Darian Mensah

Duke, NC in search of Victory Bell

November 21, 2025 Shawn Krest

This just in: The Victory Bell is missing. “It’s gone missing,” said Duke coach Manny Diaz. “Since Saturday. I don’t know where.” The prize that goes to the annual winner of the Duke-UNC football game […]

What it was, was football: Week 1

November 14, 2025 Shawn Krest

In the first full-schedule week of college football for Division I and II, North Carolina teams went 9-16. We have one fewer team in the state with the closing of St. Andrews. North Carolina’s record: […]

Duke finds self, beats State 45-33

September 21, 2025 Shawn Krest

After losing back-to-back games, Duke took a good long look at itself. “We talked about our identity,” said coach Manny Diaz. “About how Duke football wins, which we thought we’d gotten away from.” Last year’s […]

NSJ 2024 Coach of the Year

January 16, 2025 Shawn Krest

When Duke hired Manny Diaz to replace Mike Elko, the decision was questioned in some circles. Most notably, the sports staff at a North Carolina newspaper, who like to think they know something about football, […]

Key exits highlight early in-state transfer portal action

December 20, 2024 Ryan Henkel

We’re living in a new era of college football with NIL and the transfer portal changes and what that means is that these transfers now play a big part in roster construction either in terms […]