One of the main reasons Duke football fans have legitimate reason to be optimistic heading into 2026 is the Blue Devils' schedule. Here's one game that, when the time comes, could play a big role in how the Blue Devils' overall record will look. Now, it's not just about NC State, it's about where this game falls and who comes after. Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz watches from the sideline as they take on the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Duke purely beating NC State isn't much of a needle-mover in itself.