UNC Football Opponent Preview: Duke
Nov 20, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Bryon Fields (14) breaks up a pass to North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Bug Howard (84) in their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Keeping It Heel will preview all 12 opponents the North Carolina Tar Heels will face in the upcoming football season. Today, we continue with a preview of the Duke Blue Devils
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Last year’s 45-20 victory over Duke was probably the high point of the UNC football season. Carolina completely dominated the game, which actually wasn’t even as close as the lopsided final score would suggest. But you can be sure that Duke has circled the UNC game on the schedule and will be desperate to win back the Victory Bell. Both sides will have a lot to play for in this game. For Carolina, it is their homecoming game, and Kenan Stadium will surely be rocking. For the Blue Devils, they will be trying to avenge last year’s embarrassing loss but also trying to get revenge for the damage that UNC inflicted on the Devils’ visiting locker room. There will certainly be no shortage of story lines!
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Recent History
As I previously mentioned, Carolina absolutely smoked Duke last year, in what was probably their best game of the season. The two years before that, Duke’s best seasons in recent memory, Carolina lost two heart-breakers, 27-25 in 2013 and 33-30 in 2012. However, those two games have certainly been outliers. Carolina leads the series 43-22-1, and the Heels have won 22 of the last 25 meetings–the only other loss a 30-22 defeat in 2003. Though the Blue Devils have certainly been improving in recent years, this is a game that Carolina usually expects to win.
Player to Watch: Thomas Sirk
This year, Sirk will almost certainly be taking over the starting quarterback job from Anthony Boone, an all-ACC honorable mention last year. Boone will be a tough player to replace, and how well Sirk can fill his shoes will likely dictate how good Duke’s offense is this year. Boone accounted for nearly 60% of Duke’s offense last season, throwing for 2700 yards and adding 375 yards on the ground. He also was responsible for 24 touchdowns.
Nov 1, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Thomas Sirk will need to step-up for Duke this year. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Duke also lost another key offensive piece in leading-receiver Jamison Crowder, making it even harder for Sirk this year. Sirk has shown that he can be dangerous, and he led the team with 8 rushing touchdowns last season. But he has never goten consistent playing time at Duke and has thrown just 14 career passes. Sirk will have to step-up next season, and if Carolina can stop him, I don’t see how Duke can win this game.
Prediction
Neither Carolina nor Duke has high expectations coming into this season. But I still think that the Heels are a better team. I think Carolina enters the game energized and hopeful with a 6-2 record and gives the same kind of emotional performance they gave last year. Duke won’t roll over, but a raucous home crowd gives the Heels the edge they need in a 33-25 UNC victory.