North Carolina 24, Duke 20: Five Key Plays

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive end Kevin O'Connor (15) and defensive end Bryce Davis (12) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke fought its way back from a 17-0 deficit to take a 20-17 lead with four minutes and 39 seconds remaining in the game, but could not hold on for the win. North Carolina heads back to Chapel Hill in possession of the Victory Bell via a 24-20 win in Durham.

Nate Sheppard, obviously playing at less than 100 percent health, paced Duke with 11 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown, and 20 rushes for 77 yards. Duke out-gained Carolina 373 yards to 326 yards and won the turnover battle two-to-one but the defense could not stop Carolina's offense on the decisive drive.

Duke drops its second consecutive game and falls to 4-2 on the season. For the second consecutive game, Duke battled back from a deficit to take a 4th quarter lead but could not hold on for the win.

Play One: With 14 seconds remaining in the game, on third down and 14 yards to go at the Carolina 34 yard line, Walker Eget was intercepted by Carolina to end the game.

Play Two: On fourth down, at the eight minute and 42 seconds mark of the 1st quarter, Duke punter Kade Reynoldson mishandled a high snap and Carolina blocked his punt, taking over at the Duke 22-yard line. Three plays later, Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards found wide receiver Jordan Shipp in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown pass. In the blink of an eye, Duke found themselves down 10-0.

Play Three: At the start of the 2nd quarter, on fourth down and two yards to go at the Duke 4-yard line, Carolina opted to go for it, and running back Demon June broke a tackle to score a touchdown and give Carolina a 17-0 lead. Two Duke defenders had June but could not put him down.

Play Four: On third down and seven yards to go at the Carolina 5-yard line, Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards, Jr, completed a pass to wide receiver Jordan Shipp, but Shipp fumbled and Duke safety Andrew Pellicciotta scooped the ball and rushed nine yards for a touchdown.

Play Five: With four minutes and 39 seconds remaining in the game, quarterback Walker Eget tossed a seven yard touchdown pass to running back Nate Sheppard to give Duke a 20-17 lead. The play capped a five play, 49 yard drive.

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