Darian Mensah passed for 382 yards and a touchdown against his former school as No. 5 Miami beat Duke 36-25 on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, moving the Hurricanes closer to clinching a trip to the Atlantic Coast Conference title game. Javian Mallory scored three times, and Mark Fletcher Jr. also rushed for a touchdown.

Miami (9-1, 7-0 ACC, No. 7 CFP) tied a school mark with its 11th consecutive ACC victory. Mensah, who transferred to Miami after leading Duke to last season's ACC title, completed 30 of 41 passes and passed the 3,000-yard mark for the season. Cooper Barkate, another former Duke star, had his first 100-yard game for Miami, catching eight passes for 134 yards. Mensah said it felt strange, adding that he couldn't stop smiling when he first stepped on the field because of the affection he has for his former teammates.S2

Duke (7-3, 5-3) was led by Nate Sheppard, who accounted for 240 yards with 131 rushing, 93 receiving and 16 passing, and rushed for two scores. Walker Eget completed 26 of 42 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown for the Blue Devils, but was intercepted by Miami's Xavier Lucas with 6:54 left. Mallory's 39-yard touchdown run on the ensuing possession sealed the win. Duke coach Manny Diaz praised Sheppard, the first player to run for that many yards against Miami since September 2024.S2

The result, combined with Wake Forest's win over SMU, leaves Miami on the cusp of a spot in the ACC title game in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Dec. 5. The Hurricanes would clinch if North Carolina beats Louisville later Saturday night; otherwise, Miami needs only one win in its final two games. Fletcher did not carry in the second half because of an undisclosed injury, though coach Mario Cristobal did not sound concerned after the game.S2