A Rivalry Renewed With High Drama
The legendary Duke vs. UNC rivalry delivered another instant classic on Saturday, November 22, as the Blue Devils pulled off a dramatic 32-25 comeback win over the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. With the coveted Victory Bell on the line, Duke’s gutsy play-calling and late-game heroics left North Carolina fans stunned and ensured the bell would stay in Durham for another year.
The Game-Changing Moment: A Fake Field Goal for the Ages
Trailing 25-24 with just over two minutes left, Duke faced a critical fourth-and-three at the UNC 27-yard line. Instead of settling for a long field goal attempt, head coach Manny Diaz dialed up a bold fake. Kicker Todd Pelino took a pitch from the holder and sprinted 26 yards, getting tackled just short of the end zone. On the very next play, running back Anderson Castle punched it in from the one-yard line, and a successful two-point conversion gave Duke a 32-25 lead.
UNC had one last chance, but Duke’s defense held firm, forcing a four-and-out to seal the win.
Key Stats and Standouts
-
Anderson Castle was the star for Duke, scoring three rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner.
-
Todd Pelino’s fake field goal run will go down as one of the most memorable plays in recent rivalry history.
-
Gio Lopez led UNC with a rushing and passing touchdown, while Davion Gause’s 12-yard TD run gave the Tar Heels a late lead before Duke’s comeback.
- Duke outgained UNC on the ground, rushing for 177 yards to UNC’s 101, and dominated time of possession 36:00 to 24:00.
| Team | Total Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | 1st Downs | 3rd Downs | TOP |
|-----------|-------------|------------|------------|-----------|-----------|--------|
| Duke | 352 | 175 | 177 | 24 | 6/8 | 36:00 |
| UNC | 305 | 204 | 101 | 18 | 3/6 | 24:00 |
What This Means for Both Teams
With the win, Duke improved to 6-5 (5-2 ACC), becoming bowl eligible and extending their in-state winning streak to seven games. The Blue Devils also completed an unbeaten road ACC season, a rare feat in program history.
For UNC, the loss dropped them to 4-7 (2-5 ACC), capping a disappointing season and denying them a rivalry win on Senior Day.
The Rivalry’s Enduring Magic
Duke vs. UNC is more than just a football game—it’s a cultural event that electrifies both campuses and the entire state. Saturday’s thriller added another unforgettable chapter, with bold coaching, clutch performances, and the kind of drama that makes this rivalry one of the best in college sports.
Looking Ahead
Duke’s bowl eligibility gives them a shot at a strong finish, while UNC will look to regroup and rebuild for next season. But for now, the Victory Bell stays blue, and Duke fans have bragging rights for another year.
Sources
1. Duke Keeps Victory Bell, Downs Tar Heels 32-25
2. Ranking Villanova Basketball's Best Rivalries
3. Duke Slips Past Carolina On Senior Day, 32-25
4. Duke University - Unigo.com
5. Duke vs. North Carolina Game Highlights | 2025 ACC ...
6. Sách Tham Khảo PRE | PDF | Copyright | License
7. Duke 32-25 North Carolina (Nov 22, 2025) Game Recap
8. Carolina Women's Soccer
9. North Carolina vs Duke - Football - 11/22/2025 - Box Score
10. 2020 – Page 5 – The Pulse – Powered by Duke Heart
11. Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
12. The Catalyze podcast: Jamie DeMent Holcomb '01
13. BANKS BRANCHING OUT
14. The ESPN Daily podcast: How to listen, episode guide and ...
