Written By Azarr Johnson, Digital Media By: Sonofajones
For Week 11 of the college football season, all eyes were on the Connecticut Huskies as they hosted the Duke Blue Devils. This match up carried extra significance for UConn—not only was it an ACC opponent, but it was also a chance to avenge last season’s 26-21 loss to Duke. Beyond redemption, the Huskies were looking to improve their positioning for bowl season. With last week’s win over UAB, they became bowl eligible, but additional victories could elevate their placement when bowl selections were announced. Duke, meanwhile, came into Connecticut riding high after a major win over conference powerhouse Clemson, hoping to carry that momentum forward.
When the game began, Pratt & Whitney Stadium had a playoff-like atmosphere. The crowd was electric, and both teams were ready for a battle. Despite their energy, the Huskies went three-and-out on their first drive. Duke responded immediately, marching down the field on a rapid three-play drive lasting under a minute. Running back Nate Sheppard finished the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Blue Devils an early 7-0 lead.
UConn answered quickly. On their next drive, the Huskies executed a seven-play, 70-yard drive over three and a half minutes, capped by quarterback Joe Fagnano’s 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Juice Verneen to tie the game at 7-7. The momentum continued when Duke’s quarterback Daren Mensah threw a pass that was tipped and intercepted by UConn linebacker Bryun Parham. The Huskies turned the turnover into points, adding a 29-yard field goal from Chris Freeman to take a 10-7 lead. Duke was forced into another three-and-out, while UConn had a chance to extend their lead, only for Freeman to miss a field goal attempt. The first quarter ended with Connecticut ahead 10-7, though Duke still held the ball and aimed to respond.
Joe Fagnano finds Juice Vereen for a TD in the first half. The UConn Huskies lead Duke 20-14 to start the 3rd.
— Enveonline (@Enveonline) November 8, 2025
🎥 by: @SonOfAJones pic.twitter.com/VkZqhGrKbn
Duke’s drive at the end of the first quarter regained momentum for the Blue Devils. An eight-play, 3:30 drive concluded with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Mensah to Andrel Anthony, putting Duke back on top 14-10. True to form, Connecticut countered on their next possession, methodically moving 73 yards over 12 plays in more than six minutes, culminating in a Skyler Bell touchdown to reclaim a 17-14 lead. UConn’s defense then held strong, forcing multiple Duke three-and-outs. Cornerback Devin Pringle’s late second-quarter interception set up Freeman’s 45-yard field goal, extending the Huskies’ advantage to 20-14 heading into halftime.
Duke struggled offensively in the first half, totaling just 54 rushing yards and 89 passing yards, but the Blue Devils came out firing in the second half. On their first drive of the third quarter, Duke executed a nine-play, 75-yard march capped by Sheppard’s second touchdown of the day, giving Duke a 21-20 lead. They followed with another methodical drive, nine plays and 75 yards, ending with Mensah’s 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Landen King to extend the lead to 28-23. Going into the fourth quarter, the game was clearly heading for a dramatic finish.
The Huskies had the ball to start the fourth quarter and needed a pivotal drive to swing momentum. Facing third-and-21 after a penalty, UConn appeared destined to punt. However, Coach Jim Mora called a bold play: a fake punt that tight end Louis Hensen converted for a first down, keeping the drive alive. Six minutes later, running back Cam Edwards powered in a 3-yard touchdown run, giving UConn a 29-28 lead after a failed two-point conversion.
Cam Edwards punches it in for 6‼️
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The Huskies lead Duke 29-28 in the 4th quarter. #UConnFootball pic.twitter.com/xG5FI9GZer
Duke responded with an 11-play, 80-yard drive, capped by Jeremiah Hensley’s 10-yard touchdown reception to reclaim a 34-29 lead. Both teams failed their two-point conversion attempts. With under two minutes remaining, UConn drove from their own 25-yard line, finishing with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Fagnano to Bell, taking a 37-34 lead. Duke had one final opportunity but was stopped when Mensah was stripped, and the Huskies recovered the fumble to seal the victory.
The win was monumental for Connecticut. Not only did it avenge last season’s defeat, but it also improved their bowl positioning. The Huskies are now 7-3 and will host Air Force next week. Duke, now 5-4, returns home to face Virginia in a crucial game to secure bowl eligibility.
2 Point Conversion
Postgame chat with Skyler Bell after UConn’s big win over Duke — breaking down Joe Fagnano’s clutch two-point conversion! 🔥#UConn #Huskies #SkylerBell #JoeFagnano #PostGame #CollegeFootball
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(Q: @ceoofenve | 🎥: @sonofajones ) pic.twitter.com/vP3VW3o0oJ
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