WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, Maalik Murphy launched a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Moore as the final whistle blew, leading Duke to a 23-17 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday. This triumphant win marks the Blue Devils’ impressive streak of three straight victories to finish the season strong.

Duke, finishing the year with a record of 9-3 and 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, orchestrated a remarkable drive of 76 yards in just 1 minute and 22 seconds after successfully forcing a punt from Wake Forest. Initially, it seemed time might run out for Duke on the play; however, Moore broke free along the right sideline, enabling him to find the end zone and complete the comeback from a 14-point deficit in the second half.

Murphy ended the game with 235 passing yards, completing 26 of 34 attempts. Moore had an impressive performance with five receptions totaling 98 yards. On the opposing team, Wake Forest’s Hank Bachmeier recorded 207 yards and threw for a touchdown. The Demon Deacons finished the season with a disappointing record of 4-8 and faced their fourth consecutive loss.

Wake Forest took an early lead in the game, thanks to an 8-yard run from Tate Carey, a 37-yard field goal by Matthew Dennis, and a 9-yard touchdown reception from Horatio Fields. This scoring action built a 17-3 advantage with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, Duke responded quickly following a punt by Wake Forest, executing a swift 42-yard drive over four plays that culminated in a touchdown from Star Thomas, who ran it in from 3 yards out. The Blue Devils also capitalized on a fumble recovery during the ensuing kickoff, which led to Murphy scoring on a 2-yard rush with just under 13 minutes left in the game.

In a notable individual achievement, Wake Forest wide receiver Taylor Morin set a new record for the school, surpassing former NFL player Ricky Proehl to become the all-time leader in receiving yards with a total of 2,974. Morin, now in his fifth season, finished Saturday’s game with eight receptions for 47 yards.

Duke’s victory against Wake Forest adds to their perfect 4-0 record against teams from North Carolina this season, which included thrilling comebacks against both North Carolina and Wake Forest. Under first-year head coach Manny Diaz, the Blue Devils ensured their second nine-win season in the last three years.

For Wake Forest, the team faced a tough ending to their season, punting on their final three possessions and finishing with only one win at home, bringing their record at home games to 1-6.

Looking ahead, Duke awaits their bowl game invitation while Wake Forest must regroup during the offseason after experiencing a losing record for the third time in five years.