Duke's football team is making waves and creating a buzz, harking back to the glory days of 1989. But here's the twist: they're not just reliving the past; they're making a compelling case for their inclusion in the prestigious College Football Playoff field.
In a thrilling game against No. 17 Virginia, Duke's players showcased their mettle, refusing to succumb to the temptation of a premature victory celebration. Even as Virginia mounted a comeback, forcing overtime, the Blue Devils remained focused and determined. It was only after linebacker Luke Mergott's game-sealing interception in overtime that the true celebration began, a celebration that hadn't been witnessed at Duke since the heady days of 1989.
Coach Manny Diaz thought he had evaded the traditional Gatorade bath, but defensive end Vincent Anthony had other plans, ambushing the coach with an icy cooler of water. "I thought I was wise enough to duck, but it caught me in the lower back. I'm cool from the waist up, but below that, it's a bit uncomfortable. But it feels like victory, and I'll take it every time," Diaz quipped.
Mergott, the hero of the game, clutched the football throughout the post-game festivities, never letting it out of his sight. When asked about the ball's whereabouts, he remained tight-lipped, but hinted at the possibility of donating it to Duke, a suggestion that Coach Diaz wholeheartedly endorsed, calling it the play of the season.
While the victory may have caused a split in loyalties among ACC fans, for those clad in royal blue, it was a dream come true. But the real question remains: will Duke's triumph be enough to secure their spot in the College Football Playoff?
According to Austin Mock of The Athletic, Duke's chances are slim, with less than a one percent chance of making the Playoff field. The ACC's best hope lies with Miami, who, despite a near-identical resume to Notre Dame, has trailed the Fighting Irish in the CFP rankings all season. The team that separated Miami and Notre Dame, BYU, suffered a resounding defeat to Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed his conviction and confidence in Miami and the Virginia-Duke winner, stating that they "absolutely" deserve a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, with the committee's decision still pending, the fate of Duke's playoff aspirations remains uncertain.
Coach Diaz, while preferring not to discuss hypothetical scenarios, believes that Duke's win over a ranked opponent will strengthen their case. He cited the team's Power 4 schedule and the high caliber of competition as reasons why Duke should be included in the field. "You gotta look at who you're playing against. That's why you play a Power 4 schedule. These coaches are leaving to take Power 4 jobs because that's where the best competition is," Diaz asserted.
Defensive end Wesley Williams echoed Diaz's sentiments, stating, "We're a Power 4 conference champion. Simple enough."
But the odds are stacked against Duke, with the committee historically favoring teams with fewer losses. Despite this, the Blue Devils' achievement cannot be understated: they are ACC champions in football, a title they haven't held since 1962.
"We try to pride ourselves on being comfortable in uncomfortable moments," Mergott said, reflecting on the team's composure under pressure.
And comfortable they were, as they marched into overtime and made history. The sideline erupted, players hugged and high-fived, and the celebration was electric. Mergott's interception sent the team into a frenzy, with defensive tackle Aaron Hall collapsing to the ground in elation and Eli Wood, the game-tying score catcher, spiking his helmet in frustration.
Team staffers distributed shirts, coaches hugged and wiped away tears, and Coach Diaz beamed with pride.
Duke will await the committee's decision on Sunday, but for now, they can savor their triumph and the knowledge that they are ACC champions. A dream realized for royal blue, and a potential nightmare averted for the ACC.
