Field Level Media
Sep 15, 2018
Quentin Harris made his first collegiate start and the junior quarterback guided Duke to a 40-27 nonconference road victory against Baylor on Saturday at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas.
Harris threw three touchdown passes, though he finished 12-for-30 through the air. He accounted for 174 passing yards, while he gained 83 rushing yards.
Duke is 3-0 in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1987 and 1988. It's the Blue Devils' third 3-0 start under coach David Cutcliffe.
Harris was in a new role because of a broken collarbone sustained by three-year starter Daniel Jones a week earlier in a victory at Northwestern.
Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer ran for two touchdowns, including a 2-yard run with less than two minutes to play.
Baylor backup quarterback Jalan McClendon, a transfer from North Carolina State, threw 7 yards to Tyquan Thornton for a touchdown with 9:44 remaining to pull the Bears (2-1) within 10 points.
Duke responded with a nine-play drive that resulted in Collin Wareham's 31-yard field goal for a 33-20 advantage with 5:12 left.
The Blue Devils clinched it when Leonard Johnson returned McClendon's interception 53 yards for a score with 3:39 remaining.
Duke went up 7-0 shortly after a Baylor fumble in the first quarter. Running back Deon Jackson scored on a 31-yard third-down run.
Harris threw to T.J. Rahming on a 28-yard touchdown play in the second quarter.
Harris threw a 66-yard pass to Johnathan Lloyd, who made a one-handed grab before heading to the end zone, as the Blue Devils built a 23-0 halftime lead.
Brewer ran for a 3-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
The Bears pulled within 23-13 later in the quarter when JaMycal Hasty returned a blocked punt 33 yards for a touchdown.
Then Harris' 7-yard scoring pass to Rahming helped Duke regain control.
Duke adjusted its travel plans and departed campus Thursday (a day earlier than scheduled) with Hurricane Florence approaching the region back in North Carolina.
--Field Level Media