Duke Loses To University Of Cincinnati In Belk Bowl

While Duke University has had enormous success on the basketball court, it has not translated on the football field. Duke finished its season at 6-7 with a heartbreaking 48-34 loss to the University of Cincinnati at the Belk Bowl in Charlotte, N.C.

With the game tied 34-34, and Duke at Cincinnati’s five-yard line, Duke runningback Josh Snead had the ball stripped by defensive end Brandon Mills. The ball was recovered by Bearcat lineman John Williams. Four plays later, quarterback Brendon Kay (pictured) found TE Travis Kelce for an 83-yard touchdown pass. On Duke’s next possession, Duke quarterback Sean Renfree was hit as he threw. The ball then fell into the arms of linebacker Nick Temple, who returned the ball 55 yards for a touchdown.

Kay would win game MVP honors by throwing for 332 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kay’s teammate George Winn rushed for 130 yards and one touchdown. In the losing effort, Renfree set a Belk Bowl record by throwing for 358 yards.

Cincinnati finishes it season with a 10-3 record. It’s their fifth consecutive season with at least 10 wins. The program will be coached by former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville.