3 Biggest X-Factors For UNC to Upset Duke This Week

The North Carolina Tar Heels are gearing up for a massive game this week as they face off against the rival Duke Blue Devils.

North Carolina is coming off a big win over the Pittsburgh Panthers last week, helping them to salvage the season a little. The Tar Heels are 3-2 entering the game, and this team will be looking to add another victory to its resume.

Duke comes in with a record of 4-1 on the year, having dropped its first game of the season last week. North Carolina lost at home to the Blue Devils last season, and now they will be trying to return the favor in 2026.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Tar Heels to pull off the upset of its rival this week:

1. Trust Bill Belichick

For all the flak that Belichick has received as a coach at the college level, he remains one of the best football minds in the history of the sport. Belichick has been in tough spots before over his long career, and he's been able to help his teams navigate different situations.

Belichick will need to out coach Manny Diaz in this game, giving the Tar Heels an advantage due to his extensive experience. The players have to listen to Belichick, and he will do whatever he can to put guys into the best possible place to succeed leading into this rivalry game.

2. Get Jordan Shipp Involved

The Tar Heels offense has been very inconsistent so far this season, but last week against Pittsburgh, they saw some improvement. Wide receiver Jordan Shipp continued his strong play, recording six catches for 93 yards in the win.

For the season, Shipp has caught 26 passes for 366 yards, giving this Tar Heels team a true weapon that can help spread the field out. If North Carolina tests the Duke secondary with its weapons like Shipp, the offense could be in line for a good day.

3. Xavier Lewis Takeover

One advantage that the Tar Heels do have coming into the game is that their pass rush is one of the better units in the country. North Carolina is led by star defensive lineman Xavier Lewis, who has put together a special season so far for this team.

Lewis has recorded 28 total tackles (9.5 for loss), with 6.5 sacks over the first five games of the season. If Lewis can have another strong day for North Carolina, an upset of the Blue Devils could easily take place this week.