CHAPEL HILL – Drake Maye’s quarterback keeper for a touchdown and successful two-point conversion pass made the difference as the #24 North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the visiting Duke Blue Devils in 2OT on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium. The Blue Devils had a chance to tie the game after Grayson Loftis hit Jordan Moore for a touchdown in the overtime period, but the two-point conversion pass was overthrown, and the Tar Heels faithful rushed the field in celebration of a big win over their rivals from Durham.

How it Happened:

The game kicked off with the North Carolina Tar Heels taking an early lead in the first quarter, with Drake Maye rushing for a touchdown and Noah Burnette adding a field goal. The Tar Heels continued their momentum into the second quarter with another field goal from Burnette. However, the Duke Blue Devils responded with a touchdown pass from Grayson Loftis to Jordan Moore and a rushing touchdown from Loftis himself, taking a brief lead. The Tar Heels managed to regain the lead just before halftime with another field goal from Burnette.

In the second half, the Tar Heels extended their lead with another field goal from Burnette in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with the Blue Devils’ Jordan Waters rushing for two touchdowns and the Tar Heels’ Omarion Hampton and Bryson Nesbit each scoring a touchdown. The Tar Heels managed to tie the game at the end of regulation with a field goal from Burnette. In overtime, both teams scored a field goal in the first round. In the second round, the Tar Heels scored a touchdown thanks to a rush from Maye, but the Blue Devils could only manage a touchdown, giving the Tar Heels a 47-45 victory.

Offensive Showdown:

The offensive prowess of both teams was on full display, with the Tar Heels amassing 537 total yards compared to Duke’s 379. North Carolina’s quarterback, Drake Maye, played a pivotal role, completing 28 of 43 passes for 342 yards and one touchdown. Maye also demonstrated his versatility with two rushing touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Tar Heels’ offensive strategy.

Maye’s favorite targets included Devontez Walker, who racked up an impressive 162 receiving yards, and Bryson Nesbit, who secured a touchdown with a 15-yard reception. On the rushing front, Omarion Hampton led the Tar Heels with 169 yards and a crucial touchdown, showcasing the team’s multifaceted offensive approach.

Duke’s Grayson Loftis answered with a solid performance, completing 16 of 28 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Moore was Loftis’s go-to receiver, notching three touchdown receptions and accumulating 88 receiving yards. Jordan Waters contributed significantly on the ground for Duke with two rushing touchdowns.

Defensive Struggles and Triumphs:

While the game was marked by offensive fireworks, both teams faced challenges on the defensive end. North Carolina’s Cedric Gray and Don Chapman made significant impacts, with Chapman registering a sack and Gray contributing 11 total tackles. The Tar Heels’ defense managed three sacks and six tackles for loss, disrupting Duke’s offensive rhythm at crucial moments.

Duke’s Tre Freeman led the defensive efforts with 14 total tackles, a sack, and 1.5 tackles for loss. Despite the defensive challenges, the Blue Devils’ Chandler Rivers made a critical interception, giving the ball back to the Blue Devils in the red zone and leading to Duke’s second touchdown.

The Takeaway:

North Carolina’s hopes of making the ACC title game are still alive with this win. The Tar Heels (8-2, 4-2) are a game behind Louisville with two weeks left to go in the regular season, but the road to Charlotte will be difficult with road matchups against Clemson and NC State left on the docket. Duke (6-4, 3-3) stays on the road next week at Virginia before returning home to face Pitt in the regular season finale.

In what promises to be an electrifying clash, Duke and North Carolina are set to renew their age-old rivalry in the 110th meeting, with the iconic Victory Bell hanging in the balance. The game, scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m., will be broadcast live on ACC Network, amplifying the excitement for fans eagerly anticipating this gridiron showdown. The Tar Heels hold the historical edge in the series at 64-41-4, but recent encounters between the two teams have been nothing short of nail-biting. In the last meeting on October 15, 2022, fans witnessed a thrilling spectacle as Duke and North Carolina combined for a staggering 1,078 yards and seven lead changes. The Tar Heels ultimately secured a dramatic 38-35 victory with a go-ahead touchdown just 16 seconds before the final whistle, leaving Blue Devils fans stunned. Duke’s last triumph over North Carolina dates back to November 10, 2018, a memorable day when quarterback Daniel Jones set school records en route to a 42-35 victory. The Battle for the Victory Bell traces its roots back to 1948 when North Carolina claimed possession following a 20-0 win. The concept was born from the minds of the head cheerleaders from Duke and North Carolina, Loring Jones and Norman Sper, respectively. With Jones designing the model and Sper acquiring a bell from an old railroad train, Red Lewis, Duke’s business manager, found the funds to bring the idea to life.

Duke heads into this clash as the underdog, facing its fifth nationally-ranked opponent this season. The Blue Devils are 1-3 against Top-25 foes, with all three losses coming in hard-fought battles. However, they boast a potent offense, ranking sixth in the ACC with an average of 5.84 yards per play. The team’s resilience is evident, being one of only three schools nationally with all three losses against Top-25 opponents. Leading Duke’s defensive charge is redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman, who sits sixth in the ACC with 71 tackles this season. Freeman has been a force in recent games, compiling impressive statistics over the last five outings. Senior defensive end Ryan Smith, fresh off ACC Player of the Week honors, adds depth to the Blue Devils’ defensive prowess. On the flip side, North Carolina enters the contest with momentum, having secured a victory against Campbell after two midseason losses. The Tar Heels, under the leadership of Mack Brown, have dominated recent matchups, winning the last four encounters with Duke. They’ve been formidable as a ranked team, boasting a 57-24 record under Brown. Running back Hampton has been a standout for the Tar Heels, rushing for 100 yards in four consecutive games. Last week, he reached the 1,000-yard mark in just nine games, a feat not achieved since Giovani Bernard in 2012. The Tar Heels have been prolific in the red zone, scoring 37 times in 42 drives this season.

NC State vs. Wake Forest: In a clash that transcends time, NC State and Wake Forest are set to renew their historic rivalry in the 117th meeting between the two squads, making it the longest-continuous rivalry in the ACC and the second-longest in the FBS. With NC State holding a 68-42-6 advantage in their 132 years of football history, this matchup is steeped in tradition and carries significant weight for both teams. Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren, now the winningest coach in school history, leads a formidable squad into this contest. Linebacker Payton Wilson, a force on the field, leads the ACC in tackles and has been named the Butkus National LB of the Month. True freshman receiver KC Concepcion, a standout rookie, has made history by becoming the first true freshman in school history to achieve two 100+ yard games in a season and record six touchdown receptions. With a strong defense ranking in the top 20 nationally in multiple categories, the Wolfpack aims to extend its impressive record in Carter-Finley Stadium, having won 20 of the last 23 games at home. This matchup promises not only a battle for supremacy on the field but also a continuation of a rivalry that has withstood the test of time, dating back to the teams’ first encounter in 1895 when NC State was known as The North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The Wolfpack and the Demon Deacons are set to create yet another chapter in the storied history of the ACC’s longest-continuous rivalry.

Delaware vs. Campbell: In a thrilling culmination of their 2023 home campaign, Campbell University’s Fighting Camels (4-5, 3-3 CAA) are gearing up to face the formidable No. 8 Delaware Blue Hens (7-2, 5-1 CAA) on Saturday, November 11, at Barker-Lane Stadium. As the season nears its end, the Fighting Camels will honor Military Appreciation Day and Senior Day, recognizing 25 seniors before their last home game. Despite a challenging matchup against FBS North Carolina last week, Campbell boasts the 25th-ranked scoring offense in FCS, averaging 31.2 points per game. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, with a remarkable 73.4 percent completion rate, leads a dynamic offense that includes standout receivers Jalen Kelsey and VJ Wilkins. On the defensive front, CJ Tillman and Monchovia Gaffney spearhead the efforts with 82 and 58 tackles, respectively. Facing the Blue Hens for the first time, Campbell anticipates a fierce battle against a Delaware team coming off their lone CAA loss. Delaware’s quarterback Ryan O’Connor and rusher Marcus Yarns pose significant threats, setting the stage for an intense clash that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both teams’ seasons. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m., promising an exciting spectacle for fans at Barker-Lane Stadium.

As the fall season ushers in a crisp chill to the air, the stage is set for a classic showdown in college football. On Saturday, the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears and the Wingate Bulldogs will renew their age-old rivalry in a game that promises high stakes and gridiron drama. For most seasons, Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate meet at the end of the season with much on the line, and this year's matchup is no different. With a win on Saturday, the Bears can secure a spot in the SAC (South Atlantic Conference) Championship Game on November 11 and earn at least a share of the Piedmont Division championship for the second consecutive season. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, still have a chance to grab a share of the Piedmont Division title, but they need a win against Lenoir-Rhyne to keep their hopes alive. Wingate is looking to play spoiler and replicate last year's upset when they defeated Lenoir-Rhyne 24-21 in Hickory. On October 29, 2022, Shaw Crocker connected with Trevor Grant for a 10-yard touchdown with 4:29 left, sealing the game with a game-clinching score.

In what promises to be a defensive battle, both teams boast two of the top defenses in Division II football. Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game with the nation's second-ranked scoring defense, allowing a mere 8.5 points per game, with almost every opponent being held to 10 points or fewer. Wingate's defense is equally formidable, conceding just 13.6 points per game, earning them the seventh spot in Division II rankings. In terms of yardage, Wingate allows 256.5 yards per game, ranking 14th nationally, while Lenoir-Rhyne is just as impressive, allowing 207.6 yards per game, placing them fourth. National recognition has also come Lenoir-Rhyne's way, as they are currently ranked at No. 7 in both the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) national poll and the D2Football.com poll. This marks the 34th time in the NCAA era that the Bears have earned a top-10 ranking. The Bears boast an impressive 55-12 record when playing as a nationally ranked team, with a 25-6 record on the road as a ranked squad.

The Lenoir-Rhyne-Wingate rivalry extends back over a decade, with both teams being consistent powerhouses in the South Atlantic Conference. Since 2010, these two institutions have dominated in overall wins, SAC wins, NCAA appearances, NCAA wins, and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winners. Furthermore, they have excelled in producing academic All-Americans. Lenoir-Rhyne holds 105 overall wins since the 2010 season, while Wingate has secured 97. In SAC play, the Bears lead with 75 victories, while the Bulldogs have 64. Lenoir-Rhyne has made six NCAA playoff appearances with eight wins, while Wingate has five appearances with four wins. This game will mark the 39th all-time meeting between these two programs, with Lenoir-Rhyne leading the series 24-14. The Bears had a five-game winning streak against Wingate before last year's 24-21 defeat. The last loss for Lenoir-Rhyne at Wingate was a lopsided 49-6 defeat in 2016. Lenoir-Rhyne has won the past three matchups at Irwin Belk Stadium, with the last two victories coming by a combined 48 points. As the Bears and Bulldogs prepare to step onto the gridiron once again, fans can expect a fiercely competitive matchup with historic implications. With defensive prowess, national rankings, and a rich history between these teams, this renewal of the Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate rivalry promises to be a must-watch event for college football enthusiasts.

Duke at Louisville: In an upcoming college football showdown, No. 20 Duke is set to face off against No. 18 Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and ESPN broadcasting the game live. This marks the fourth meeting between the two schools, with Louisville currently leading the series 3-0, including a resounding 62-22 victory in their last encounter in 2021. Notably, this game is the first time both programs are nationally ranked when they face off. Duke has had a challenging schedule this season, taking on its fourth nationally-ranked opponent in eight games, and they hold a 1-2 record against top-25 teams. The Blue Devils also face back-to-back top-20 opponents for the first time since 2013. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has excelled in the turnover battle, accumulating 129 points from turnovers in 20 games. Coach Elko's record at Duke is an impressive 14-6 in his first 20 games, making it the second-best start for a head coach in the school's history. Duke's football team stands out in the ACC, ranking highly in both scoring offense and defense. Graduate running back Jordan Waters has been a scoring machine, and redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman leads the team in tackles, making significant contributions. The upcoming clash between Duke and Louisville promises an exciting contest between two nationally ranked teams, setting the stage for an action-packed game that college football fans won't want to miss.

DURHAM – The No. 17 Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 2-0) delivered an impressive performance at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday night, sealing a commanding 24-3 victory over the NC State Wolfpack (4-3, 1-2). Duke's defense shone brightly, allowing just three points, marking the fewest points scored by NC State since 2014. This ACC clash was characterized by explosive plays, defensive prowess, and a young quarterback's promising debut.

The game began with NC State taking an early lead, as Brayden Narveson drilled a career-long 57-yard field goal on the Wolfpack's opening possession. This kick set a new program record for the longest field goal, surpassing Damon Hartman's 56-yard mark from 1990.

Duke quickly responded with a two-play, 90-yard drive that saw redshirt freshman Henry Belin IV connect with redshirt senior Jalon Calhoun for a stunning 69-yard touchdown reception. This play gave the Blue Devils a lead they wouldn't relinquish, making it 7-3 with 6:26 left in the first quarter.

Before heading into halftime, Duke extended their lead to 17-3 with a career-long 52-yard field goal from Todd Pelino and an eight-yard touchdown reception by Jeremiah Hasley, his first career score. The defensive dominance displayed by the Blue Devils was evident, limiting the Wolfpack to just a single field goal.

In the second half, graduate Jordan Waters made a significant impact by rumbling for an impressive 83-yard touchdown run, securing the win for Duke with a final score of 24-3. This run tied for the third-longest touchdown in program history.

The standout performance was not limited to the offense. The Blue Devil defense recorded a season-high four sacks and eight tackles for loss, holding NC State to its fewest points scored in an ACC game since 2008.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman was a force to be reckoned with, tallying a career-high 15 tackles and claiming his first career interception. The last Duke player to record 15 or more tackles in a game was Shaka Heyward in 2021.

With this victory, Duke maintained their unblemished record in ACC play, setting up an exciting matchup against unbeaten and No. 4 ranked Florida State on October 21. The Seminoles are coming off a dominant 41-3 win over Syracuse, promising another thrilling showdown in the weeks to come.

Duke and NC State Set to Renew Rivalry: A Look at the Upcoming Clash

The anticipation is building for the 84th installment of the Duke-NC State football rivalry, set to take place this Saturday night at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Both teams are gearing up for a classic battle that promises to be memorable for fans of both sides. The history between these two ACC charter members dates back nearly a century, with Duke holding a narrow lead in the series, 41-37-5. However, recent history has favored the Wolfpack, with NC State boasting a 15-3 record against the Blue Devils since 1990. The most remarkable stretch for the Wolfpack came between 1994 and 2008 when they enjoyed an 11-game winning streak. The proximity of the two stadiums, a mere 22 miles apart, adds to the intensity of the rivalry. It's a game where bragging rights are not the only things at stake.

Dave Doeren, in his 11th year as head coach for the Wolfpack, has seen limited action against the Blue Devils. In his inaugural season in 2018, Duke emerged victorious in a 38-20 victory in Durham. In 2020, the Pack won 31-20 in a home game at Carter-Finley Stadium. This weekend's clash will mark just the third meeting between these teams during Doeren's tenure. The Wolfpack is currently making waves in college football under Coach Doeren. Notably, they lead the ACC in third-down conversion defense, boasting an impressive .293 success rate, which ranks 14th in the entire FBS. Dave Doeren is also on the verge of tying the school record for coaching victories, and a win in this rivalry game could put him in the history books.

NC State is also demonstrating its prowess in the red zone, going 12-for-12 inside the 10-yard line this season, with 11 touchdowns and one field goal. True freshman receiver KC Concepcion is making waves, accounting for 28% of the Wolfpack's receptions and becoming the first true freshman in school history to record two 100+ yard games in a season. In the last outing, quarterback MJ Morris made a significant impact with a career-best four touchdowns and 265 passing yards, despite it being only his third career start. Running back Delbert Mimms has been impressive too, ranking sixth in the ACC and 24th nationally with six rushing touchdowns, which is two more than any Pack player had in all of 2022.

The Wolfpack's defense has been no slouch either, ranking 11th in the FBS in team sacks, thanks to reserve defensive end Red Hibbler. However, they have been dealing with the loss of two of their top four safeties for the season, which poses a challenge for their defensive unit. Linebacker Payton Wilson is having an incredible season, leading the ACC in tackles with an average of 11.7 per game, which is the fourth-best in the FBS. He was named the Butkus National LB of the Month for September and has earned ACC LB of the Week honors three times already this year. 

On the other side of the rivalry, Duke is coming off a strong start to the season, with a 4-1 record. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has won the turnover battle in 12 of their last 18 games, leading to 115 points off those turnovers. Elko's record through his first 18 games is the best start to a head coaching stint in school history. 

This year's Blue Devils rank highly in both scoring offense and defense within the ACC. Their scoring offense ranks 6th with an average of 32.6 points per game, while their defense is leading the conference, allowing a mere 11.2 points per game. They are one of only two ACC schools averaging 30.0 points per game and allowing just 15.0 points per outing, with Miami being the other school achieving these impressive numbers.

All eyes are now set on Saturday night as these two longstanding rivals prepare for another intense and highly anticipated battle. The history, the records, and the proximity between the stadiums all contribute to making this a must-watch ACC matchup. The kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be televised live by ACC Network.

Saturday Showdown: Barton Bulldogs Face Undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in Crucial SAC Matchup

This Saturday, the college football world's attention turns to Moretz Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina, as the Barton Bulldogs prepare to take on the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in a highly anticipated SAC matchup. The clash will feature the two teams with the best overall records in the conference, setting the stage for a thrilling battle on the gridiron.

The Bears, currently boasting a perfect 6-0 record, will put their unblemished mark on the line as they aim to continue their remarkable winning streak. Not only are they on an eight-game winning streak, but their six consecutive victories in 2023 have propelled them to a strong position in the South Atlantic Conference.

Lurking just one game behind the Bears in the SAC standings is the Barton Bulldogs, who bring a commendable 5-1 record to Moretz Stadium. Their lone loss this season came at the hands of Mars Hill, but they are determined to make a statement and potentially seize the driver's seat in the conference with a win and the tiebreaker over Lenoir-Rhyne.

A win for the Bears would take them a significant step closer to clinching the Piedmont Division Championship, but the Bulldogs are poised to disrupt those plans with their strong performance this season.

The matchup is filled with intriguing storylines and streaks on the line. Lenoir-Rhyne has not only won its last six games but also the final two games of the 2022 season, which makes for an impressive eight-game winning streak. This streak currently ties them for the second-longest in all of NCAA Division II, with only Harding boasting a longer streak of 10 consecutive victories. Western Colorado, like the Bears, has also won eight straight.

Moreover, the 2023 season marks just the third time since 1970 that Lenoir-Rhyne has started with a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing their consistency and dominance on the field. Previous seasons with such a strong start came in 2014 and 2019.

Adding to the anticipation, Lenoir-Rhyne has a perfect 12-0 record against Barton in their history, a record that the Bulldogs are surely eager to change. This long-standing dominance has also translated into a seven-game winning streak in conference play, which ranks eighth in NCAA Division II.

In national rankings, Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game ranked No. 12 in the AFCA national poll and No. 13 in the d2football.com poll. The Bears have historically performed well when nationally ranked, with a record of 53-12.

At Moretz Stadium, their home field, the Bears have been particularly formidable when ranked, boasting a record of 29-5. This bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming game.

As the stage is set for this Saturday's showdown between the Barton Bulldogs and the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears, college football fans are in for an exciting clash that could have a significant impact on the South Atlantic Conference standings. With both teams showcasing impressive records and a hunger for victory, it promises to be a game that football enthusiasts won't want to miss.

DURHAM – In a heart-pounding college football clash that played to the final whistle, No. 17 Duke went head-to-head with No. 11 Notre Dame at a raucous Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. The game lived up to its top-25 billing, culminating in a thrilling finish that left spectators breathless. Duke, initially trailing 10-0 at halftime and 13-0 in the second half, mounted a remarkable comeback. Their persistence paid off as they took a 14-13 lead late in the game, fueled by a third-quarter touchdown from Jordan Waters and a fourth-quarter strike from Riley Leonard to Jordan Moore with just over nine minutes remaining.

However, the Fighting Irish, displaying their championship mettle, clawed back and orchestrated a game-winning drive. The turning point came on a crucial fourth-and-16 play when Notre Dame's quarterback, Sam Hartman, scrambled for 17 yards, keeping their hopes alive. Two plays later, Audric Estime broke free for a game-winning 30-yard touchdown rush with a mere 31 seconds left on the clock, stunning the Blue Devils with a final score of 21-14.

For Duke, it was a tough loss, ending their impressive six-game winning streak that had stretched back to last season. The Blue Devils now stand at 4-1, while the Fighting Irish improved to 5-1. 

Quarterback Riley Leonard played a pivotal role, accounting for 134 passing yards and leading the ground attack with 88 rushing yards on 18 carries. Duke's ground game, dominant throughout the contest, outgained Notre Dame on the turf, accumulating 189 yards compared to the Irish's 159.

The game marked a historic moment with the largest home crowd at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium since November 11, 1989, as 40,768 fans filled the stands. Notably, Jordan Waters continued his scoring streak with a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games, a feat not achieved by a Blue Devil since Riley Leonard in 2022. Jordan Moore contributed significantly with four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown, bringing his receiving touchdown tally to eight.

On the defensive side, redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including half a sack and a tackle for loss. Graduate safety Jeremiah Lewis also impressed with more than 10 tackles for the second time in his career. Notably, Duke's defense prevented Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman from finding the end zone through the air for the first time this season.

Despite the heart-wrenching loss, Duke head coach Mike Elko acknowledged the fantastic atmosphere created by the Duke community, especially on a day that began with ESPN College GameDay's first-ever visit to the campus. Elko commended the resilience and character of his team while expressing regret about missed opportunities and the critical fourth-and-16 play that swung the game in Notre Dame's favor.

With an open week ahead, Duke now looks forward to preparing for their next challenge against NC State at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, with the kickoff time yet to be announced. As they regroup and analyze their performance, the Blue Devils remain confident in their abilities and determined to bounce back stronger in the coming weeks.

The gridiron at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium is set to ignite as the No. 17 Duke Blue Devils gear up to host the No. 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a high-stakes showdown under the Saturday night lights. Kickoff for this epic battle is slated for 7:30 p.m., and fans across the nation can catch all the action live on ABC.

This year's eagerly anticipated contest marks the eighth gridiron meeting between Duke and Notre Dame, with the Fighting Irish holding a 5-2 series lead. Duke's first triumph over the Fighting Irish dates back to December 2, 1961, when they secured a resounding 37-13 victory on their home turf. As for recent history, Notre Dame enters the fray on the heels of two consecutive victories, including a convincing 27-13 win during their last encounter on September 12, 2020.

Duke's recent triumph over Connecticut added to the excitement, marking their fourth consecutive in-season win—a feat not seen since 1970. The Blue Devils also made history by kickstarting the season with four consecutive 20-plus point victories. In the wake of their impressive performances, Duke has risen to No. 17 in the Associated Press poll and No. 16 in the USA Today Coaches' polls. This ranking signifies the team's highest national standing since October 25, 1994, when they held the No. 16 spot.

When it comes to winning the turnover battle, Duke has demonstrated prowess under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko. In their last game against Connecticut, they outperformed their opponents 2-0 in turnovers, including a memorable fumble recovery and scoop-and-score by defensive tackle DeWayne Carter during the third quarter. Coach Elko's tenure has seen Duke emerge victorious in the turnover battle in 12 out of 17 games, amassing an impressive 115 points off those turnovers, featuring 15 touchdowns, three field goals, and one two-point conversion.

Coach Mike Elko's tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a remarkable 13-4 record, translating to an impressive .765 winning percentage, through his first 17 games at the helm of the Blue Devils. Notably, this milestone is the best 17-game start for a head coach in Duke's storied history. Furthermore, Coach Elko's record at this juncture surpasses that of all current ACC coaches when they began their respective tenures at their current institutions.

Campbell Set to Take on No. 15 NC Central

The Campbell Camels (2-2, 1-2 CAA) are gearing up for an exciting face-off against the 15th-ranked North Carolina Central Eagles (3-1, 0-0 MEAC) this Saturday, September 30. The game will kick off at 4:00 p.m. at the iconic O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

The Camels enter this matchup with one of the most potent offenses in the FCS. They are currently ranked 10th in scoring, averaging 37.2 points per game. Additionally, they rank 13th in total offense nationally, averaging 440.0 yards per game. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams has been exceptional, boasting the FCS's third-best completion percentage at 75.0%. He has completed 96-of-127 passes, averaging 282.5 passing yards per game, with six touchdowns and only one interception. Williams has also been a threat on the ground, contributing four rushing touchdowns.

The North Carolina Central University Eagles, ranked 15th, enter this matchup with a formidable defense. They have excelled in third-down conversion defense, ranking 18th in the nation in FCS, with a conversion rate of just 29.2%. NCCU also leads the MEAC in scoring defense, allowing an average of 32.3 points per game. The Eagles have several standout performers on the defensive side, including Jayden Flaker, who leads the team with 24 total tackles, 4.5 stops for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The defense has been adept at generating turnovers and creating opportunities for their team.

Elizabeth City State Hosts Johnson C. Smith on Homecoming

Johnson C, Smith, off to a fast 3-1 start, will travel to take on the Vikings of Elizabeth City State at Roebuck Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Vikings come into the game at 1-3 after a close loss to Shaw last Sunday. The Golden Bulls have been outscoring their opponents 29-13 through the first four weeks of the season. A balanced backfield, led by Tim Newman, Jr., Jacob Newman, and Shydem McCullough have averaged 187 rushing yards per game coming into this week’s game. Benari Black and Jack Smith lead a linebacker corps that have given opposing offenses fits so far. ECSU head coach Marcus Hilliard, himself a Vikings alumnus, will look to his sophomore signal caller to try and find a weakness in the JCSU defense. Dual-threat quarterback Chase Williams leads the Vikings in passing yards and rushing touchdowns. Demorian Smith and Teonne Porter lead an ECSU defense that is giving up less than twenty points per game so far this season.

The 2022 college football regular season and conference championships have come to a close. Five NCCFB FBS teams have qualified for postseason bowls. The Duke's Mayo Bowl returns to Charlotte in 2022 and will feature teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten Conference.

Duke Blue Devils

Record: 8-4 (5-3 ACC)

Location: Navy-Marine Corps Stadium (Annapolis, Maryland)

Opponent:

Time: 2:00 PM

Tickets: http://militarybowl.org/tickets/

East Carolina Pirates

Record: 7-5 (4-4 AAC)

Location: Protective Stadium (Birmingham, Alabama)

Opponent:

Coastal Carolina (9-3, 6-2 SBC)

Date: December 27, 2022

Time: 6:45 PM

Tickets: https://ticketsmarterbirminghambowl.com/tickets/

NC State Wolfpack

Record: 8-4 (4-4 ACC)

Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Opponent:

Maryland (7-5, 4-5 B1G)

Date: December 30, 2022

Time: 12:00 PM

Tickets: https://charlottesports.org/events/tickets/

North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: 9-4 (6-2 ACC, Coastal Division Champs)

Opponent:

Oregon (9-3, 7-2 PAC 12)

Date: December 28, 2022

Time: 8:00 PM

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A005D37CA7F5243

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Record: 7-5 (3-5 ACC)

Opponent:

Missouri (6-6, 3-5 SEC)

Date: Friday, December 23

Time: 6:30 PM

Tickets: https://www.gasparillabowl.com/tickets/

Duke's Mayo Bowl

Teams: North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Maryland Terrapins

Date: December 30, 2022

Time: 12:00

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

Tickets: https://charlottesports.org/events/tickets/

DURHAM – An eight-yard Drake Maye touchdown pass to Antoine
Green at the edge of the endzone with 16 seconds left helped the North Carolina
Tar Heels escape Durham with a 38-35 win over the Duke Blue Devils the latest
installment of this Tobacco Road “Victory Bell” rivalry.

North Carolina opened the scoring with a 45-yard Noah
Burnette field goal to take the early 3-0 edge. Duke quickly responded with an
eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by a two-yard rushing score by
Waters. The Tar Heels jumped back in front 10-7 following a 10-yard touchdown
reception by Kamari Morales from Drake Maye with under five minutes to play in
the opening frame.

The Blue Devils answered with fourteen consecutive points in the
second quarter following rushing scores by Leonard and Jaquez Moore. Leonard
broke free for a 74-yard scamper, while Moore found paydirt from two yards out
to make it a 21-10 ballgame. The visitors sparked a rally of their own, scoring
21-straight points with a Caleb Hood reception and two Elijah Green rushing
scores to pull back in front at 31-21 with 3:54 remaining in the third quarter.

Duke again had an answer as Sahmir Hagans and Jordan Waters
posted back-to-back touchdowns to take the 35-31 advantage with 10:12 left to
play. Holding onto the slim four-point lead late in the game, the Blue Devils
were at the North Carolina 11-yard line but couldn't find the end zone after
consecutive penalties shifted them back, forcing them to settle for a 43-yard
field goal attempts, which sailed wide right giving the Tar Heels hope.

North Carolina then drove 74 yards in nine plays to register
the game-winning score with 16 seconds remaining.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Myers Park) – The freshman quarterback finished
with 380 passing yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

Jordan Waters (Fairmont) – the redshirt junior running back
scored two touchdowns and ran for 91 yards.

Caleb Hood (Richmond) – the sophomore running back ran for
48 yards, caught five passes, and score one touchdown.

Up Next

North Carolina is off next Saturday and will host Pittsburgh
on October 29 while Duke travels to take on Miami.

GREENSBORO – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Tuesday a new football scheduling model that will go into effect beginning with the 2023 season.

The new model is based on a 3-5-5 structure whereby each team will play three primary opponents annually and face the other 10 league teams twice during the four-year cycle, once at home and once on the road. The schedule allows for each team to face all 13 conference opponents home and away at least once during the four-year cycle. The structure was adopted by the league’s athletic directors and faculty athletic representatives earlier today. 

The new schedule will eliminate the Atlantic and Coastal divisions with all 14 schools competing in one division beginning in 2023. The top two teams based on conference winning percentage will compete in the Subway ACC Football Championship Game on the first Saturday in December at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. In May, the NCAA Division I Council approved the deregulation of the current rule that had limited an individual conference's autonomy to determine their football championship game participants.

“The future ACC football scheduling model provides significant enhancements for our schools and conference, with the most important being our student-athletes having the opportunity to play every school both home and away over a four-year period,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “We appreciate the thoughtful discussions within our membership, including the head football coaches and athletic directors. In the end, it was clear this model is in the best interest of our student-athletes, programs, and fans, at this time.”

A special one-hour edition of The Huddle will air on ACC Network on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to discuss the new scheduling format. The show will be hosted by Drew Carter and feature analysis from Eric Mac Lain, EJ Manuel, and Mark Richt.

The three primary partners for each ACC team are as follows:

Boston College: Miami, Pitt, Syracuse

Clemson: Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State

Duke: North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest

Florida State: Clemson, Miami, Syracuse

Georgia Tech: Clemson, Louisville, Wake Forest

Louisville: Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia

Miami: Boston College, Florida State, Louisville

North Carolina: Duke, NC State, Virginia

NC State: Clemson, Duke, North Carolina

Pitt: Boston College, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

Syracuse: Boston College, Florida State, Pitt

Virginia: Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech: Pitt, Virginia, Wake Forest

Wake Forest: Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech

The 2023-2026 ACC Schedules (home and away) are as follows:

2023 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Florida State, Miami, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Louisville, Pitt, Syracuse

Clemson: Home – Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Miami, NC State, Syracuse

Duke: Home – Clemson, NC State, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia

Florida State: Home – Duke, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Clemson, Pitt, Wake Forest

Georgia Tech: Home – Boston College, Louisville, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Clemson, Miami, Virginia, Wake Forest

Louisville: Home – Boston College, Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Miami, NC State, Pitt 

Miami: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Florida State, North Carolina, NC State

North Carolina: Home – Duke, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, NC State, Pitt

NC State: Home – Clemson, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina; Away – Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Pitt: Home – Boston College, Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina; Away – Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Syracuse: Home – Boston College, Clemson, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia Tech

Virginia: Home – Duke, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina

Virginia Tech: Home – NC State, Pitt, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Boston College, Florida State, Louisville, Virginia

Wake Forest: Home – Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State, Pitt; Away – Clemson, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

2024 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Clemson, Pitt, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina 

Clemson: Home – Louisville, Miami, NC State, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech

Duke: Home – Boston College, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Miami, NC State, Syracuse, Wake Forest

Florida State: Home – Boston College, Clemson, North Carolina, NC State; Away – Georgia Tech, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia

Georgia Tech: Home – Clemson, Florida State, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Louisville, NC State, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

Louisville: Home – Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Clemson, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Miami: Home – Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Pitt; Away – Clemson, Louisville, Syracuse, Wake Forest

North Carolina: Home – Boston College, NC State, Pitt, Virginia Tech; Away – Duke, Florida State, Louisville, Virginia

NC State: Home – Duke, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, Pitt

Pitt: Home – NC State, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina

Syracuse: Home – Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami; Away – Boston College, Louisville, NC State, Pitt

Virginia: Home – Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Duke, Pitt, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia; Away – Duke, North Carolina, Pitt, Wake Forest

Wake Forest: Home – Duke, Louisville, Miami, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia 

2025 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, NC State; Away – Pitt, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech

Clemson: Home – Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Syracuse; Away – North Carolina, NC State, Pitt, Wake Forest

Duke: Home – Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Pitt

Florida State: Home – Miami, Pitt, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Duke, Louisville, Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech: Home – Duke, Louisville, Miami, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Clemson, North Carolina, Wake Forest 

Louisville: Home – Florida State, NC State, Pitt, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami

Miami: Home – Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia

North Carolina: Home – Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia; Away – Miami, NC State, Syracuse, Wake Forest

NC State: Home – Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Duke, Louisville, Miami

Pitt: Home – Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, Louisville, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

Syracuse: Home – Boston College, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia Tech; Away – Clemson, Florida State, Virginia, Wake Forest

Virginia: Home – Boston College, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Louisville, North Carolina, NC State

Virginia Tech: Home – Boston College, Florida State, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Miami, NC State, Syracuse, Virginia

Wake Forest: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Duke, Florida State, Pitt, Virginia Tech 

2026 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Duke, North Carolina, Pitt, Syracuse; Away – Clemson, Miami, NC State, Wake Forest

Clemson: Home – Boston College, NC State, Pitt, Virginia Tech; Away – Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia

Duke: Home – Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Boston College, NC State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Florida State: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia; Away – Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Syracuse

Georgia Tech: Home – Clemson, NC State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Florida State, Louisville, Pitt 

Louisville: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, North Carolina, Syracuse, Virginia 

Miami: Home – Boston College, Florida State, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Louisville, Pitt, Virginia Tech

North Carolina: Home – Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Wake Forest; Away – Boston College, Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech

NC State: Home – Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Pitt; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Syracuse 

Pitt: Home – Georgia Tech, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Clemson, NC State, Virginia

Syracuse: Home – Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Duke, Miami, Pitt

Virginia: Home – Clemson, Louisville, North Carolina, Pitt; Away – Florida State, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Virginia Tech: Home – Duke, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Pitt, Wake Forest

Wake Forest: Home – Boston College, Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina

Story courtesy of ACC Communications

GREENSBORO – The Atlantic Coast Conference and its television partners announced the kickoff times and networks for all ACC-controlled contests during the early weeks of the 2022 football season Thursday. 

Also included are the times and networks for the Thursday and Friday night contests throughout the 2022 season. 

ESPN also announced its complete bowl schedule, which includes most ACC-affiliated bowl games.  

“We look forward to the upcoming 2022 ACC football season and anticipate a fantastic year with our student-athletes competing at the highest level for ACC and national championships,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “As part of playing arguably the most challenging non-conference schedule in the country, we open the season with some incredible games, which include five consecutive days of football over the Labor Day weekend. We appreciate the outstanding coverage our television partners provide to our institutions and now with full distribution, we specifically look forward to this season of football coverage on ACC Network.”

The ACC football season gets underway on Saturday, Aug. 27, when Florida State hosts Duquesne at 5 p.m. on ACC Network and North Carolina hosts Florida A&M at 8:15 p.m. on ACC Network in Week Zero. It marks the first August season opener for the league since 2019. 

The ACC will be featured throughout the Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 1-5) with 12 games over a five-day span. No other league plays across all five days in Week One. This is the fourth time in the last six years the ACC has played over five consecutive days in Week One. The Labor Day weekend begins on Thursday, Sept. 1, with both of last year’s ACC division champions in action. ACC and Coastal Division Champion Pitt hosts West Virginia at Heinz Field at 7 p.m. on ESPN, and Atlantic Division champion Wake Forest opens against VMI in Winston-Salem at 7:30 p.m. on ACC Network. On Friday, Sept. 2, Virginia Tech plays at Old Dominion at 7 p.m. on ESPN, while Duke plays host to Temple at 7:30 p.m. on ACC Network. 

Saturday’s slate includes the first of four games this season against an Alliance member school – Boston College vs. Rutgers (Big Ten) at noon on ESPNU – and the first league matchup of the year with Louisville at Syracuse at 8 p.m. on ACC Network. Other games on Sept. 3 include North Carolina at Appalachian State at noon on ESPNU, NC State at East Carolina at noon on ESPN, Richmond at Virginia at 12:30 p.m. on RSN, and Bethune-Cookman at Miami at 3:30 p.m. on ACC Network. 

On Sunday, Sept. 4, Florida State travels to New Orleans to face LSU at the Caesars Superdome in the Allstate Louisiana Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. The following night in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Labor Day Monday, Georgia Tech hosts Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 8 p.m. on ESPN. 

The second weekend of the season features a conference battle with Boston College at Virginia Tech at 8 p.m. on ACC Network. Two Alliance matchups are also in Week Two – Duke at Northwestern at Noon on FS1 and Virginia at Illinois at 4 p.m. on ESPNU. Wake Forest plays at Vanderbilt at noon on SEC Network, Tennessee travels to Pitt at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and Syracuse plays at UConn at 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.

Week three begins with a Friday (Sept. 16) night game between Florida State and Louisville at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Four Power 5 matchups are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, including Purdue at Syracuse at noon on ESPN2, Ole Miss at Georgia Tech at 3:30 p.m. on ABC, Texas Tech at NC State at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, and Miami at Texas A&M at 9 p.m. on ESPN. 

The ACC’s non-conference schedule continues to be the most difficult in the country. In addition to 21 games against Power 5 opponents, the ACC will play eight non-conference games against teams ranked in the final 2021 Associated Press Top 25 poll. All 14 ACC teams play at least one Power 5 non-conference opponent, while seven schools – Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Pitt and Syracuse – play two. ACC teams will play 27 games against opponents that appeared in a bowl game last year. ACC teams will play nine non-conference games against teams in ESPN’s 2022 Way-Too-Early Top 25. 

The 2022 Subway ACC Football Championship Game will be played Dec. 3 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and feature the winner of the Atlantic Division vs. the winner of the Coastal Division. The ACC and the Charlotte Sports Foundation have an agreement in place to keep the championship game in Charlotte through the 2030 season. The game will be televised by ABC with kickoff time announced at a later date.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Duquesne at Florida State, 5 p.m., ACCN

Florida A&M at North Carolina, 8:15 p.m., ACCN

Thursday, Sept. 1

West Virginia at Pitt, 7 p.m., ESPN

VMI at Wake Forest, 7:30 p.m., ACCN

Friday, Sept. 2

Virginia Tech at Old Dominion, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Temple at Duke, 7:30 p.m., ACCN

Saturday, Sept. 3

Rutgers at Boston College, Noon, ACCN

North Carolina at Appalachian State, Noon, ESPNU

NC State at East Carolina, Noon, ESPN

Richmond at Virginia, 12:30 p.m., RSN

Bethune-Cookman at Miami, 3:30 p.m., ACCN

Louisville at Syracuse, 8 p.m., ACCN

Sunday, Sept. 4

Allstate Louisiana Kickoff

Florida State at LSU (New Orleans, La.)

Caesars Superdome, 7:30 p.m., ABC (previously announced)

Monday, Sept. 5

Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game

Clemson at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, Ga.)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 8 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Sept. 9

Louisville at UCF, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, Sept. 10

Duke at Northwestern, Noon, FS1

Southern Miss at Miami, Noon, ACCN

North Carolina at Georgia State, Noon, ESPNU

Wake Forest at Vanderbilt, Noon, SECN

Charleston Southern at NC State, 12:30 p.m., RSN

Furman at Clemson, 3:30 p.m., ACCN

Tennessee at Pitt, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Virginia at Illinois, 4 p.m., ESPNU

Western Carolina at Georgia Tech, 7 p.m., ACCNX/ESPN+

Syracuse at UConn, 7 p.m., CBSSN

Boston College at Virginia Tech, 8 p.m., ACCN

Open: Florida State

Friday, Sept. 16

Florida State at Louisville, 7 p.m., ESPN

Saturday, Sept. 17

Wofford at Virginia Tech, 11 a.m., ACCN

Purdue at Syracuse, Noon, ESPN2

Old Dominion at Virginia, 2 p.m., ACCN

Ole Miss at Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Liberty at Wake Forest, 5 p.m., ACCN

North Carolina A&T at Duke, 6 p.m., ACCNX/ESPN+

Texas Tech at NC State, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Pitt at Western Michigan, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

Maine at Boston College, 7:30 p.m., RSN

Louisiana Tech at Clemson, 8 p.m., ACCN

Miami at Texas A&M, 9 p.m., ESPN

Open: North Carolina

Thursday, Sept. 22

West Virginia at Virginia Tech, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Sept. 23

Virginia at Syracuse, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Thursday, Oct. 20

Virginia at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Thursday, Oct. 27

Virginia Tech at NC State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Nov. 4

Duke at Boston College, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Friday, Nov. 25

NC State at North Carolina, Noon or 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m., ABC or ESPN

Florida at Florida State, 7:30 p.m., ABC (previously announced)

Saturday, Dec. 3

2022 Subway ACC Football Championship Game, TBD, ABC

Atlantic Division Champion vs. Coastal Division Champion

Charlotte, N.C., Bank of America Stadium

ACC Bowl Game Affiliations

Wasabi Fenway Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 17, 11:00 a.m., ESPN

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl – Friday, Dec. 23, TBD, ESPN

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl – Tuesday, Dec. 27, 3:15 or 6:45 p.m., ESPN

Military Bowl Presented by Peraton – Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m., ESPN

Pinstripe Bowl – Thursday, Dec. 29, 2 p.m., ESPN

Cheez-It Bowl – Thursday, Dec. 29, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Duke’s Mayo Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, Noon, ESPN

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 2 p.m., CBS

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Capital One Orange Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. or 8 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 31, 4 or 8 p.m., ESPN

Tampa Bay Bowl – Monday, Jan. 2, Noon, ESPN2

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic – Monday, Jan. 2, 1 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T – Monday, Jan. 9, TBD, ESPN

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl – TBD 

CHARLOTTE – It was the first time that the Charlotte 49ers
had ever hosted a Power Five opponent in its brief nine-year history. The crowd
was excited to host an in-state opponent on a Friday night leading into Labor
Day weekend. The fans in attendance were given a good show as the two teams
combined for over a thousand yards of offense and five lead changes in the second
half alone. Paced by Chris Reynolds's 324 passing yards, three passing
touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown, Charlotte claimed its first-ever win over
a P5 opponent, defeating Duke 31-28 to open the 2021 college football season.

The energy and momentum were on the Niners' side early in
the game with Charlotte forcing the Blue Devils to punt on the first possession
of the game and then hopping on the scoreboard five plays later with a 56-yard
touchdown pass from Chris Reynolds to a streaking Grant DuBose. The early 7-0
lead had the 49ers faithful on their feet and saw the visiting Blue Devils
scrambling to respond but unable to do so until a few drives later.

Charlotte led by a touchdown going into the second quarter and
was on its way to a 32-yard Jonathan Cruz field goal to take a 10-0 lead over
the visitors. Duke responded with force on its next drive, moving seventy-five
yards in six plays, but it was the 43-yard scoring play that will stick out in
the minds of the visiting fans. Gunnar Holmberg hit Jordan Waters on the left
side and Waters bulled over a Charlotte defender and raced to the end zone. 

The Charlotte offense looked a little shaky on their subsequent
drives in the first half. Duke did not show the hesitancy that they demonstrated
in the first quarter, moving methodically down the field on their next drive, taking
the lead with a five-yard touchdown run by Mataeo Durant. Durant finished the
night with 255 yards and three scores.

Any signs that Charlotte might back down against Duke to
start the second half were quickly dismissed as the Niners moved down the
field, aided by a 40-yard Calvin Cook run to get Charlotte down to the
one-yard-line. Two plays later, Chris Reynolds was able to hit paydirt on a
quarterback sneak, helping Charlotte retake the lead. A promising Duke drive saw
the Blue Devils poised to bring the lead back to the visitors, but a Tyler
Murray forced fumble was recovered in the end zone by Charlotte, ending any
hopes of a score.

The fourth quarter seemed like it would quickly become the
Mataeo Durant show. The senior running back put the Blue Devils on his back, putting
Duke back on top with a blistering 59-yard scoring run around the left side.
Charlotte floundered around for a few possessions, but eventually came alive
with quick passes to Taylor Thompson, Victor Cruz, and Grant DuBose got the Niners
in scoring position and Charlotte retook the lead with the second Reynolds to
DuBose touchdown of the night. Durant and the Blue Devils would not be denied,
though, as the standout running back rushed for his second long touchdown of
the quarter, a 53-yard scamper that gave Duke a 28-24 lead.

It was Charlotte's night, however, and fate had the Niners
marching down towards their destiny. Victor Tucker's three big grabs got Charlotte
in scoring position and Chris Reynolds found an open Shedrich Byrd for an
11-yard score to cause a scene unlike any other in the program's nine-year
history.

Both teams host in-state FCS opponents next week as Charlotte (1-0) hosts Gardner-Webb while Duke (0-1) will face off against North Carolina A&T.

Notable North Carolinians

Chris Reynolds (Davie) – the senior quarterback passed for 324
yards and three scores while running for one as well.

Gunnar Holmberg (Heritage) – the graduate quarterback was 20
of 29 for 241 yards and a touchdown

Jordan Waters (Fairmont) – the redshirt sophomore's physical
scoring catch and run opened the scoring for the Blue Devils in the second
quarter