UNC vs Duke odds, players to watch and top story lines in ACC Coastal rivalry matchup
North Carolina hopes to avoid its first ACC loss as it takes on rival Duke for the Victory Bell on Saturday. For the first time in a while, the game could have implications in the ACC Coastal Division race.
The Tar Heels (5-1, 2-0 ACC) have an early lead in the Coastal as the lone unbeaten team in league play. A win would officially make Carolina bowl eligible. The Blue Devils (4-2, 1-1) fell short in their chance to make this game for sole possession of first place after losing to Georgia Tech 23-20 in overtime last week.
Since returning to Chapel Hill in 2019, UNC coach Mack Brown has not lost to Miami or the Blue Devils. He kept that record unblemished with Saturday’s win against the Hurricanes. Now, for the second time in as many games, Brown and the Heels will face a first-year coach.
Duke’s Mike Elko has instilled a toughness in the program, which has been one of the biggest surprises in the ACC. The Blue Devils could keep the Coastal chaotic with a win that would create a three-way tie — with Georgia Tech — for first place.
Long marches
Carolina now has four scoring drives of 90 yards or more thanks to a pair of successful attempts against Miami. The Heels had a 99-yard touchdown drive and a separate one of 95 yards within their first three possessions against the Canes.
Field position alone doesn’t hurt UNC with quarterback Drake Maye under center. Because more often than not this season, he’s been able to reverse it on an opponent.
Carolina’s other long marches were 94 yards against Virginia Tech and a 92-yard drive in the fourth quarter against Georgia State.
Something’s gotta give
It’s a small sample size, but Duke is averaging just 132 passing yards in its two conference games. That ranks last in the ACC in league-play only.
Carolina’s pass defense, also in just two games, ranks last in the league having allowed an average of 335 passing yards. That includes giving up 496 yards in the win over Miami.
The Blue Devils have been a run-heavy offense this season. Quarterback Riley Leonard has only thrown for more than 300 yards twice this season. (By contrast, Maye has only been held under 300 yards twice — 294 yards against Florida A&M and 284 yards against Georgia State.)
If the Heels are able to stop the run like they did in allowing Virginia Tech 99 rushing yards and Miami just 41 rushing yards, can Leonard make enough plays to beat them through the air?
Three Duke players to watch
Riley Leonard, QB: Had a rough outing in the loss to Georgia Tech, attempting a career-high 42 passes, but only completing 20 for 136 yards. Leonard has thrown only one interception in his last 100 attempts. Carolina is particularly concerned with his ability to scramble and extend plays.
DeWayne Carter, DT: Recorded a career-high six solo tackles against Georgia Tech. Has slowly improved in each of his four seasons to where he’s grading out at a career-best, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jordan Moore, WR: With leading receiver Jalon Calhoun injured, Leonard targeted Moore on 16 of his passing attempts against Georgia Tech. He only caught three for 22 yards, but could again find himself as the go-to receiver for Duke without Calhoun.
Three UNC players to watch
Drake Maye, QB: Duke amounts to somewhat of a bounce back game for Maye. He set a pretty high bar for himself during the first five games. He showed signs of being a mere mortal against Miami by throwing two interceptions.
DeAndre Boykins, CB: The UNC nickelback, otherwise known as the star position, is quietly developing into a playmaker. Boykins had a crucial fourth down sack and added the game-clinching interception against the Canes.
Caleb Hood, RB: Hood made his second straight start at running back and turned in a solid performance. He led the Heels with 74 yards rushing in their win over Miami. The sophomore, who converted from being a high school quarterback, is starting to come into this own.
Vegas betting odds
The Tar Heels are a 5.5-point favorite, according to VegasInsider.com’s consensus line.
UNC at Duke game and TV info
Who: UNC (5-1, 2-0) vs. Duke (4-2, 1-1)
Where: Wallace-Wade Stadium, Durham
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
TV: ACC Network
Stream: ESPN+
