Duke Football: Blue Devils beat Carolina, keep Victory Bell

DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 10: The Duke Blue Devils celebrate after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 42-35 after their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 10: The Duke Blue Devils celebrate after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 42-35 after their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

It was a huge game for the Duke Football team and they responded after a big game last week with another stellar performance today.

If you like offense, than the first half of this game between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels was for you.

If you like defense and bad play calling, then the second half of this game was for you.

More from Ball Durham

The Blue Devils and the Tar Heels combined for 63 points in the first half as the Blue Devils led 35-28 at the break.

The second half was more of a struggle for both teams on the offensive end as both teams only scored seven points, however, it seemed that the Tar Heels has many more opportunities in the second half than the Blue Devils but their play calling was atrocious the entire half.

Despite the lack of offense in the second half there was still some major drama as North Carolina got the ball back with under a minute to go, down seven.

The Tar Heels were able to get down to the Duke 39 yard line with six seconds left.

The North Carolina ‘Hail Mary’ attempt was batted down the the Blue Devils held on to win 42-35 and maintained the Victory Bell for the third straight season.

Daniel Jones had a record breaking day, completing 31 of his 54 passes for 361 yards, three touchdowns and an interceptions, while he ran 15 times for 186 yards and a touchdown.

Deon Jackson also rushed for a touchdown along with 78 yards on the afternoon.

Jones was able to spread the wealth to his receiving corps, T.J. Rahming had nine receptions for 98 yards, while Chris Taylor caught four passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Johnathan Lloyd reeled in five passes for 65 yards, and Daniel Helm had two receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown.

Davis Koppenhaver had the other touchdown reception for the Blue Devils.

The Blue Devils are now 7-3 on the season and 3-3 in the ACC, but a major test is looming for Duke as they travel to Death Valley to take on the Clemson Tigers next Saturday. The time has yet to be announced for that game.