### Duke Blue Devils Triumph in a Thrilling Sun Bowl Showdown Against Arizona State The 2025 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl featured an exhilarating clash between the Duke Blue Devils and the Arizona State Sun Devils, culminating in a nail-biting 42-39 victory for Duke. Quarterback Darian Mensah was the standout performer, throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns, leading his team to a remarkable finish on New Year's Eve in El Paso, Texas. This victory not only capped off Duke's season but also marked their first bowl win since 2014, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess against a formidable Arizona State team. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Duke secured a 42-39 win over Arizona State in a high-scoring affair. - The game was characterized by offensive fireworks, with both teams combining for a record 1,158 total yards [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/arizona_state_duke_combine_for_multiple_records_in_sun_bowl_shootout/s1_13132_43270665]. 2. **Duke's Offensive Performance** - Darian Mensah completed 29 of 51 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns. - Que'Sean Brown was a key target, catching 10 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/duke_outscores_arizona_state_as_offenses_shine_in_sun_bowl/s1_17047_43270760]. - Nate Sheppard contributed significantly with 170 rushing yards and a touchdown [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/duke_outscores_arizona_state_as_offenses_shine_in_sun_bowl/s1_17047_43270760]. 3. **Arizona State's Response** - Quarterback Jeff Sims threw for 375 yards, with three touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns. - Jalen Moss and Jason Brown Jr. were notable contributors, with Moss recording 129 receiving yards and Brown rushing for 120 yards [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/duke_outscores_arizona_state_as_offenses_shine_in_sun_bowl/s1_17047_43270760]. 4. **Defensive Highlights** - Despite allowing 619 total yards, Duke's defense made crucial plays, including two late turnovers that helped secure the win [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duke-led-qb-darian-mensah-232542959.html]. ### Summary of Findings **Duke's Victory in the Sun Bowl** The Duke Blue Devils emerged victorious in a thrilling 42-39 contest against the Arizona State Sun Devils, showcasing a potent offensive display led by Darian Mensah. The game was marked by record-setting offensive statistics, with both teams combining for over 1,150 yards. Duke's ability to capitalize on critical defensive plays ultimately secured their first bowl victory in several years. 1. **Duke's Offensive Dominance**: Mensah's performance was pivotal, supported by key players like Brown and Sheppard. 2. **Arizona State's Strong Challenge**: Despite the loss, Arizona State's offensive output was impressive, led by Sims. 3. **Defensive Turnovers**: Duke's defense, while allowing significant yardage, made crucial stops that turned the tide in their favor. This victory not only highlights Duke's growth as a program but also sets a promising tone for the upcoming seasons as they build on this momentum [https://goduke.com/news/2025/12/31/football-duke-tops-arizona-state-42-39-to-claim-sun-bowl].