Eyes On Maye In Final Home Game
Review Duke vs UNC Football Odds for Tar Heels' Senior Day
It would be more exciting if Duke were playing North Carolina in basketball. However, the football game between these two teams won’t be so bad.
There’s still some bad blood in this rivalry.
Duke’s 6-3 and will take on a North Carolina team that is 7-2. Both are already bowl-eligible, but North Carolina is still fighting for a chance at the ACC Championship.
With a tough road ahead, can North Carolina earn another win at home this weekend?
Oddsmakers have given the edge to the Tar Heels. North Carolina is currently -12.5 against the spread, with the total sitting at 50.5 against Duke.
Here’s a look at the Duke vs UNC football odds for Saturday’s ACC matchup.
Duke Blue Devils vs North Carolina Tar Heels 
Day/Time:
Location: Kenan Stadium
Streaming: ACCN
Duke vs UNC Football Odds
The Duke Blue Devils might be 6-3 on the season. However, they’re just 4-5 against the spread and 1-2 on the road this season.
Duke has hit the Over and Under four times each, with one game being a push.
On the other hand, North Carolina is 6-3 against the spread, along with a 7-2 straight-up record. The Tar Heels lost their last two games against the spread versus ACC opponents but most recently earned a cover against Campbell, 59-7, as 38.5-point favorites.
Meanwhile, like Duke, the total has gone 4-4-1 this season. The Tar Heels are also 5-1 at home this year.
Since 2019, the Tar Heels have won four straight games over Duke. However, Duke covered in the last one with a 38-35 loss as a seven-point underdog.
Grayson Loftis Expected To Make Second Start On Saturday
The Duke Blue Devils came into the season with high hopes under Riley Leonard. Leonard was coming in as a junior quarterback with a ton of potential, not only with his arm but also with his feet.
However, multiple NHL injuries have sidelined Leonard, and now he’s confirmed out for the season with a toe injury.
When Leonard went down, Henry Belin IV was given the first opportunity as the backup. He threw for 232 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. But the offense lagged with Belin IV under center.
Therefore, Duke decided to roll with another freshman, Grayson Loftis.
Loftis has only attempted 24 passes in two games. He’s completed 41.7% of passes and has one touchdown to go along with an interception. His QBR of 17 is super ugly. However, in his first start last weekend, Loftis was able to rush the ball eight times for 17 yards. He had a long play of eight yards on the ground.
Whether the Blue Devils use Loftis or Belin IV, Duke’s got a quarterback problem with Leonard out.
Senior Day At North Carolina
The Tar Heels will play their final home game of the regular season on Saturday against Duke.
That begs the question.
Will star quarterback Drake Maye walk on senior day as a sophomore?
Maybe was asked this question by North Carolina reporters earlier this week.
He said that he hasn’t decided on his future. However, most NFL Mock Drafts and NFL analysts have Maye as a top-five pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
If this is his final game on North Carolina’s home field, the Tar Heels would love to send him off and show him some respect during Senior Day.
We’ll break down the Duke vs UNC football odds for Saturday’s intriguing ACC bout.
Duke’s Offense Has Run Out Of Gas
The Duke Blue Devils won their most recent game against Wake Forest, 24-21. However, the offense hasn’t been very good.
Before that win against Wake Forest, Duke scored no points against Louisville, 20 against Florida State, 24 against North Carolina State, and 14 against Notre Dame. This offense is not a powerhouse and won’t be without Riley Leonard around.
While the running game has earned 5.24 yards per carry, the offensive line hasn’t always done their part.
Meanwhile, North Carolina’s defense has held teams to 4.09 yards per rush this season. Opponents have earned just 5.43 yards per play this season.
The Tar Heels have an elite secondary with a respectable pass rush. The defense is also very good against the run and continues to convert on tackling at an above-average rate.
On the other hand, North Carolina’s Drake Maye has thrown for 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions this season. He’s dominating in the passing game, while Omarion Hampton has earned over 1,000 yards rushing the football this season.
Duke’s known for its defense. However, the Blue Devils can be beaten on the ground. They’re not nearly as physical as North Carolina up front.
It makes sense that the NCAA football lines and odds favor the Tar Heels at home. When you watch the live NCAAF scores, North Carolina will likely pull away from Duke as this game gets deeper.
If you don’t like betting on a 12.5-point favorite, consider adding Duke as in your NCAAF picks and parlays at -530. We’ll roll with the 12.5 number as long as it stays below 14.
For NCAAF betting news, NCAAF spreads analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
