DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Duke football was back to business Thursday night as the Blue Devils opened the 2025 season with a win over FCS team Elon.

Duke (1-0) defeated the Phoenix (0-1) by a score of 45-17 Thursday night at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham.

New Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns. All scores came in the second half, and he completed 27 of his 34 pass attempts.

Four Duke receivers recorded over 50 yards, with Cooper Barkate leading the way with 117. It was Sahmir Hagans, however, who found the endzone most often, scoring two touchdowns on 54 yards. Andrel Anthony caught the other touchdown pass from Mensah.

Anderson Castle led the Blue Devils' ground game with 69 total yards, while Jaquez Moore rushed seven times for 44 yards and sc

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