Prediction, Game Preview, and Odds for North Carolina vs. Duke

Things are getting a lot more interesting now.

When North Carolina played James Madison, they were expected to be 4-0. Instead, they lost 70–50, but the defense played like they had eight guys on the field. It could have been even worse. All of that changes now, though, with the first ACC game in Durham.

The first four games under Manny Diaz have been pretty good for Duke. They beat Northwestern in Evanston in a nail-biter. If they win, it will be the first 5-0 start since 1994.

North Carolina vs Duke Preview

North Carolina vs Duke How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC
How to Watch: ESPN2
Duke (4-0), North Carolina (3-1)

Why North Carolina Will Win

There was some good in all of THAT. The attack was great.

The offense had a season-high 616 yards and moved the ball however it wanted for the third straight game in the crazy loss to James Madison. The defense may not have done anything.

This is not a very strong attack build to keep up in firefights, but Duke’s offense just got going against Middle Tennessee. There were four things that made it roll last week.

If North Carolina does not turn the ball over five times like they did against JMU, everything should be fine, but…

Why Duke Will Win

The Tar Heels’ defense needs a lot of work.

All of Duke’s mistakes on offense did not help, but neither did the defense, which gave up 611 yards to the James Madison version of Duke’s offense and has been terrible against teams trying to throw the ball middle. There is a chance that the Blue Devils really did find their footing.

It has been great having Maalik Murphy. During the four games, the quarterback transfer from Texas has made an interception in each one, but not two. He has been very steady.

Everything will be fine as long as you hit 65% of your passes for about 220 yards.

North Carolina vs Duke: Who Will Win

This is the first time this season that Duke has played an attack, and it will be tough.

The North Carolina defense will not be great again a week after it failed, but it will be a little better. At the same time, Duke will have to press because of the offensive balance and pop. It will go on for a while, but not for four quarters.