Duke’s latest road win over NC State brought more than momentum back to Durham. It also put a pair of Blue Devils in the ACC spotlight.
Running back Nate Sheppard and safety Andrew Pellicciotta both picked up weekly conference honors on Monday after Duke’s dominant showing against the Wolfpack. Sheppard was named the ACC Running Back of the Week, while Pellicciotta earned ACC Specialist of the Week.
Sheppard kept doing what he’s been doing all season: wrecking game plans. Against NC State, he piled up 217 rushing yards and three touchdowns on only 18 carries.
It was the second time this year he topped the 200-yard mark on the ground, and it pushed his season total to 1,189 rushing yards, which ranks second in college football. He also has 17 touchdowns, fourth among running backs.
That kind of production has made him a weekly fixture on the ACC awards list. This was the fourth time this season Sheppard has won the conference’s running back honor.
Pellicciotta’s award came off a single play that flipped the game on its head. The safety took a missed field-goal attempt back 109 yards for a touchdown just before halftime, one of the biggest plays in college football last week and a moment that stretched Duke’s lead at the break.
The Blue Devils now turn their attention to Miami, where the stakes are still high in the ACC race. Duke has won three straight and remains in the mix for a conference title game berth, though it would need help and would have to keep winning.
The challenge gets a lot steeper this weekend against a Hurricanes team that was ranked No. 1 before losing to Notre Dame. Miami still sits atop the ACC, and a Duke upset would scramble the standings even more.
Duke also gets a shot at former quarterback Darian Mensah.
The Blue Devils and Hurricanes kick off at Noon on Saturday in Miami.
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Duke Suddenly Looks Vulnerable After A Marquee Reality Check
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