No. 4 FSU beats Duke 38-20, Leonard does not return in the fourth quarter

By Gianna Forbis, WRAL Contributor

16Duke Blue Devils	20
4Florida State Seminoles	38
Final

Tallahassee, Fla. — Duke suffers their second loss of the season to No. 4 Florida State University 38-20 Saturday night at Doak Campbell Stadium.

The crowd was loud and Duke fans were most likely louder when hearing about quarterback Riley Leonard making an unexpected start at game time.

Leonard suffered a high ankle sprain three weeks ago against Notre Dame, and was said to be unlikely to play tonight throughout most of the week. However, the decision was made at game time and Riley Leonard was able to lead his Duke offense to a good start throughout the first half.

Leonard threw for 69 yards, completing 7 out of 16 passes, zero touchdowns and one interception. One quality of Leonard that was not seen tonight was his rushing yards. Suffering that high ankle sprain, Leonard only rushed for 13 yards tonight, keeping himself secure in the pocket throughout most of the game.

Expect the Unexpected

While Leonard making his start was surprising to most, he ended up taking a huge hit in the third quarter that seemed to aggravate his ankle, and did not return for the rest of tonight's game.

QB Henry Belin IV led Duke's offense for the second time this season, completing 1 out of 6 passes, 7 yards and zero touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Duke's offense started off flawless in the first quarter, with a 42 yard rushing touchdown by Jaquez Moore to send the Blue Devils up early. However, it was a game of 'tit for tat,' and FSU had a quick response with a rushing touchdown of their own.

https://x.com/DukeFOOTBALL/status/1715880516929364222?s=20

The Blue Devils Defense

Duke's defense had some great 4th & 1 stops on FSU's offense, and were able to contain QB Jordan Travis from throwing long passes downfield throughout most of the game.

Cornerback Chandler Rivers had a crucial pick six in the second quarter for thirteen yards, helping Duke's offense to stay in the game, but giving little rest to the defense.

The energy went downhill soon after, when punt returner Deuce Spann responded with a 99 yard touchdown return.

With Duke's offense struggling to stay on the field and convert downs, the defense did not have much of a break throughout most of the game, with Travis throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns - it was apparent that the defense was exhausted.

The Response

Duke was able to hold their own throughout the first half, but the constant equal response from FSU's Travis led offense was tough to keep up with.

The Blue Devils had to settle for a couple of field goals, but FSU was able to respond with touchdowns on top of it.

Once Riley Leonard did not return to the game, it was difficult for Duke's offense to get into the red zone, while the defense had a hard time stopping FSU from scoring in it.

Up Next:

The Blue Devils will take on No. 21 Louisville Saturday, Ocotber 28, at Wallace Wade Stadium, with a time as TBD as of now.

Scoring Summaries:

Quarter 4: FSU: Jordan Travis 2 yard rushing touchdown (R. Fitzgerald kick), 13:03. RB Lawrance Toafili 21 yard rushing touchdown (R. Fitzgerald kick), Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:12. RB Rodney Hill 9 yard rushing touchdown, (R. Fitzgerald kick), 4:15. FSU 38, Duke 20.

Quarter 3: Key Plays: Henry Belin IV comes in after a big hit was taken on Riley Leonard with seven minutes left in the third.

Quarter 2: Duke: CB Chandler Rivers intercepts Jordan Travis for a pick six, (T. Pelino kick), 13 yards, 13:04. Todd Pelino FG, 33 yards, 0:40. FSU: 99 yard touchdown return by Deuce Spann, (R. Fitzgerald kick), 12:51. Ryan Fitzgerald, 32 yard field goal, 7:31. Key Plays: Interception by DB Shyheim Brown gives FSU offense good field position. Duke 20, FSU 17.

Quarter 1: Duke: RB Jaquez Moore 42 yard rushing touchdown (T. Pelino kick), 9:50. Todd Pelino, 45 yard field goal, 6:48. FSU: RB Caziah Holmes 7 yard rushing touchdown (R. Fitzgerald kick), Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 6:35. Key Plays: Duke's defense had two huge stops on 4th & 1 for the first two drives of FSU offense. Duke 10, FSU 7.