Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Duke

Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Shaun Wilson (29) and running back Quay Mann (15) and running back Jela Duncan (25) celebrate with the victory bell after beating the North Carolina Tar Heels 28-27 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Daniel Jones (17) keeps the ball for a run in the second half of their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina Tar Heels played down to their competition

UNC’s basketball team has been characterized as playing down to their competition for years. One minute, they look like the best team in the nation.

Another minute, they struggle against a mediocre team.

This is how UNC’s football team looked on Thursday night against the Duke Blue Devils. Duke deserves credit, though. They fought hard throughout the game and did not give up.

Duke’s record is deceiving.

Although they had no ACC wins entering Thursday night’s game, they lost several games that were winnable.

North Carolina could easily be an undefeated team at this juncture in the season. There remains a chance for them to earn a berth in the ACC Championship if they win the rest of their games, in particular the game against N.C. State.

As long as the Tar Heels do not play down to their competition, then everything will be Carolina’s favor; as long as Virginia beats Virginia Tech on November 26, 2016.

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