— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Tens of thousands of energized football fans in the vicinity of The Triangle gathered at Wallace Wade Stadium on Oct. 15 to witness the annual Duke-UNC clash. While the game remained close for much of the game, and both teams exchanged the lead multiple times, the resiliency displayed by a Drake Maye-led offense late in the fourth quarter propelled UNC to victory.

In a game of inches, UNC’s offense took advantage of multiple miscues by Duke’s offense late in the fourth quarter. A chop-block penalty eliminated a 15-yard touchdown catch by Duke receiver Jalon Calhoun. Then Duke kicker Charlie Ham missed a 45-yard field goal, and UNC’s offense took over with 2:09 on the clock.

Maye stepped up when it mattered. His 74-yard game-winning drive lasted nine plays, and it took less than two minutes to reach the end zone. The final drive yielded an 8-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Antoine Green. Maye threw for a career-high 380 yards and rushed for 70 more.

Although UNC’s offense flourished at times, we must not discredit the work of Duke’s stout defensive front. The unit recovered two fumbles, deflected two passes, and applied continuous pressure to force Maye outside the pocket. Duke’s strong defensive effort, led by junior captain DeWayne Carter, amassed three sacks and four tackles for a loss.

Despite an unfavorable result, Duke’s offense advanced the ball efficiently. Quarterback Riley Leonard accumulated 245 yards through the air and earned an additional 130 yards with his legs. Leonard’s exciting 74-yard touchdown run in the second quarter helped to secure a Blue Devils lead at the half.

“I told our kids: I couldn’t be more proud with the way we battled,” first-year coach Mike Elko said.

UNC extended its series win streak to four to keep possession of the Victory Bell. With a win Saturday night, UNC is also the front-runner in the Coastal Division.