The highly anticipated matchup between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils is set to kick off on Saturday, September 28, at 4 p.m. ET at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. This rivalry game marks the beginning of the ACC schedule for both teams and promises to be an exciting encounter.
Team Records and Recent Performances
The Duke Blue Devils enter this game with an impressive 4-0 record, looking to extend their undefeated streak. This is the first time since 1994, under coach Fred Goldsmith, that Duke has started the season with four consecutive wins. Coach Manny Diaz, who previously served as a defensive coordinator under Mack Brown at Texas, is off to a stellar start in his tenure at Duke.
On the other hand, the North Carolina Tar Heels are coming off a disappointing 70-50 loss to James Madison, which has left them with a 3-1 record. Despite this setback, the Tar Heels are looking to rebound and continue their dominance over Duke, having won the last five meetings between the two teams.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans can watch the game live on ESPN2, with Mike Monaco providing play-by-play commentary, Kirk Morrison as the color analyst, and Dawn Davenport reporting from the sidelines. For those preferring to stream, the game will be available on Fubo (with a free trial) and ESPN+.
Radio broadcasts will be available through the Tar Heel Sports Network, featuring Jones Angell, Bryn Renner, Joe Jauch, and Lee Pace, and the Blue Devil Sports Network from LEARFIELD, with David Shumate, Dave Harding, John Roth, and Jeff Hamlin.
Series History and Stakes
The all-time series record favors the Tar Heels, with UNC leading 66-40-4. The last meeting between the two teams saw UNC win 47-45 in double overtime in 2023. A win for the Tar Heels would mark their sixth consecutive victory over Duke and give them a 4-1 start or better for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Key Players and Statistics
The Tar Heels have several standout players, including quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who threw for 475 yards and three touchdowns against James Madison, the third most yards in a single game by a Tar Heel. Running back Omarion Hampton has rushed for over 100 yards in three of the first four games, ranking him third in the nation with 555 rushing yards.
Linebacker Power Echols has eclipsed the 250 tackle mark for his career, and kicker Noah Burnette is now 6-of-7 on field goals this season, tying him for fifth all-time at UNC with 40 made field goals.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Duke is favored by 2.5 points, with the over/under set at 56 points. The money line odds are UNC +120 and Duke -145. Despite Duke's strong defensive performance, allowing just 15.3 points per game, some predictions lean towards the Tar Heels due to their historical dominance in the series and the potential for a strong rebound after their last game.
Additional Events and Celebrations
This game coincides with Duke University's Centennial Founders' Day and Homecoming celebrations. Various activities, including a panel discussion featuring Duke's current and former presidents, the dedication of the George and George-Frank Wall Center for Student Life, and a Founders' Day Celebration and Concert, will take place around the campus.
Weather and Game Conditions
The weather forecast for the game indicates a high of 82 degrees, with temperatures expected to be around 79 degrees at kickoff under sunny skies. Wind speeds will be moderate, ranging from 3-7 mph with gusts up to 17 mph.
As the Tar Heels and Blue Devils prepare to clash, the stage is set for an intense and competitive game that will determine which team will claim the Victory Bell and start their ACC schedule on a high note.
