Duke running back Nate Sheppard set a new school record for single-season rushing touchdowns and delivered a dominant performance in the Blue Devils' 41-3 victory over NC State on Saturday. Sheppard, who entered the game one touchdown shy of the record, scored three times—including a 69-yard touchdown on the first carry of the game—while rushing for 217 yards in under three quarters.
Sheppard’s first touchdown came just 43 seconds into the game, breaking a 69-yard run for six points. He added two more rushing scores in the second and third quarters, finishing with 17 rushing touchdowns through nine games. The performance marked his second 200-yard rushing game of the season, following a 227-yard effort against Tulane in the opener. Sheppard also became the first Duke player with two consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, surpassing the 1,132 yards he gained as a freshman.
NC State managed only 217 total yards in the loss, with Duke’s defense holding the Wolfpack to a field goal in response to Sheppard’s first touchdown. The Blue Devils extended their lead to 24-3 by halftime, aided by a 109-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown by safety Andrew Pellicciotta with 3:14 remaining in the half. Pellicciotta’s play flipped the score from a potential 24-6 deficit to a 31-3 advantage at the break.
Sheppard’s historic day included surpassing Randy Cuthbert as the only Duke player with two 1,000-yard seasons, though Cuthbert achieved the feat in non-consecutive years (1989, 1992). The sophomore now has 1,189 rushing yards this season and remains on pace for a third straight 1,000-yard campaign. Duke improved to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in ACC play, setting up a road game against Miami next Saturday.
Sheppard’s five-touchdown performance the previous week against Boston College established him as the first Duke player with five rushing scores in a single game, a record he extended with his latest outing. Head coach Manny Diaz praised Sheppard’s contributions, noting his ability to break records while emphasizing the team’s collective effort. "It's a lot of credit to them guys up front, getting me in position so many times," Sheppard said after the game. "The guys out wide making plays—it feels great."
The Blue Devils’ offense, led by Sheppard, has been a key factor in their bowl eligibility for the fifth consecutive season. Sheppard’s 2023 campaign included 1,132 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him All-ACC Second Team honors. With four regular-season games remaining, he remains on track to challenge Duke’s single-season rushing records.
NC State, now 4-5 overall, struggled to contain Sheppard’s explosive runs and managed just 217 total yards in the contest. The Wolfpack’s interim head coach, Todd Goebbel, faced criticism for a decision to attempt a 50-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, which was returned for a touchdown by Pellicciotta. The play shifted momentum firmly in Duke’s favor and capped a dominant defensive performance.