(BCSNN) - For the first time in more than six decades, Duke football stands alone atop the ACC. The Blue Devils defeated No. 16 Virginia 27–20 in overtime Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium to capture their eighth ACC title and first outright crown since 1962.

Quarterback Darian Mensah led the way with an efficient 19-of-25 passing performance for two touchdowns, while running back Nate Sheppard added 97 rushing yards and a score. After Sheppard powered Duke to a touchdown on the opening possession of overtime, the defense sealed the victory when Luke Mergott intercepted a trick-play pass on Virginia’s first snap.

The win capped a record-setting stretch for Duke (8–5), which earned its 34th victory over the past four seasons — the most in program history. It also marked the Blue Devils’ first win over Virginia since 2022, avenging a 34–17 loss to the Cavaliers just three weeks earlier.

Duke struck first with a 16-play, 75-yard drive capped by Mensah’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Hasley. Virginia answered with Chandler Morris’ 11-yard strike to J’Mari Taylor, but Sheppard’s 16-yard touchdown run restored the Blue Devils’ lead. Todd Pelino added two field goals, including a 29-yarder in the third quarter and another in the fourth to make it 20–10.

Virginia rallied late, cutting the deficit with a field goal before driving 96 yards in the final minutes to tie the game at 20. In overtime, Sheppard carried Duke to the one-yard line before Mensah connected with Hasley again for their second touchdown combination of the night. Mergott’s interception ended the Cavaliers’ hopes and delivered Duke its long-awaited championship moment.

The Blue Devils will learn their postseason destination Sunday when bowl selections are announced.