Duke Playmaker Earns Big-Time Award After Beating Tulane
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The Duke Blue Devils are off to a fast start after getting some revenge on Tulane, earning a 17-3 win over the Green Wave on Saturday.
All eyes were on new quarterback Walker Eget, who went 13 of 26 passing for 131 yards. But the big story was running back Nate Sheppard, who carried the ball 35 times for 227 yards and two touchdowns. The Blue Devils finished with 250 yards on the ground.
For his efforts, Sheppard earned ACC Running Back of the Week and Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week.
The sophomore had a terrific campaign for Duke in 2025, rushing for 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns on 200 carries. He could be in for another big season as the Blue Devils figure out their passing attack.
Sheppard was motivated to rush for more than 200 yards after a Tulane defender made some glaring comments last week.
“He made a comment that if they could keep No. 20 under 200, they could win the game,” Sheppard said. "I think our O-line, our offense, took that personal a little bit.
"It was disrespectful to our wide receivers, our quarterback, our tight end Jerry Hasley, who I think is one of the best in the country. He didn’t mention any of them. And then, just to think they can stop me, and stuff like that."
Duke made good on that bet, using Sheppard's 200 yards to run out the clock and beat Tulane by 14 points.
The Blue Devils offense will be tested in Week 2 when they travel to play Illinois on Saturday, a Big Ten program who defeated UAB 42-23 in Week 1.
But the Fighting Illini weren't perfect on defense, giving up 219 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception to quarterback Ryder Burton. Illinois gave up 194 yards rushing and one touchdown on 48 attempts by the Blazers.
The Blazers didn't have one running back shine. Rod Robinson II and Bam McReynolds each ran for 50+ yards against Illinois.
Look for Sheppard to have another big day when Duke plays Illinois this weekend.
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