In the world of college football, Duke Football quarterback Riley Leonard made a courageous return to the field, but it ended in disappointment. Leonard, who had been sidelined for three weeks due to an ankle injury he sustained in a game against Notre Dame in late September, faced another setback during Duke’s clash with Florida State.

Riley Leonard Return

Despite the challenges he faced, Leonard didn’t let his injury keep him away from the game. He made a valiant return, displaying his determination to support his team. However, during the third quarter of the game, when Duke was leading 20-17, Leonard reinjured his right ankle.

Coach Mike Elko Concerns

Duke Football  head coach, Mike Elko, revealed that Leonard was eager to get back in the game, even pleading with him on the sideline. But Elko had reservations about Leonard’s health and decided against letting him play. Safety and well-being were his top priorities.

Loses to Florida State

With Leonard sidelined and replaced by Henry Belin IV , Duke’s performance took a turn for the worse. The Blue Devils, who had been leading, struggled to put points on the board. In contrast, Florida State capitalized on the situation and scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, securing a 38-20 victory.

A Tough Game for the Blue Devils

The defeat against Florida State marked a significant loss for the Blue Devils. Their 16th-ranked team, with a 5-2 record in the ACC, had previously avoided double-digit losses during Elko’s tenure as head coach. The most significant loss they had suffered was an eight-point defeat against Kansas.

Riley Leonard’s Performance

Riley Leonard’s performance in the game was limited. He completed only 7 of his 16 passes, accumulating 69 yards with one interception. The situation became even more challenging when Belin replaced him and completed just one pass for 7 yards.

Analyzing the Game

Coach Elko acknowledged that the game had its moments. He praised the team’s effort, particularly during the first three quarters when Duke’s defense held Florida State’s offense in check. The game became more challenging in the final quarter, and Florida State pulled ahead on the scoreboard.

Looking Ahead for Duke

Despite this setback, Duke still holds its fate in its hands when it comes to the ACC Championship in December. The outcome will depend on Leonard’s recovery and future performance. The Blue Devils have an opportunity to be favored in four of their final five games. In the upcoming weeks, they’ll face nationally-ranked Louisville and later, Wake Forest, at Wallace Wade Stadium.

In the world of college football, injuries can have a significant impact on a team’s performance. Riley Leonard’s determination to return to the field after his initial ankle injury was commendable, but it also carried risks. Coach Elko’s decision prioritizing Leonard’s health and safety should be applauded, as it is a reminder that the well-being of players comes before the game’s outcome. Duke still has a chance to shape its destiny in the coming games, making this season’s journey far from over.