Duke Favored to Win Rivalry Game vs North Carolina This Week

The Duke Blue Devils will be entering this week looking to bounce back following a tough loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Duke enters this week with a record of 4-1 on the season, still having everything in front of them if they can run the table. But the Blue Devils want to only take things one game at a time right now, with the group focusing on the upcoming matchup.

This week, Duke will be hosting the rival North Carolina Tar Heels, setting up a fun matchup between the two teams. While the rivalry is strongest in basketball, there are real bragging rights on the line whenever the schools meet up, no matter the sport.

Duke took down the Tar Heels a year ago, winning 32-25 on the road. Now, the two teams will be gearing up to write the next chapter of this rivalry.

North Carolina will be coming into this game with a record of 3-2 on the season, and they'll be trying to knock off Duke. The Tar Heels have seen an up and down year so far, but a win over their rivals could go a long way.

Duke will try to defend home field in this rivalry series, looking to grab another ACC win on the year. The Blue Devils are currently 1-1 in ACC play this season, sitting as the defending champions of the conference.

Entering the rivalry game, the Blue Devils understand what is at stake here, and ESPN likes their chance to win. According to ESPN's matchup predictor, Duke has a 53.9 percent chance to grab the victory over North Carolina.

One way for the Blue Devils to gain an advantage in the game is by getting the running game going. Duke has a star in the backfield in Nate Sheppard, and he's had a strong start to the season for this team.

Sheppard has rushed for 743 yards and eight touchdowns this season, giving this offense a real boost. If he can put together another strong showing against the Tar Heels, Duke would be in a good spot to win the game.

Duke has to get Sheppard involved if they want to win the game, and he's become an invaluable piece to the offense this year. Sheppard allows for the passing game to open up, forcing defenses to defend both aspects of the offense.

The kickoff between the two teams is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET from Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham.