Duke Conquers Arizona State in Sun Bowl Thriller
Mensah's Four-TD Day Powers Duke to Sun Bowl Glory Over Arizona State
Duke quarterback Darian Mensah capped off a remarkable season with a four-touchdown masterpiece, leading the Blue Devils to a hard-fought 34-27 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 2025 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. In a back-and-forth contest that featured explosive plays and dramatic lead changes, Mensah's steady hand and clutch playmaking proved to be the difference. The win gives Duke a signature bowl victory and sends them into the offseason on a wave of momentum.
The Blue Devils' offense was prolific through the air, with Mensah connecting with his receivers for critical gains all afternoon. He threw for three touchdowns and added another on the ground, consistently keeping Arizona State's defense off balance. The Sun Devils, led by their own dynamic quarterback Jeff Sims, refused to go away quietly. Sims answered with big plays of his own, including a spectacular 44-yard touchdown pass that kept ASU in the hunt. However, a late-game interception thrown by Sims sealed the victory for Duke, allowing them to run out the clock and hoist the Sun Bowl trophy.
A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
The game was a showcase for two of the nation's most exciting quarterbacks. For Duke, Darian Mensah was the model of efficiency and poise. He navigated the pocket with skill, extended plays when necessary, and delivered accurate throws under pressure. His four-touchdown effort was a fitting end to a season in which he established himself as one of the ACC's premier passers. His connection with his receivers was on full display, spreading the ball around and exploiting matchups in the Arizona State secondary.
For Arizona State, Jeff Sims was a boom-or-bust force of nature. He made several jaw-dropping plays, using his powerful arm to hit deep shots and his mobility to escape pressure. His 44-yard touchdown strike was a thing of beauty, a perfect spiral that hit his receiver in stride. However, his aggressiveness also led to costly mistakes. He threw two interceptions, the last of which came in the game's final minutes with the Sun Devils driving for a potential game-tying or winning score. This performance encapsulated Sims's season: moments of brilliance mixed with frustrating turnovers.
Decisive Moments and Defensive Stands
While the quarterbacks stole the headlines, the game turned on a few key defensive plays. Duke's defense, though surrendering 27 points, came up big when it mattered most. They were able to generate just enough pressure on Sims to force him into errant throws, and the game-sealing interception was a testament to their bend-but-don't-break mentality. The Blue Devils' ability to get a crucial stop in the final moments was the deciding factor in a game where offenses had otherwise ruled the day.
Arizona State's defense struggled to contain Mensah and the Duke passing attack. They were unable to get consistent pressure on the quarterback, allowing him time to survey the field and find open receivers. While they were stout against the run for long stretches, their vulnerability in the secondary was ultimately their undoing. In a game of inches, Duke's ability to make one more play on defense was the difference.
What This Win Means for Duke
This Sun Bowl victory is a massive achievement for Duke's football program. It provides a tangible reward for a season of hard work and validates the direction of the team under its current leadership. Winning a high-profile bowl game against a quality opponent elevates the program's national standing and will be a huge asset in recruiting. With a star quarterback like Darian Mensah set to return, the future looks incredibly bright in Durham. The Blue Devils will enter the 2026 season with high expectations and the belief that they can compete for an ACC Championship.
A Promising but Incomplete Season for ASU
For Arizona State, the loss is a disappointing end to a season that showed both promise and peril. The emergence of Jeff Sims as a big-time playmaker gives them a foundational piece to build around. However, the team's inconsistency and penchant for self-inflicted wounds were on full display in the Sun Bowl. The challenge for the Sun Devils heading into the offseason will be to harness Sims's talent while cutting down on the turnovers and mental errors that plagued them. There is a strong foundation in place, but this loss demonstrates that they are still a few steps away from being a championship-caliber team.
