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Looking ahead to Saturday’s game at Duke is the top priority for North Carolina after last week’s disturbing result and a hectic few days.

Tar Heels coach Mack Brown said it’s a good time to play the neighboring Blue Devils in Durham, N.C., because the Tar Heels need to bond together for a common cause.

Duke (4-0) will play its third home game, while the Tar Heels (3-1) will arrive wounded after a 70-50 home loss to James Madison.

That outcome spawned an array of upheaval regarding Brown’s longevity and a long list of defensive deficiencies. Reports that Brown offered to step down were rebuffed by the winningest active Division I coach.

“I love my job and I want to keep doing it,” Brown said. “Excited about the future and love my job. Love these kids, and I love this place, and that’s why I hate losing so much. … Let’s go, let’s move forward. Can’t wait to get back to work and go play Duke.”

Brown and his coordinators have provided the only explanations for what happened in the James Madison game and the challenges of facing Duke. Tar Heels players weren’t available for comment after Saturday’s game or leading up to the Duke game.

“Obviously, a lot of things to fix,” Brown said. “We couldn’t have done more things wrong in a game.”

It’s the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both programs.

Duke first-year coach Manny Diaz said playing a longtime rival to start league play is a big deal.

“All other types of distractions which really aren’t the focus of what actually will matter Saturday at 4 o’clock which is how well we block, how well we tackle, how well we throw, how well we catch,” Diaz said.

Jacolby Criswell became the third North Carolina starting quarterback of the season in the James Madison game. Turnovers hurt the Tar Heels, but Criswell gave a boost to the offense.

“I think it’s all there,” Brown said. “This offense can be really, really good after what we saw from Jacolby.”

Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy, who’s in his first season in the program, threw three touchdowns last week against Middle Tennessee.

However, Diaz said the Blue Devils can’t be content with airing it out against North Carolina. Duke running back Star Thomas has exceeded the 100-yard rushing mark in each of the past two games

“Not just the way that he can see holes, but what he does when he gets downfield,” Diaz said. “His toughness is inspiring our football team.”

Duke’s defense is averaging 11 1/2 tackles for loss. That could be troublesome for North Carolina’s offensive line.

“We’ve got our hands full,” Brown said.

North Carolina prevailed 47-45 in double overtime against Duke in Chapel Hill last year to claim the Victory Bell.

–Field Level Media