Duke tallies first win

It wasn't always pretty, but the end result was what Duke fans wanted, a decisive victory to break a season opening two game losing streak.

The Blue Devils got solid performances in all three phases of the game in the 40-14 win over VMI.

Justin Boyle led the offense with 113 yards rushing and two touchdowns while three different quarterbacks took snaps, including true freshmen Marcus Jones and Zack Asack.

The first string defense performed well, keeping VMI from taking a snap in Blue Devil territory until late in the third quarter. The Duke defense registered five sacks total, resulting in a cumulative loss of 34 yards for the Keydet offense. John Talley and Brian Greene each recorded interceptions, though Greene gave the ball right back to VMI when he fumbled the return.

Special teams play also provided some highlights for Duke fans. Freshman defensive end Ryan Radloff charged through the VMI protection to block a punt with just over a minute remaining in the first half. Another freshman got in the act on special teams when Clifford Respress redirected a VMI field goal attempt in the fourth quarter.

Duke finished the game with 351 total yards, with 235 of them coming on the ground. VMI was limited to 179 total yards.

The Blue Devils did struggle to secure the football, fumbling five times and losing three.

Stay tuned to Devils Illustrated for more postgame coverage.