William Howard-USA TODAY Sports

Football By MITCHELL NORTHAM

Duke Starts Fast, Beats Northwestern 30-23

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Duke scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and did all its scoring in the first half, then held off a Northwestern comeback to earn a 30-23 win in a non-conference game Saturday.

Duke was efficient on both sides of the ball early on, scoring on six of its first eight possessions behind Gunnar Holmberg, who completed 31 of 44 passes for a career-high 314 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils' defense forced Northwestern into punt or a turnover on its first seven drives.

The Wildcats (1-2) didn't score until late in the second quarter, following a change at quarterback. Starter Hunter Johnson threw three interceptions and was relieved by Andrew Marty, who orchestrated a quick scoring drive that covered 75 yards in just six plays.

Northwestern mustered two more touchdown drives, but never quite caught up with Duke (2-1). Marty was injured in the fourth quarter and left the game with an upper body injury. He was replaced by Ryan Hilinski.

Despite fumbling twice, Mateo Durant ran for 143 yards for Duke.