Lessons Learned from UNC football's demoralizing loss to Duke

Getting stops on fourth down

Duke was able to extend drives and punish UNC's defense because of how good they were on fourth down. The Blue Devils converted 5/6 fourth-down attempts, including an absolutely back-breaking 4th & 7 from UNC's 42-yard line in the fourth quarter, when Carolina was clinging to a one-point lead.

That drive was eventually punctuated by a fake field goal attempt on yet another fourth down that saw Todd Pelino run to UNC's one yard line. Anderson Castle punched it in for his third and final touchdown.

UNC's defense was improved from the early-season blowouts, but it still wasn't stout enough to stop Duke when it mattered. Manny Diaz was willing to gamble because he didn't respect the Tar Heels enough to keep him from going for it outside the red zone.

UNC's defense was also penalized multiple times for too many men on the field when they tried to substitute when Duke got first downs but kept their personnel on the field. Repeating this error is the sign of an unprepared team or one that cannot adjust in-game. Either choice is a poor one.