The Duke Blue Devils delivered a statement win on the West Coast, storming back from an early deficit to rout the California Golden Bears 45-21 in a Saturday night ACC showdown at Memorial Stadium. The victory marks Duke’s third straight win and keeps their conference record unblemished, while Cal is left searching for answers after dropping two of their last three games.
Blue Devils Flip the Script After Slow Start
Duke’s night didn’t begin as planned. The Blue Devils found themselves trailing 21-7 early, as Cal’s offense, led by quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutete, capitalized on Duke’s sluggish start. But the momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter.
Quarterback Darian Mensah orchestrated a relentless comeback, finishing with 265 passing yards and two touchdowns. Mensah’s poise under pressure was evident as he spread the ball around, keeping Cal’s defense guessing and eventually wearing them down.
Offensive Fireworks: Brown and Castle Shine
Wide receiver Que’Sean Brown emerged as a breakout star, hauling in six catches for a career-high 104 yards and a touchdown. His ability to find space and make contested catches gave Duke’s offense a much-needed spark.
On the ground, Nate Sheppard and Anderson Castle each punched in two rushing touchdowns, while Jaquez Moore added another score. The Blue Devils’ balanced attack proved too much for Cal’s defense, which struggled to contain both the run and the pass as the game wore on.
Cal’s Costly Mistakes and Missed Opportunities
Cal’s promising start unraveled as Sagapolutete threw three interceptions, stalling drives and giving Duke short fields. Despite passing for 245 yards and a touchdown, the turnovers proved fatal for the Golden Bears’ upset hopes.
Head coach Justin Wilcox didn’t mince words after the game:
“We have glimpses where we can play good football but it’s too much of a roller coaster. The team’s gotta grow up.”What This Means for Both Teams
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Duke (4-2, 3-0 ACC): The Blue Devils are riding high, showing resilience and depth on both sides of the ball. With Mensah’s continued development and a surging run game, Duke is positioning itself as a legitimate contender in the ACC.
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California (4-2, 1-1 ACC): The Bears’ inconsistency is a growing concern. While the offense can flash brilliance, turnovers and defensive lapses have cost them dearly. Wilcox’s squad will need to regroup quickly to stay in the conference race.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Team | Passing Yards | Rushing TDs | Turnovers |
|--------|---------------|-------------|-----------|
| Duke | 265 | 5 | 0 |
| Cal | 245 | 1 | 3 |
Highlights and Fan Reactions
Fans in Berkeley witnessed a tale of two halves, with Duke’s traveling supporters celebrating a rare West Coast triumph. Social media buzzed with praise for Mensah’s leadership and Brown’s breakout performance, while Cal fans voiced frustration over the team’s inability to protect the football.
For those who missed the action, highlight reels are already circulating online, showcasing Duke’s explosive plays and Cal’s early promise turned heartbreak.
Looking Ahead
Duke’s next challenge will test their newfound momentum as they return home for a pivotal ACC matchup. Cal, meanwhile, faces a critical stretch that could define their season—will they bounce back, or will the roller coaster ride continue?
One thing’s clear: The Blue Devils are no longer just a basketball school. Their football team is making noise, and after Saturday’s performance, the rest of the ACC is officially on notice.
Sources
1. Duke Blue Devils vs. California Golden Bears Live Score and Stats
2. Chanticleer
3. Blue Devils Offensive Grades Against California
4. [PDF] Signal needed at Panther-Scenic? - HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN
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7. Duke vs Cal Game Highlights | 2025 ACC Football - YouTube
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9. Duke vs. California (Oct 4, 2025) Live Score - ESPN
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11. Duke Blue Devils vs. California Golden Bears | Full Game Highlights
12. Duke 45-21 California (Oct 4, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN
13. Duke vs California Football Game Summary - October 4th, 2025
