Duke @ North Carolina preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 20, 2012 ) North Carolina 30, Duke 33

Duke has played for many championships over the years, just not in football. But the No. 24 Blue Devils can advance to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game for the first time with a victory Saturday at North Carolina. Duke already claimed at least a share of the ACC’s Coastal Division title with their school-record-tying ninth victory last weekend against Wake Forest, rallying from an early 14-point deficit to win 28-21 for its seventh consecutive victory.

The Tar Heels set a few marks themselves over the weekend, thrashing Old Dominion 80-20 with the most points and touchdowns scored in school history - something they accomplished halfway through the third quarter. North Carolina has won five in a row - its longest streak since 2001 - and owned an eight-game winning streak against the Blue Devils before losing to them last season. The Tar Heels are loaded with young offensive talent as their last 23 touchdowns have been scored by freshmen or sophomores.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: North Carolina -5

ABOUT DUKE (9-2, 5-2 ACC): Blue Devils quarterback Anthony Boone is clicking again again after missing three games with a broken collarbone. He was less-than-spectacular upon his return, putting Brandon Connette back in the picture in a platoon role, but Boone took most of the snaps Saturday, throwing for 256 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers or sacks. Boone has a prime target in wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who’s two receptions shy of tying Conner Vernon’s single-season record of 85 set in 2012.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (6-5, 4-3): North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron has pieced together a strong junior season, leading the team with 50 catches for 774 yards and three touchdowns. Things have gone so well for Ebron that he has decided to enter the NFL Draft next year and forego his final year of eligibility. His best game came against then-unbeaten Miami last month, when he grabbed eight passes for 199 yards and a 71-yard touchdown in the 27-23 loss.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Duke has scored 110 points in the final quarter this season and allowed 34 points, the widest scoring differential in the FBS.

2. Duke has reached the nine-win mark for the first time since 1941 and is riding its first seven-game winning streak since 1994.

3. Ryan Switzer has four punt returns for touchdowns for North Carolina this season, tying the ACC single-season record and putting him within one of the NCAA mark.

PREDICTION: North Carolina 45, Duke 34