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Duke Beats UNC 32-25 in Rivalry, Clinches 4-7 Finish

Published 23 November 2025

In a dramatic finish to their storied rivalry, the Duke Blue Devils defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 32-25 on Saturday afternoon at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The loss clinched a 4-7 record for the Tar Heels in head coach Bill Belichick's debut season, eliminating any chance of bowl eligibility and marking his third consecutive losing campaign after two at the New England Patriots.

The game hinged on a bold fake field goal with 2:20 remaining and North Carolina clinging to a 25-24 lead. Facing a 44-yard attempt, Duke holder Jordan Waters pitched the ball to kicker Todd Pelino, who sprinted 26 yards down the sideline untouched before being tackled at the 1-yard line. Running back Anderson Castle plunged in for the touchdown on the next play, and Duke added a two-point conversion to secure the lead. North Carolina's final drive stalled short of midfield, sealing the Blue Devils' victory.

North Carolina had rallied from a 24-10 deficit early in the fourth quarter, taking its first lead since the opening period on a touchdown pass from quarterback Gio Lopez to wide receiver J.J. Jones. Lopez finished 21 of 27 for 204 yards and one touchdown, while also...

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