North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils Prediction and Preview Posted Nov 7, 2018 North Carolina will be motivated for this game simply because Duke is on the other sideline. But Duke will be ready as well and has much more to play for at this point. North Carolina quarterback Nathan Elliott will make some plays but he’ll also make some mistakes. David Cutcliffe’s team will improve to 7-3 and earn bragging rights. Prediction: Duke 27, North Carolina 17 (Athlon Sports)