Duke prepares for it’s battle of the victory bell in hopes of bringing it back to Durham for the first time since 2018 when they host North Carolina Saturday evening at 4 pm. In order to do so, they will hope to slow down All-American Omarion Hampton, a bruiser type of back and best back they have faced throughout 4 games of the season. Hampton, on the year has rushed for 555 yards, on 85 rushing attempts for the season accounting for 6 total touchdowns. Head Coach Manny Diaz spoke Monday on Duke making it a point of emphasis to slow down the eventual first rounder with making effective tackles, and having a the security blanket of the secondary accounting for the tight end corps.
Yes, the Heels come into the matchup as underdogs, and now sit on their 3rd string quarterback, and did just surrender 70 points to James Madison on Saturday at home, who Mack Brown stated was unacceptable; To make matters more worse, their were reports that he reportedly resigned post game but here we are.
Key Matchup
Omarion Hampton versus Duke Defense
On the season Duke ranks second in the ACC with yielding just under 260 yards per game. They’ve held back to back number 1 receivers in Omari Kelly and Skyler Bell who both entered their contest against Duke averaging over 100 yards to under 100 yards in their matchups. Hampton averages nearly 7 yards a carry on the year, to 85 rushing attempts. Clogging the running lanes, form tackling, and making the first point of contact against a bruiser will be vital as Hampton is capable of exploding after initial contact, and speed to run away from the secondary in the open field.
The X-Factor
Maalik Murphy has led the Blue Devils thus far, to a 4-0 record, playing in the biggest game of his career against arch rival UNC, in a defense who just surrendered 70 points, 53 by halftime. Extending 3rd down drives, not turning the ball over, and utilizing his receiving corps is mandatory. Murphy has completed 64.3% of his passes, 1,017 yards to 11 touchdowns on the year. Duke has the advantage on the outside in Jordan Moore who is on his way to a 1,000 yard season. The emergence of Que’sean Brown, return of Eli Pancol gives Duke electrifying receivers on the outside.
Manny Diaz on UNC
Coach Diaz on UNC giving up 70 points…
“to try to gain anything that happened over a week ago would be a giant mistake, and a mistake for both sides. The way the team focus, we’re well aware they have good players and coaches and the best version of themselves will show up on Saturday”
The Battle of the Victory Bell
North Carolina at Duke
Location: Wallace Wade Stadium
Date: September 28, 2024
TV: ESPN 2
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