DURHAM — Daniel Jones threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as Duke overwhelmed visiting North Carolina Central in a 60-7 romp to open the season Saturday night at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Duke redshirt freshman running back Brittain Brown rushed for 120 yards on 10 carries, scoring one touchdown.
Duke led 40-0 with nearly eight minutes left in the second quarter. The final score marked the first time a David Cutcliffe-coached team reached the 60-point mark.
Duke cornerback Bryon Fields Jr. returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown.
Jones’ passing touchdowns went to Aaron Young on a 54-yard play and Johnathan Lloyd on a 24-yard play. Young caught five passes for 89 yards.
Jones finished 19-for-25 for 213 yards. Thirteen Duke players made at least one reception.
The scoring opened on running back Shaun Wilson’s 1-yard run. Fields had the interception return on the next play from scrimmage.
It was an impressive beginning to the season for the Blue Devils, who were coming off a 4-8 season. Duke racked up 281 passing yards and 243 rushing yards.
Duke improved to 6-0 all-time against its cross-city opponent, which plays as a member of the Football Championship Subdivision. The Eagles are the three-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Association champions.
It was the first of four home games this month for the Blue Devils.
N.C. Central freshman running back Isaiah Totten burst away for an 81-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
