NFL

Georgia Tech scrapes past Duke 28-25

October 10, 2026

Georgia Tech delivered a dramatic upset against Duke in a sloppy, rain-soaked ACC clash at Bobby Dodd Stadium, snapping their 13-game losing streak to Power Five foes with a 28-25 victory. The Yellow Jackets’ offense surged in the fourth quarter after Duke took a 25-22 lead with 2:40 remaining, capitalizing on two key receptions by Jordan Allen and a Dalen Penson catch to set up Trelain Maddox’s 1-yard touchdown run—a third scoring play for the running back—that put Tech ahead with 1:00 left.

Duke’s final drive stalled on a missed 34-yard field goal by freshman Gavin Strange, sealing the win for the Jackets, who improved to 2-3 on the season and 1-1 in ACC play.

The game featured a mix of turnovers and penalties that swung momentum. Tech’s offense benefited from a defensive pass interference call on Duke’s Jaylen Mbakwe and a roughing-the-passer penalty that extended a drive, while Duke’s early drive was derailed by penalties.

Quarterback Alberto Mendoza outgained Duke’s Walker Eget (259 yards to 218) but threw two third-down incompletions early, handing the ball back to the Blue Devils. Nate Sheppard led Duke’s offense with 190 all-purpose yards, nearly reaching 100 rushing yards before the loss.

Georgia Tech’s next challenge comes on the road against Virginia Tech.