DURHAM — UNC football has matched its win total from Bill Belichick's debut season and reclaimed the Victory Bell with a 24-20 win against Duke. 

The Tar Heels (4-2, 2-1 ACC) leaned on a solid defensive effort and an offense that took advantage of early errors to build a cushion against the Blue Devils (4-2, 3-2). Jaylen McGill punctuated the effort with a 24-yard rushing touchdown to help UNC overcome a late deficit.

Here’s our report card for the Tar Heels vs. Duke. 

Offense grade: C

Dominated time of possession in the first half and took advantage of a blocked punt when Billy Edwards Jr. connected with Jordan Shipp for a touchdown. Demon June scored on a fourth-down play to extend UNC’s lead, but the Tar Heels sputtered from there, with a crucial fumble in the second half playing a key role in Duke's comeback. Still, UNC was able to rebound with a key fourth-down play to extend what ended up being the go-ahead drive, which resulted in McGill's touchdown.

Defense grade: A

The Tar Heels didn’t allow any points in the first half, with Duke’s TD coming on a fumble return. UNC forced three punts and a crucial turnover on downs to keep the Blue Devils’ offense out of scoring situations. Duke running back Nate Sheppard was limited for the most part, particularly in the first half. The difference was UNC's red-zone defense.

Special teams grade: D

UNC had the special teams play of the game early on Duke’s opening drive, which ended with freshman Calvin Thomas blocking a punt that was recovered by freshman Jaziel Hart. The Tar Heels took advantage of the play with a touchdown on the ensuing drive to take a double-digit lead. But UNC's special teams blunder late on a botched punt attempt allowed Duke to nearly come back for the win.

Coaching grade: B

The Tar Heels continue to lean on their strengths, getting the ball to playmakers and leaning on their strong red-zone defense. Bill Belichick's decision to go for it on fourth down from UNC's 27-yard line was gutsy and it paid off.

Game MVP: Greg Smith

UNC defensive back Greg Smith had three touchdown-saving tackles, including two in the first half that forced a turnover on downs on two plays at the 2-yard line. Smith also had a pair of pass breakups, including a breakup on the Blue Devils’ opening drive of the third quarter in the red zone. He finished with 10 tackles.

Overall team grade: B

UNC's style may not be pretty, but it has produced back-to-back wins. The Tar Heels had another gritty effort and closed with a strong fourth-quarter finish to reclaim the Victory Bell.