DURHAM, N.C. – Sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard found redshirt freshman Shamir Hagans in the front corner of the end zone for the game-winning score to help propel Duke to a 34-31 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday night at Brooks Fields at Wallace Wade Stadium.
 
With the win, the Blue Devils conclude the regular season with an 8-4 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in ACC play. Head coach Mike Elko becomes the first Duke head coach to win eight games in their first season at the helm since Fred Goldsmith did so in 1994 (8-4).
 
Leonard's pass to Hagans was a 20-yard touchdown reception and capped a night where the Fairhope, Ala., native set career marks in completions (29), passing yards (391), and passing touchdowns (four). Leonard also connected on three other long-yardage scores of 30-, 46-, and 30- yards.
 
Hagans finished with a career-best 139 receiving yards on eight receptions with two touchdowns, while teammate Jalon Calhoun added a game-high 11 receptions for 174 yards, also career high marks.
 
The Duke defense was led by redshirt senior Shaka Heyward, who compiled 13 tackles to lead all players. Datrone Young and Cam Dillion chipped in with 10 tackles each, while Darius Joiner intercepted Sam Hartman on 4th-and 10 to ultimately secure Duke's win late in the fourth quarter.

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Duke is schedule to make its 15th bowl appearance. Bowl announcements will be released on Sunday, Dec. 4th.