Nate Sheppard runs all over Tulane, leads Duke to opening win

Duke football got off on the right foot Saturday evening, taking care of the Tulane Green Wave at home 17-3. Throughout the game, it was the Nate Sheppard show, as the sophomore running back nearly racked up more yards than the entire Tulane offense. Sheppard finished his day with a whopping 35 carr

College Sports

SEE ALL

FSU Wire

FSU Seminoles close as underdogs against SMU

Spartans Wire

Michigan State football names Players of the Game for week one

Trendline

Saint Mary's College Rugby Player Dies After Collapsing During Training Run

What is the story about?

Duke football got off on the right foot Saturday evening, taking care of the Tulane Green Wave at home 17-3.

Throughout the game, it was the Nate Sheppard show, as the sophomore running back nearly racked up more yards than the entire Tulane offense. Sheppard finished his day with a whopping 35 carries for 227 yards (both were career-highs) and both of the team's touchdowns.

This was a significant change from the beginning of last season, as Sheppard had more touches in the first half Saturday against Tulane than he did in Duke's first three games combined a season ago.

Apart from Sheppard, it was the Blue Devils' defense that showed no weaknesses, giving up just three points on a fourth-quarter field goal. Bryce Davis who led the way, recording

two sacks, three TFLs and four solo tackles.

Now 1-0, Duke will face Illinois on the road September 12 in a highly anticipated matchup. The Illini are also 1-0, having defeated UAB 42-23.

Contact/Follow us @DukeWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Duke news, notes and opinions. Follow Mack on X: @MackBaltes

This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Nate Sheppard runs all over Tulane, leads Duke to opening win