Duke football looking for signature victory in disappointing season

The Duke football program is looking for its signature victory over North Carolina.

It has been a disappointing year for the Duke football program (2-5), but the Blue Devils will be looking for their signature win of the 2020 season on Saturday afternoon at home against North Carolina (4-2).

The Blue Devils lost last season to the Tar Heels in the most inexplicable way possible by attempting a trick play on the goal line only to throw an interception with running back Deon Jackson.

However, the Blue Devils are coming off of their second victory of the season, and the Tar Heels, who were once ranked in the Top-5 of the Associated Press Top-25 Poll this season, have stumbled as of late, losing two of their last three.

Unfortunately for Duke, the weakness of the Tar Heels is clearly their defense, and the Blue Devis’ offense certainly isn’t a strength for the team.

ALSO READ: Duke does not have to leave Durham until at least December

If Duke can create a constant rushing attack against North Carolina, there could be a chance David Cutcliffe’s team pulls off the upset at Wallace Wade Stadium.

In its two victories over Syracuse and Charlotte, Duke rushed for an average of 318.5 yards per game while in its two losses, North Carolina has given up an average of 225.5 yards per game.

Deon Jackson and Mataeo Durant have been the lead backs for the Blue Devils, and it will be up to them to try and keep the potent North Carolina offense off the field.

The Tar Heels, led by sophomore quarterback Sam Howell, have a multitude of weapons around him including running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams and wide receivers Dyami Brown, Beau Corrales, and Dazz Newsome.

ALSO READ: Duke coaching staff could be losing lead for five-star priority

Corrales has not played since October 17 in the Tar Heels’ loss to Florida State, and his status is still questionable entering Saturday afternoon.

Duke’s secondary will be challenged against North Carolina, and it will be up to the defensive line, the strongest aspect of the team, to try and make Howell uncomfortable in the pocket and force some uncharacteristic turnovers.

Kickoff is at 12:00pm EST in Durham, and the game can be seen on ESPN2.

PREDICTION: North Carolina 38, Duke 27