Blue Devil Country

Duke Football Stock Takes Small Hit From Loss at Florida State

Duke football hasn't ranked this high with two losses since 2013.

Matt Giles

Duke football running back Jaquez Moore (Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports)
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For one week, Duke football enjoyed its highest ranking this century at No. 16 in the AP Top 25 Poll. Following Saturday night's 38-20 defeat at the hands of the No. 4 Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee, the Blue Devils (5-2, 2-1 ACC) appear at No. 20 in the latest poll on Sunday afternoon.

A climb back to No. 16 or higher could be only a win or two away.

No. 20 ties for the highest ranking of any two-loss Duke football team this century. The 2013 Blue Devils peaked at No. 20 before picking up their third loss in the ACC Championship Game against Florida State.

Had Duke defeated Florida State on Saturday night after boasting a 20-17 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils likely would have reached their highest ranking of any week since beginning the 1962 campaign at No. 8 in the country.

Heights like that will probably have to wait at least another year, given the Blue Devils now have two losses.

Nevertheless, the mere fact that Duke held the lead after three quarters on the road against a team with a No. 4 by its name speaks to the confidence that second-year head coach Mike Elko has injected into the program.

Next on Duke's slate is a trip to Louisville to face the No. 18 Cardinals (6-1, 3-1 ACC) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN).

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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