When Darian Mensah, quarterback of Duke Blue Devils threaded a 33‑yard strike to Landen King early in the second quarter, the momentum shifted forever. The Blue Devils surged back from a 14‑0 hole to win Duke vs California football gameMemorial Stadium, Berkeley, California 45‑21 on Saturday night. The comeback not only marked Duke’s first trip to Berkeley since 1963, it cemented a perfect 3‑0 start in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play.
Why this matchup mattered
The ACC schedule for 2025 has been a tightrope walk for most teams, with early‑season upsets already reshaping the hierarchy. Duke entered the game at 4‑2 overall but 3‑0 in conference, while the Golden Bears, technically a Pac‑12 member, were playing an ACC‑designated crossover that counted toward their own standings. A win for Duke meant a three‑team tie at the top of the ACC alongside Virginia and Georgia Tech; a loss could have opened the door for a mid‑season scramble.
Early dominance by California
California’s opening drive was textbook efficiency. Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele, the Golden Bears’ quarterback, marched the ball 75 yards in five plays, culminating in a 6‑yard touchdown pass to Jordan King at 9:11 of the first quarter. Five minutes later, running back Kendrick Raphael punched it in from five yards out, capping a swift 55‑yard drive. The early 14‑0 lead made many in the crowd think Duke would struggle to keep pace.
The Blue Devils’ answer
Duke’s first score arrived with 2:38 left in the opening quarter. Running back Nate Sheppard slipped through the line for a 12‑yard rush after an eight‑play, 77‑yard drive that ate up 2:37 of the clock. The touchdown cut the deficit to 14‑7 and hinted that Duke’s ground game could match California’s aerial attack.
Turning point: The second quarter
California stretched the lead to 21‑7 early in the second, with Raphael scoring his second rushing touchdown. But the Blue Devils answered before the half‑hour mark. Anderson Castle barreled in from two yards out at 7:47, snapping a 10‑play, 58‑yard drive. The scoreline read 21‑14, and the crowd sensed a shift.
Just two minutes later, Mensah connected with wide receiver Que'Sean Brown for a 33‑yard gain that set up a touchdown pass (details of the exact play were omitted from the official box). By halftime, Duke had trimmed the gap to just three points, and the Blue Devils’ defense started to tighten, forcing Sagapolutele into his first interception.
Second‑half dominance
The third quarter belonged to Duke. Their defense held California scoreless while the offense added two more touchdowns — a rushing strike by Sheppard and another by Castle — pushing the lead to 35‑21. In the fourth, Duke’s special teams kept the rhythm. Kicker Todd Pelino converted every extra point, while the defense, led by linebacker Andrew Pellicciotta, snatched a second interception and returned it 45 yards to California’s 41‑yard line, setting up another scoring opportunity.
California’s Sagapolutele managed only 245 passing yards and threw three picks. The Golden Bears’ offense sputtered after the first quarter, and their only late‑game points came from a field goal by Chase Meyer, which was simply not enough.
Stat sheet highlights
- Duke total yards: 513 (265 passing, 248 rushing)
- California total yards: 387 (245 passing, 142 rushing)
- Turnovers: Duke 1, California 3
- Time of possession: Duke 31:12, California 28:48
- Individual stand‑outs: Mensah 265 passing yards, 2 TDs; Brown 104 receiving yards, 1 TD; Sheppard & Castle each 2 rushing TDs
Coach perspectives
Head coach Mike Elko praised his squad’s resilience. "We never lost faith in the game plan," Elko said in the post‑game locker room. "The guys trusted each other, and the adjustments we made at halftime paid off." On the other side, California’s coach Kalen DeBoer acknowledged the defensive lapses. "We gave the ball away at the worst possible moments," DeBoer admitted, "and that’s something we’ll address moving forward."
Impact on ACC standings
With the win, Duke sits atop the ACC with a 3‑0 conference record, sharing the summit with Virginia (3‑0, 5‑1 overall) and trailing closely behind Georgia Tech (2‑0, 5‑0 overall) and Miami (1‑0, 5‑0 overall). The victory also bolsters Duke’s bowl eligibility outlook, as the team now needs only two more wins to lock in a spot in a post‑season game.
What’s next for the Blue Devils?
Duke’s next challenge arrives on the road against Miami on October 18. Miami, unbeaten in ACC play, poses a fresh test for Mensah and his offense. If Duke can replicate the balanced attack displayed at Memorial Stadium, they could well edge the Hurricanes and cement a de facto ACC lead.
Historical footnote
The 2025 showdown was the first time the Blue Devils visited Berkeley since their 1963 loss to the Golden Bears, a game that ended 20‑14. The 62‑year gap made the 2025 victory feel like a long‑awaited redemption, especially for alumni who remembered the old rivalry from the 1960s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Duke’s bowl prospects?
The victory pushes Duke to 5‑2 overall, meaning they need only two more wins to become bowl‑eligible. With a perfect ACC record, they’re positioned for a higher‑profile bowl if they maintain the momentum.
What were the key factors behind California’s collapse in the second half?
Three interceptions thrown by Sagapolutele, a stagnant rushing attack, and an inability to adjust defensively to Duke’s balanced play made the difference. Duke’s defense tightened, forcing short fields and limiting big plays.
Who stood out for Duke on offense?
Quarterback Darian Mensah led with 265 passing yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Que'Sean Brown logged 104 receiving yards and a score, while running backs Nate Sheppard and Anderson Castle each rushed for two touchdowns, showcasing a truly multi‑dimensional attack.
What does this result mean for California’s conference outlook?
The loss drops Cal to 1‑1 in ACC‑designated games, leaving them trailing the ACC leaders. They must rebound quickly against upcoming conference foes to stay in the race.
When is Duke’s next ACC matchup?
Duke travels to face Miami on October 18, 2025. Miami enters the game undefeated in ACC play, making it a crucial test for the Blue Devils’ unbeaten conference run.
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