North Carolina Football: 3 takeaways from shellacking of rival Duke

1. Quick takeaways for Duke

The Blue Devils have to figure out the quarterback position. Clemson transfer Chase Brice might not be the answer. It might be time to start redshirt sophomore Gunnar Holmberg if David Cutcliffe thinks he is the quarterback of the future. If he thinks his future quarterback is on the roster, it could be time to let him get experience and pull the plug on the Chase Brice experience.

The defense, which has been game in mostly losing efforts, began to show fatigue. This is a group that plays hard but is very thin. Two of their better corners are out because of injury, and their front seven are undersized. If the offense continues to struggle and keep the defense on the field, the blowouts could begin to mount.

Quick takeaways for North Carolina

The Tar Heels have to feel good after a game like this. After a disappointing loss to an inferior Virginia team the week before, the Tar Heels rebounded dominantly. Wins like these are a show of maturity. Sam Howell was efficient and solid from start to finish. The running game continues to be a force for the Tar Heels as well.

The defense was active and made plays taking advantage of their talent and athletic advantage. The defensive line had one of their better games of the season, registering five sacks. Linebacker Chazz Surratt led the Tar Heels with 12 tackles. It doesn’t get any easier in the next two weeks for the defense. First, they have a test against Wake Forest next week before an even more difficult game against Notre Dame.