DURHAM, N.C.  - The Duke Blue Devils rode the arm of Thaddeus Lewis to defeat the Maryland Terrapin's 17-13 in soggy and wet Wallace Wade Stadium.  The win pushed Duke's record to 2-1 in the ACC and 4-3 overall.

The Devils have now won two consecutive ACC games for the first time since 1994 when they won four in a row.  Lewis hit 30 of 43 for 371 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Lewis was aided by big games from wideouts Donavan Varner [8 catches 120 yards, one touchdown] and Conner Vernon [5 catches for 102 yards] and Austin Kelly [9 catches for 61 yards].  The other passing touchdown went to tight end Danny Parker.

Vernon became the first freshman in Duke history to record two 100 yard games.  Thaddeus Lewis broke a school record for total offensive plays as well.

"When's the last time somebody could say Duke won ugly?," asked Duke Coach David Cutliffe.

His point was that Duke had a season high 12 penalties for 101 yards and two fumbles in the red zone.  Despite that, Duke was able to hang on for a key ACC victory.

Duke's defense would have held Maryland to less than 200 yards if it were not for one 67 yard touchdown pass.  Interestingly, Duke held Maryland to 67 yards rushing on 31 carries, a season low for the team.

The Blue Devils next travel to Virginia in a game which starts at 3:30 on ESPN 360.  More football coverage to come.

Duke LB Vinnie Rey post game comments -