Update, 5:45 p.m. ET: True freshman Grayson Loftis is expected to make his second start of the season as Duke takes on North Carolina.
The Duke Blue Devils’ ACC hopes may be close to done despite a promising start to their season, but they will still be coming into this rivalry game against the No. 24 North Carolina Tar Heels looking for a big win. Duke quarterback Riley Leonard has been dealing with injuries since Week 5, when he sustained an ankle sprain against Notre Dame. His latest issue is a toe injury that will likely keep him for an extended period of time.
The bad news for Duke here is that backup Henry Belin, who has filled in for Leonard for several games this season, is also injured. Belin is dealing with an upper body issue.
DraftKings Sportsbook has made North Carolina an 11-point favorite. The total points are set at 53.
Who will start for Duke against UNC?
Duke will likely be looking to their third-string quarterback to take on the Tar Heels, and that would be true freshman Grayson Loftis. Loftis has played in two games so far this season, and started in last week’s win over Wake Forest. In the victory, he went 7-for-19 for 86 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Blue Devils only other scholarship quarterback on the roster is true freshman Donald Tomlin, who has yet to see the field.
Updates to come.