This week, The Chronicle’s Daniel Carp spoke to The Daily Tar Heel's Sports Editor Brooke Pryor about this weekend’s contest between Duke and North Carolina.
The Chronicle: This year's Duke-North Carolina matchup is different from games we've seen in the past because they're playing for something more than pride—they're playing for a division title. Given the way things went last year, how is North Carolina looking at this Duke team?
Brooke Pryor: I think UNC is looking at this Duke team as a team not to be taken lightly. Especially given last year, they didn't think Duke was going to win and obviously we know the outcome of that. This UNC team knows what Duke is capable of, so I don't think they'll be taken by surprised by anything.
TC: North Carolina is coming off a game where it scored 80 points in three quarters and actually played a 10-minute fourth quarter as a result. How much are they taking that game into account looking forward to an ACC opponent?
BP: I don't think it's something they're necessarily riding off of. Obviously, they were a lot better than Old Dominion, and Old Dominion was a good team, don't get me wrong. Their defense just wasn't up to snuff compared to UNC's offense. I don't think they're looking for another 70- or 80-point game this week. I don't think that's something that's really in their process right now. I will say that last week showed them that they have a lot of offensive weapons.
TC: A few weeks ago when Bryn Renner went down, this North Carolina team was essentially left for dead. Now with Marquise Williams at the helm, are the Tar Heels potentially a more explosive team than they ever were before?
BP: I definitely think so. Obviously what happened to Bryn was awful, and I wouldn't wish that on any starting quarterback, to end their college career like that. But I think Marquise is a much more dynamic quarterback. I think other defenses don't know how to figure him out yet. The whole playbook is open to him and I think he's surprising a lot of people. I think he's really talented.
TC: Eric Ebron had a great game against Duke last year. Now that he's back and healthy, what is it that makes him so difficult to defend?
BP: He's got the height, he's got the speed, he's got great hands and I think he's just one of those special players who comes along every now and again. He has a lot of confidence, and I think that's a big part of it. I don't think football players are as good when they're not quite sure that they're good, and Eric Ebron has no problem with that—he's already decided he's going to the NFL draft.
TC: What matchup would you be most worried about if you were North Carolina?
BP: I would be worried about the two-quarterback system. I think that is something that's going to keep you on your toes. But UNC has a great defensive line. Kareem Martin, I think Duke's quarterbacks should be concerned if he starts having a good game. He really went after Tom Savage against Pitt a couple of weeks ago. It is his Senior Day and I think he's due for another big game.
TC: We're getting into the middle of nonconference play for basketball season at this point in the year. North Carolina just had a big win against Louisville, Duke could play Arizona later this week at Madison Square Garden, but this rivalry is manifesting in a football game that could decide the division title. What is the buzz like on campus at North Carolina?
BP: From what I can see, people are really excited about this football team, especially going from a 1-5 start to stringing together these wins. They're also really hopeful about the basketball team. Both teams have been looked down on nationally and people have been unsure about them. I get the sense that things are turning around and people are optimistic.
TC: Finally, what's your score prediction for Saturday?
BP: I'm going to say UNC 35, Duke 33.
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