The Duke Blue Devils (6-3) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (7-2) are set to face off in a highly anticipated ACC showdown. With both teams looking to bounce back from recent struggles, this game could be a turning point in their seasons. The Tar Heels, coming off a resounding 52-point victory against Campbell, are hoping to carry that momentum into this game, while the Blue Devils aim to recover from a string of injuries and disappointing performances.
Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Odds
Moneyline: Duke Blue Devils +500 (BetRivers) / North Carolina Tar Heels -650 (BetMGM)
Spread: -14.0 – Duke Blue Devils -112 (BetRivers) / North Carolina Tar Heels -110 (BetRivers)
Total: 50.5 / -109 (BetRivers) / -110 (PointsBet)
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
- On the road, Duke Blue Devils are 1 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Duke Blue Devils are 4 and 5.
- Against the spread on the road, Duke Blue Devils are 1 and 2.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends
- At home, North Carolina Tar Heels are 5 and 1 this season.
- Against the spread this season, North Carolina Tar Heels are 5 and 3.
- Against the spread at home, North Carolina Tar Heels are 4 and 2.
Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Predictions
The Tar Heels have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, with a strong start followed by a series of disappointing performances. However, their recent 52-point victory against Campbell could be the confidence boost they need to get back on track. The Tar Heels’ offense, led by future first-rounder QB Drake Maye, ranks 3rd in FBS with 518.8 yards per game and 14th in passing efficiency. Their defense, which ranks top 10 in turnovers forced this season, will be a significant challenge for the Blue Devils.
On the other hand, the Blue Devils have been dealing with a series of setbacks, including injuries to key players. QB Riley Leonard will be out again this week, leaving backup Grayson Loftis to lead the offense. Despite these challenges, Duke’s defense has shown resilience and could pose a threat to the Tar Heels’ high-powered offense. However, Duke’s run-first offense may struggle to keep up with the big-play potential of the Tar Heels, who rank top 5 in plays over 40 yards this season and 3rd in plays over 50 yards.
The key matchup to watch in this game will be the Tar Heels’ potent offense against the Blue Devils’ sturdy defense. If Duke can slow down the Tar Heels’ offensive juggernaut and find a way to generate points against a strong UNC defense, they could pull off an upset. However, if the Tar Heels can exploit Duke’s injury-riddled lineup and continue their offensive dominance, they should be able to secure a victory.
Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Picks
The North Carolina Tar Heels have shown a strong offensive performance this season, ranking 3rd in FBS with 518.8 yards per game and 14th in passing efficiency. Their recent 52-point victory against Campbell demonstrates their ability to dominate on the field, especially with future first-rounder QB Drake Maye leading the charge. Additionally, their defense ranks top 10 in turnovers forced this season, which could pose a significant challenge for the Duke Blue Devils, especially with their starting QB Riley Leonard out due to injury.
On the other hand, the Duke Blue Devils, despite their resilient defense, have been dealing with a series of setbacks, including injuries to key players. Their run-first offense may struggle to keep up with the big-play potential of the Tar Heels. Furthermore, the Tar Heels have a strong track record at home this season with a 5-1 record, and they are 4-2 against the spread at home. Given these factors, the pick for this game would be the North Carolina Tar Heels against the Spread.
The Pick: North Carolina Tar Heels -14 (BetRivers)