Warren Long lifts No. 23 Northwestern past Duke

DURHAM, N.C. -- Warren Long ran 55 yards for a touchdown and recovered a fumbled punt return late to help No. 23 Northwestern beat Duke 19-10 on Saturday.

Solomon Vault returned the opening kickoff of the second half 98 yards for the touchdown that put the Wildcats (3-0) ahead to stay.

Northwestern forced three turnovers and opened a season with three victories for the first time since 2013 -- also the last time the Wildcats were ranked.

Thomas Sirk had a 5-yard touchdown run for Duke (2-1), which trailed 12-10 early in the fourth quarter but forced Northwestern into a third-and-1 at its own 45.

Long took a handoff, burst untouched through the line and sprinted to the end zone to put the Wildcats up by nine with 12:31 remaining.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org