UNC Football vs. Duke staff predictions
The North Carolina Tar Heels return to the field on Saturday night hosting rival Duke in the 2023 home finale. The program will honor seniors before the game and the hope is that this team can send off the seniors on a positive note.
This game begins a tough three-game stretch to close out the regular season as they will head on the road to face off against Clemson and NC State the next two weeks. With a 7-2 record, there is still things to play for despite the ACC title game being a long shot.
Getting to a big bowl game should be the goal but will require some help in the form of Louisville losing at least once.
But first things first, the Tar Heels need to take care of business against Duke and keep their win streak alive in this rivalry.
Zack Pearson
Prediction: UNC 31, Duke 21
Record: 6-3
The Tar Heels are going up against a third-string quarterback, which has been an issue for them in the past. But this time they figure it out and get a big win in what should be Drake Maye’s final game in Kenan Stadium.
Richard Adkins
Prediction: UNC 42, Duke 21
Record: 7-2
There’s a saying at UNC, that no matter the season outcome, as long as the Tar Heels beat Duke. Earlier this season, the Duke vs UNC game had so many possibilities, with both programs striving. But after stunning defeats, the added juice to this game is lost, with not even a ticket to the ACC championship going to the winner. Instead, the victory bell and a notable bowl game. The pressure drop is why UNC will dominate in this one. They take on a backup QB who barely got the Devils to the win column against 4-5 Wake Forest.
Aidan Jensen
Prediction: UNC 34, Duke 10
Record: 8-1
Carolina has a golden chance to extend their winning streak in the UNC Duke rivalry. The Tar Heels are coming off an absolute domination of Campbell university last weekend, and they have a healthy roster across-the-board. Duke has lost its starting quarterback Riley, Leonard, for the season, and they have not worked great on office since losing him. They didn’t work great before he was injured. Zhuk is not the same team they wore that upset Clemson. Carolina is also not the same team that started at six I know. It’ll be tough to move the ball against Duke’s stellar defense, but UNC will send its seniors out with a bang.
