Duke Dominates California in Convincing Win
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10:30 PM ET · California Memorial Stadium
Duke Blue Devils 45, California Golden Bears 21, final. Our NCAAF picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Duke Blue Devils vs California Golden Bears?
Duke Blue Devils beat California Golden Bears 45-21 at California Memorial Stadium on October 4, 2025.
In a compelling matchup at California Memorial Stadium, the Duke Blue Devils secured a decisive victory over the California Golden Bears, finishing the game with a score of 45-21. This result underscores Duke's strong performance as they continue their upward trajectory in the season.
Both teams entered the game with identical records of 4-2, but Duke's recent form has been particularly impressive. The Blue Devils came into this game on a two-game winning streak, having outscored their opponents significantly, averaging 31.5 points while allowing 27.7 over their last ten games. Their recent victories included a dominant 38-3 win against Syracuse and a high-scoring 45-33 win against NC State, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
In contrast, California had a record of 4-2 as well, but their form was slightly less consistent. The Golden Bears had a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten games, with an average of 26.9 points scored and 22.5 points allowed. They entered the game after a narrow 28-24 victory over Boston College but had suffered a significant loss against San Diego State just prior, where they were shut out 34-0.
At home, California had a solid record of 4-1, while Duke's away record stood at 3-2. This game was particularly critical for both teams as they sought to improve their standings in the league. In their previous meetings, the teams had not faced each other recently, making this matchup intriguing as both aimed to establish dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had to navigate player availability throughout the season, which can often impact performance.
The betting market had priced this game with California as the underdog, reflecting their home advantage but also recognizing Duke's recent form. The odds indicated that California had a 0.0 probability of winning, suggesting a strong expectation of a Duke victory.
The conditions for the game were typical for early October in California, likely featuring mild weather which can often favor offensive play. Viewers were advised to watch for Duke's potent offense, which has been averaging over 34 points in their last five games, as well as California's ability to respond after a tough stretch. Duke's strong showing in this game will certainly be a talking point as the season progresses, highlighting their potential as a formidable opponent in the league.
Leaders
- Passing yardsJaron-Keawe Sagapolutele20/31, 245 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTCalifornia Golden Bears
- Rushing yardsKendrick Raphael18 CAR, 67 YDS, 2 TDCalifornia Golden Bears
- Receiving yardsTrond Grizzell4 REC, 56 YDSCalifornia Golden Bears
- Passing yardsDarian Mensah22/30, 265 YDS, 2 TDDuke Blue Devils
- Rushing yardsNate Sheppard12 CAR, 91 YDS, 2 TDDuke Blue Devils
- Receiving yardsQue'Sean Brown7 REC, 108 YDS, 1 TDDuke Blue Devils
Recent form
California Golden Bears
Last 10: 7-3Streak W126.9 scored · 22.5 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W28-24at Boston College EaglesSep 27
- L0-34at San Diego State AztecsSep 21
- W27-14vs Minnesota Golden GophersSep 14
- W35-3vs Texas Southern TigersSep 6
- W34-15at Oregon State BeaversAug 31
- L6-38at SMU MustangsNov 30
- W24-21vs Stanford CardinalNov 23
- L25-33vs Syracuse OrangeNov 16
- W46-36at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsNov 9
- W44-7vs Oregon State BeaversOct 26
Duke Blue Devils
Last 10: 6-4Streak W231.5 scored · 27.7 allowed per game3-2 away
- W38-3at Syracuse OrangeSep 27
- W45-33vs NC State WolfpackSep 20
- L27-34at Tulane Green WaveSep 14
- L19-45vs Illinois Fighting IlliniSep 6
- W45-17vs Elon PhoenixAug 28
- W23-17at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsNov 30
- W31-28vs Virginia Tech HokiesNov 24
- W29-19at NC State WolfpackNov 9
- L31-53at Miami HurricanesNov 2
- L27-28vs SMU MustangsOct 27
Standings
| Team | Overall | In conference |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Florida State | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| North Carolina | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Stanford | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Boston College | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| California | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Clemson | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Duke | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Georgia Tech | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Louisville | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Miami | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Pittsburgh | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| SMU | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Syracuse | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Virginia Tech | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Wake Forest | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| NC State | 0-1 | 0-1 |
Box score
| Stat | Duke Blue Devils | California Golden Bears |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 24 | 20 |
| Third downs | 5-11 | 5-11 |
| Fourth downs | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Total yards | 443 | 286 |
| Net passing yards | 265 | 245 |
| Completions | 22/30 | 20/32 |
| Yards per pass | 8.8 | 7.7 |
| Rushing yards | 178 | 41 |
| Rushing attempts | 37 | 29 |
| Yards per rush | 4.8 | 1.4 |
| Penalties | 7-63 | 6-43 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 4 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 4 |
| Time of possession | 31:03 | 28:57 |
Win probability
Above the line favours California Golden Bears, below favours Duke Blue Devils.
Venue
- California Memorial StadiumBerkeley, CA
- Attendance42240
Elsewhere
- No. 18 Penn State begins the Matt Campbell era when it hosts Marshall in the season opener
- Michigan State and Toledo meet in opener, marking debut of coaches Pat Fitzgerald and Mike Jacobs
- DJ Lagway to make Baylor debut vs Auburn in Week 1 neutral-site showdown in Atlanta
- No. 12 Texas Tech opens against Abilene Christian after winning 1st Big 12 title last season
- Arizona State kicks off coach Kenny Dillingham's fourth season at home against Morgan State
- Florida opens the Jon Sumrall era in the Swamp against Florida Atlantic
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- Duke Dominates California in NCAAB ShowdownJan 14, 2026