeat of the season.

Sheppard also opened Duke's scoring through a 32-yard touchdown run during the first quarter. Virginia answered through Jekail Middlebrook's short rushing touchdown and led 13-7 at halftime.

Duke improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in ACC play. Virginia dropped to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the conference.