The Duke Blue Devils suffered some early adversity when taking on Virginia on Friday night, a rematch of the 2025 ACC Championship Game.

In the first quarter, quarterback Walker Eget suffered a hand injury and had to come out of the game. Freshman backup quarterback Dan Mahan entered the game for Eget. Eget left the game completing both of his passing attempts for 43 yards.

Mahan, a native of Burlington, North Carolina, entered the game having thrown for 126 yards and three touchdowns. 

By halftime, Mahan went 2 of 5 passing for 17 yards. Duke trailed Virginia 13-7 at the break.

Eget, a transfer from San Jose State, was a big get in the transfer portal for Duke after Darian Mensah transferred to Miami late in the cycle. He helped the Blue Devils get off to a hot 4-0 start to the season.

Duke won its ACC opener against Stanford 35-7, but has lost its last two conference contests in a tight 28-25 game against Georgia Tech and a 24-20 match against rival North Carolina last week. Eget threw for over 500 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception combined in those games.

The Blue Devils have been reliant on running back Nate Sheppard to motor this offense this season. He entered Friday night's game with 820 yards and eight touchdowns on 138 carries. In the first half against Virginia, he had 37 yards rushing and a score on nine carries.

For Duke to beat Virginia, Sheppard will need to have a big second half. The defense played well enough in the second half, but will need to create turnovers to better give Mahan a chance.

Before playing Georgia Tech, the Blue Devils appeared to be a contender for the ACC. They're still 4-2, but their next goal should be trying to cement bowl eligibility. During the preseason, some around college football weren't sure Duke could make a bowl game after losing Mensah and receiver Cooper Barkate.

After playing Virginia, Duke still has contests against Boston College, NC State, No. 1 Miami, Clemson, and No. 17 Wake Forest.

Boston College and NC State are very winnable games for the Blue Devils.  

Duke head coach Manny Diaz continues to impress, and he could be a hot name in the coaching carousel this year if the Blue Devils pull some surprises in the second half of the season.