The Tar Heels maintain that they remain connected after coughing up a 20-point lead at Duke, and falling in another difficult-to-digest defeat.
DURHAM, N.C. — Despite concerns about North Carolina football’s downward spiral, quarterback Jacolby Criswell and defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie remained optimistic following the Tar Heels’ second-half setback against Duke.
UNC endured its second heartbreaking defeat in a row, losing to the Blue Devils 21-20 on Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium. A seemingly secure 20-point lead in the third quarter disappeared in the final 21 minutes, as Duke scored three consecutive touchdowns to reclaim the Victory Bell for the first time since 2018.
This second-half comeback, paired with UNC’s collapse, marked the second-largest comeback in Duke’s football history. Over the last 20 seasons, the Blue Devils had previously been 1-72 when trailing by 20 points or more.
The disappointing rivalry loss came just a week after Carolina experienced a historically embarrassing defeat against James Madison, who scored 70 points, tying the UNC record for the most points allowed. The Tar Heels have faced two tough losses in consecutive weeks, each disheartening in its own way.
“We’re just disappointed,” Ritzie said Saturday night after UNC’s second-half collapse. “We lost, but we will come back tomorrow. We’ll hit the weights, practice, and stick together. We’re not falling apart; we’re far from done. People might think, ‘Oh, you’ve lost two in a row, including to your rival and JMU,’ but every team faces losses. We just need to regroup and focus on winning.”
Criswell added, “We’re a brotherhood. We celebrate together and face losses together. Obviously, we fell short this time, which is never what you want, but I assure you, the guys will be ready for next week.”
Criswell and Ritzie expressed confidence in UNC’s ability to rebound and recover. However, it remains uncertain whether their postgame optimism is truly echoed among the Tar Heels, who may be nearing a tipping point as September comes to a close.
Unlike the humiliating loss to James Madison, UNC’s defeat against Duke followed a different narrative. After allowing 53 points in the first half against JMU, the Tar Heels shut out the Blue Devils in the first half of Saturday’s game. Duke managed only 97 yards of offense and six first downs in the opening half, with just 37 rushing yards.
In the second half, though, Duke exploited Carolina’s defense, racking up 148 rushing yards at an average of 6.4 yards per carry. Star player Thomas tallied a career-best 166 yards and scored two touchdowns. Midway through the fourth quarter, facing a second-and-4 from the UNC 44-yard line, Duke needed just three rushing attempts—including a 5-yard gain alongside runs of 19 and 20 yards—to reach the end zone for the decisive score.
“I told the players I understood their disappointment, but I was proud of their effort,” said UNC coach Mack Brown. “I asked them to give their best all week, and I believe they did. There are lessons to be learned. I reminded them to appreciate their five straight wins over Duke and to refocus on hard work. They’ll face criticism, but they need to concentrate on what will help them win next week—that’s what matters.”
As UNC tries to move on from Saturday’s collapse, they remain unified. As they boarded the bus for the return trip from Wallace Wade Stadium, the Tar Heels emphasized their connection.
“I feel like we’re together,” Ritzie stated. “We all arrived here together and practice as a team every day. We just need to keep pushing forward.”
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