Hokie ClubDURHAM, N.C. – Virginia Tech football struck first, but Duke scored 10 unanswered to take a 10-7 lead into halftime at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday.
Quarterback Grant Wells delivered a dime on Tech's first drive, finding wide receiver Da'Wain Lofton down the left sideline for a 53-yard touchdown just two minutes into the game. It marked Wells' 15th throw this season that went over 25 yards.
Later in the first, the Blue Devils would get in the red zone, but the Hokies would hold them to three points, after Todd Pelino connected on a 25-yard field goal.
Duke would again get in the red zone again later in the second quarter, but defensive back Mansoor Delane came up with his first career interception, juggling it and squeezing it before he went to the ground.
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However, he was downed at the one-yard line and Tech had to punt it after three plays backed up against its own end zone and the Blue Devils got good field position after the punt and scored on a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Riley Leonard to wide receiver Nicky Dalmolin to make it 10-7 with a little over six minutes remaining in the first half.
Pelino would miss a 45-yard field goal with under a minute left, then Tech kicker John Love would miss as well on a 50-yarder right before half.
Duke has the advantage on offense in total yards (242-147), while the Hokies have not committed a penalty, marking their first time of not doing so in the first half since Dec. 5, 2020 at home versus then-No. 4 Clemson.