GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Duke RB Deon Jackson vs. North Carolina linebackers
The Blue Devils have used a steady diet of Jackson on rushing plays and he has mostly responded in recent weeks. He has the ability to rip off big gainers, and he’s also a valuable part of Duke’s passing attack. North Carolina is reeling at times on defense, though LB Cole Holcomb is coming off a 22-tackle outing against Georgia Tech. But Jackson might make it difficult for the Tar Heels to adjust on defense because he’s so versatile. Jackson has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark the past two games.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Joe Giles-Harris is one most acclaimed defenders in recent Duke history. His ability to get to ball carriers is impressive and he’ll be looking to build on a season in which he gained national recognition in 2017. “We know what he can do,” coach David Cutcliffe said. “He can be real physical.” Eight games into the 2018 regular season, Giles-Harris holds a career average of 9.21 tackles per game.
ROSTER REPORT
–WR Jake Bobo made his first career start in the Miami game. He’s a true freshman, with at least one catch in six consecutive games.
–LB Joe Giles-Harris exited the Miami game with an apparent knee injury after making 12 tackles. His status is likely in question for the North Carolina game. He’s the team’s leading tackler. His 34 consecutive games started is the longest active streak on the team.
–LB Koby Quansah returned to action at Miami. He had missed three games after undergoing surgery slightly more than three weeks earlier for a broken bone in his foot. He’s well-versed in both of Duke’s linebacker spots.
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