By Joseph Ochoa, WRAL multiplatform producer.

Durham, N.C. — It didn't start pretty, but the Duke Blue Devils stomped the Elon Phoenix 45-17 to kick off their campaign for the 2025 college football season.

Redshirt sophomore Darian Mensah made his debut for the Blue Devils after transferring in during the offseason, throwing for 389 yards and three touchdowns. It was the second-most yards by a Duke quarterback in their debut with the team.

It was a difficult start for the Blue Devils, who were tied with the Phoenix at halftime, but the Blue Devils came alive in the second half, outscoring them 35-7 in the third and fourth quarters.

The Blue Devils scored on the opening drive of the third quarter on an 83-yard drive capped off with a 15-yard touchdown reception by Sahmir Higgins, which

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