Forget Duke-UNC Basketball: Gridiron Battle Casts Temporary Shaddow

The legendary intensity of the Duke-UNC rivalry was once limited to just the Basketball court—not anymore.

When the two schools, a mere 8-miles apart, meet on Saturday it will be more than bragging rights on the line.

Both football teams come into the game at 5-3 overall. The Blue Devils are sporting a much better 3-1 ACC record compared to the Tar Heels' 1-3 record.

And while both teams are doing their best to be cordial to one another during game week, expect the kid gloves to come off on Saturday.

I fully expect a knock-down, drag-out affair with both teams teetering on the edge between bowl eligibility and elimination.

It should prove to be a lively atmosphere with so much at stake for both teams.

Fan support will also be interesting to watch as this game actually means something with regard to conference standings as well.

Duke has the most to lose by losing as they would have to pick up two wins against the likes of Georgia Tech, Miami, and Wake Forest.

The Blue Devils also have only captured the victory bell once since former Coach Steve Spurrier walked the sidelines.

North Carolina has dominated the series, even though the games have been close.

They have a highly vaunted defense and are coming off a big upset of a ranked Virginia Tech team on the road.

Duke, on the other hand, is riding high after three consecutive ACC victories.

One thing is for sure; on Saturday there won't be a soul in either shade of blue, to quote UNC Basketball coach Roy Williams, that "give a shit" about North Carolina or Duke Basketball.

Well that is, at least for a couple hours anyway.