Packed Koskinen watches victory

Duke's win over Virginia marked its seventh victory at Koskinen Stadium this year.

But few would argue that any other game had anywhere near the atmosphere and excitement of Saturday's.

The crowd of 3,211 people at Koskinen saw it on the field, as Duke's sideline erupted at any play-whether a score or simply a forced turnover-that went in its favor and argued vehemently when it did not.

It heard it during the game, when the pep band came out to play the familiar Blue Devil fight songs, and after the game, as the locker room erupted into pandemonium and celebration loud enough to be heard from the bleachers.

Add it up, and it was hard not to feel as if the surroundings had nothing to do with how Duke played.

Even those who weren't there to experience the win got to watch it on ESPN2, the Blue Devils' third game televised on one of the major ESPN networks this season and the first regular-season game ever televised on an ESPN network other than ESPNU.

"Since it's our first game in two weeks, every little play has everyone getting jacked up," attackman Justin Turri said.

Head coach John Danowski was especially appreciative of the large crowd and pep band, calling it "awesome" and one of his favorite aspects of the Duke community.

"One thing that has really impressed me in my time at Duke-I'm amazed by the school spirit," Danowski said. "It certainly made a difference today."

Of course, no major underdog victory is complete without a rushing of the field. And that's just what happened at the end, as about a dozen fans rushed onto the field to celebrate with the euphoric Blue Devils.

What few Virginia fans stuck around were serenaded to chants of "Overrated!" by the time less than a minute remained, coronating Duke's biggest win of the year with the crowd's most emphatic chant of the day.

It's no wonder, then, that Danowski was adamant the crowd made a difference-because, if nothing else, it certainly was impossible to ignore.

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