Sheppard's 227 Yards Power Duke Past Tulane

Duke football secured its fourth straight season-opening win by defeating Tulane 17-3. The game, delayed by 90 minutes due to weather, saw the Blue Devils take an early lead.

Running back Nate Sheppard was the catalyst, scoring the game's first touchdown on an opening drive that consumed nearly ten minutes. He continued to dominate, amassing 139 rushing yards and a score by halftime, contributing significantly to a 10-0 Duke lead at the break.

After a scoreless third quarter, Duke extended its lead in the fourth. Sheppard scored his second touchdown, a 14-yard run, to make it 17-3. He finished the game with a career-high 227 rushing yards on 35 carries, accounting for both of Duke's scores and solidifying the victory.

The Blue Devil defense proved formidable, limiting Tulane to 258 total yards. Duke's next challenge is an away game against Illinois.