In yet another nail-biting finish, the North Carolina Tar Heels secured a dramatic 20-17 victory against the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday night, highlighted by a crucial defensive stop in the final seconds. The game-winning play saw quarterback-turned-linebacker Chazz Surratt intercepting Deon Jackson's trick-play pass at the goal line, reclaiming the coveted Victory Bell for the Tar Heels.
The tension reached its peak in the last 7 minutes of the game, as the Tar Heels initially took the lead with a 40-yard field goal by Noah Ruggles. However, a costly turnover by running back Javonte Williams, who fumbled inside Duke's 5-yard line, gave the Blue Devils a chance for a comeback.
Reflecting on the game, Surratt revealed that the Tar Heels were anticipating the trick play, discussing it during a timeout just moments before the crucial interception. "I thought he'd throw it a little higher and jumped. It came right to me. I just wanted to get it and make sure I got the ball in my hands and (get) on the ground," Surratt said.
UNC coach Mack Brown, accustomed to the team's penchant for close games, remarked,
"We're TV darlings because we come down to the last drive on every game we've played but one. And this, again the last play."
The Tar Heels' celebration included a sprint across the field as time expired, reclaiming the Victory Bell that had eluded them for the past three seasons in the hands of the Blue Devils.
Duke showed resilience throughout the game, pressuring UNC's freshman quarterback Sam Howell and creating difficulties for his throws. Despite intercepting Howell twice and forcing a late fumble from Williams, Duke's three turnovers ultimately sealed their fate.
In a tense postgame moment, video footage captured some tension between Duke coach David Cutcliffe and UNC offensive lineman Jordan Tucker near the Victory Bell. Cutcliffe explained,
"I was trying to get people to get back to where they belong. Too many staff over there that aren't our staff. But I can't tell you what happened because I didn't see everything that happened or what caused it. I don't care for those circumstances."
The victory marked a record for Coach Mack Brown, claiming his 73rd win with the Tar Heels and solidifying his status as the winningest active coach in the Bowl Subdivision ranks with 248 wins.
Looking ahead, Duke has a bye week before hosting No. 8 Notre Dame on Nov. 9, while the Tar Heels will host Virginia next Saturday in a crucial Coastal Division clash. The Tar Heels' ability to navigate close games continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats, making each matchup a must-watch spectacle.
