Five key takeaways from Duke football's first half against No. 24 North Carolina

North Carolina leads Duke 16-14 at halftime. Maye impresses, Barton returns, Loftis starts, secondary struggles, and Duke overcomes early deficit.

The first half of the Duke and No. 24 North Carolina game at Kenan Memorial Stadium has been intense and action-packed. With a crowd of over 50,000 and the Victory Bell at stake, the game has been anything but one-sided. Despite a strong start from the Tar Heels, a late surge from the Blue Devils has them narrowly trailing 16-14 at halftime.

North Carolina's redshirt sophomore quarterback, Drake Maye, has been a standout player in the first half, showcasing his skills as a top-three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He made two quick third-down conversions and connected with junior receiver Devontez Walker for a 43-yard bomb, setting the Tar Heels up for an early 7-0 lead. Maye continued to impress, racking up 180 total yards in the air by the end of the half.

Senior left tackle Graham Barton made his return to the Blue Devils' offensive line after missing several games, providing crucial support for Duke's rushers and quarterback Grayson Loftis. Loftis, in his second start, showed improvement as the half went on, connecting on three consecutive passes and securing his second career touchdown.

Duke's defense, which was once among the top five in the country, struggled to contain North Carolina's talented receiver corps. Despite early struggles, the Blue Devils managed to turn the game around, responding with scores of their own to keep the game competitive.

The first half of the Duke and North Carolina game has been a thrilling display of talent and determination from both teams. With the score at 16-14 in favor of the Tar Heels, the second half promises to be just as exciting.

Share With Others