Preview: Duke at North Carolina

TUDOR'S TAKE

Can the Blue Devils (5-3, 3-1 ACC) duplicate the passing strategy Florida State used so effectively for one half on Oct. 22 against the Tar Heels (5-3, 1-3)?

If so, Duke can extend the most remarkable recovery in college football. The key is providing Thaddeus Lewis with the same 3-4 seconds of pocket protection that FSU gave Christian Ponder. The problem is that Carolina's defensive linemen and linebackers know that, too.

The home field and defense favor the Heels, but for some reason the Devils seem due. Duke 21-17.

OBSERVATIONS

Lopsided battle

North Carolina has owned this rivalry series the last two decades. The Tar Heels lead the all-time series 55-36-4 but have won 18 of the past 19 games, including five in a row. Duke last won in Chapel Hill in 2003, a 30-22 victory.

Bowl trip at stake?

Today's game comes at a crucial juncture in the season for both teams. Duke, winner of three consecutive ACC contests, needs two more wins from its remaining four-game schedule to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1994-95. North Carolina also needs two victories to qualify for a bowl.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Thaddeus Lewis

Duke, SR., QB, 6-1, 215

He leads an offense averaging 400.4 yards per game this season (4th-best in the ACC). He owns the school career record for touchdown passes with 62. With four college games remaining, he is 18 attempts, 29 completions, 564 passing yards and 274 yards of total offense shy of his school's career records.

BY THE NUMBERS

Latest Comment View all comments

Images