Duke Clipboard

INSIDE THE GAME

The total yards were about the same, as were the turnovers. Duke even got a defensive score on a 36-yard fumble return from Vincent Rey on Saturday against rival North Carolina, but lost 28-20 at Wallace Wade Stadium.

The reason? Coach David Cutcliffe blamed the Blue Devils' loss on its third-down defense. UNC converted 11 of 16 third-down opportunities, and keeping those drives going made all the difference. Part of Duke's problem was that the Tar Heels faced third-and-8 or longer just twice.

GAME BALLS

LB MICHAEL TAUILIILI: Despite a sprained left ankle, the senior made 20 tackles -- 2 1/2 were behind the line of scrimmage -- and intercepted a pass in his final game to make a strong case for first-team All-ACC honors.

PK JOE SURGAN: Booted a 55-yard field goal to cut Duke's deficit to 21-17 on the final play of the second quarter. This time, the Blue Devils' kickers were an asset rather then a liability in the rivalry game.

GREAT CALL

Duke offensive coordinator Kurt Roper came out throwing, which was a good idea against a North Carolina defense that is stout up the middle.

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, who was listed as questionable for the game because of a foot injury, threw on all five plays of Duke's opening drive, which ended in an 8-yard touchdown catch by Eron Riley.

After backup quarterback Zack Asack completed just two passes the week before at Virginia Tech, Lewis might have caught the Tar Heels at least a little off guard.

LOOKING AHEAD

Cutcliffe probably got the most he could out of this team, with four wins for the first time since 2003. But Duke simply needs better athletes; the only way to significantly improve this program is through recruiting.

"The biggest issue we have is to develop depth and strength and athleticism," Cutcliffe said.

Recruiting coordinator Zac Roper and the staff are off to an encouraging start from a speed standpoint in particular, with Durham Hillside running back Desmond Scott and Leesville Road cornerback Zach Greene having already committed to the Blue Devils.

"I can't wait to sell Duke," Cutcliffe said, "and we have so many things to sell."