Duke’s weekend win over Tulane produced a pair of ACC honors on Monday, with defensive end Bryce Davis and running back Nate Sheppard both earning weekly recognition after standout performances in the Blue Devils’ 17-3 victory.
Davis was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week after making his first career start and helping Duke shut Tulane out of the end zone for the first time since 2019. The Blue Devils also kept the Green Wave in check on the ground, allowing just 34 rushing yards in the first half and 20 after the break.
Tulane finished with 54 rushing yards, the fewest for a Duke opponent since California managed 41 on October 4, 2025. Duke’s defense was locked in from the start, limiting Tulane to only three first downs in the opening half.
Davis piled up a career-best six tackles, along with 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He now has 10 tackles on the 2025 season. His 2.0 sacks are tied for the most by an ACC player in a game against an FBS opponent this season, and his 3.0 TFL rank second among ACC players in a game this year.
Sheppard took home ACC Running Back of the Week after tearing through Tulane for 227 rushing yards, the fifth-best single-game total in Duke history. He set the tone early with 139 yards in the first half, which ranks as the fifth-most rushing yards in a half in program history. It was Duke’s 10th 200-yard rushing game ever and its first since 2021.
Sheppard’s 227 yards also lead all FBS players in a single game so far this fall. Nationally, he ranks third in rushing yardage, behind only Memphis’ Jaylin Carter, who has 280 yards in two games, and Florida State’s Ousmane Kromah, who has 231 yards in two contests.
Sheppard added two touchdowns on the ground, scoring on a nine-yard run in the first quarter and a 14-yard run in the fourth. He has now found the end zone on the ground in four straight games.
The ACC’s other weekly winners were Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel, Miami receiver Malachi Toney, SMU offensive lineman PJ Williams and defensive back Jimmy Wyrick, Wake Forest linebacker Vincent Firenze, Georgia Tech specialist Rahkeem Smith and Syracuse rookie Shavane Anderson Jr.
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Duke's Early Statement Chance Rests On One Road Test Strength
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From Dukes side, the matchup also feels like a test of whether the front can keep influencing games the way it did a week ago. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser has had a rough time in previous chances against Power 4 competition, which adds another layer to a defense that appears more equipped to press an advantage than it was a year ago. If the Blue Devils can keep winning at the line of scrimmage, they can make this the kind of road game that says a lot about where the program is headed. [Read more 🡒]