Lessons Learned from UNC football's demoralizing loss to Duke

Dumb, Dumb Football

Early in the second quarter, with the score tied at 7, UNC held Duke to 3rd & 14 at their own 14-yard line, then drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Jordan Larsen. That penalty pushed Duke's field goal attempt to 46 yards, which Todd Pelino pushed right.

Except Marcus Allen leaped at him, trying to block the kick, and instead plowed into Pelino's leg for a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down. Duke threw a touchdown pass to tight end Jeremiah Hasley on the very next play.

Going all out to try and make plays is a good thing, but you have to play under control. UNC had a chance to escape a tough period of defense, but instead fell behind seven, and from a macro level, had a three & out, Duke touchdown, another three & out, then a Duke field goal. That was a tough stretch.