The University of North Carolina’s football team has officially been eliminated from bowl contention following a narrow loss to rival Duke University on November 25, 2023. In a dramatic finish, Duke secured a 32-25 victory, denying head coach Bill Belichick a postseason berth in his inaugural season at the college level.
With just 2:18 left in the game, Anderson Castle scored a crucial 1-yard touchdown, a play set up by a daring fake field goal. This unexpected move, executed by Duke’s holder Kade Reynoldson, saw him pass the ball to kicker Todd Pelino, who sprinted for 26 yards to the UNC 1-yard line. Castle then capped off the drive with his third 1-yard touchdown of the game. The Blue Devils’ effective two-point conversion by Darian Mensah to Nate Sheppard extended their lead to seven points, sealing the win.
The victory improved Duke’s record to 6-5 overall, making them bowl eligible for the second consecutive year. Coach Manny Diaz expressed pride in his team’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, stating, “It’s two years in a row that when it came down to winning time at the end of the game in this fixture, that the Duke guys were the ones making the plays in clutch time.”
For the Tar Heels, who fell to 4-7, the loss marked a disappointing end to their bowl aspirations. Gio Lopez contributed significantly, throwing and running for a touchdown, while teammate Davion Gause also found the end zone. Despite a late attempt to rally, UNC could not convert on their final possession, with Lopez’s fourth-down pass falling incomplete with just over a minute left on the clock.
Belichick noted the team’s struggles throughout the game, highlighting, “Just made too many mistakes, too many bad plays, obviously too many penalties. So that’s about the story. Really not a lot to add to that.” The Tar Heels committed 12 penalties for a total of 103 yards, a stark contrast to Duke’s more disciplined performance, which saw them penalized only three times for 27 yards.
The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Duke initially taking a commanding 24-10 lead. Despite some setbacks, they managed to reclaim control in the final moments. This victory marked Duke’s second consecutive win over UNC, a feat they have accomplished only three times since 1990.
As the season comes to a close, Duke will host Wake Forest next Saturday, while UNC faces another rivalry game against N.C. State.
The implications of this match extend beyond just the scoreboard; it reflects the challenges Belichick faces in transitioning from the NFL to college football. His experience in professional coaching will undoubtedly influence his approach moving forward, as he aims to build a competitive program at UNC.
