Hart2 chesson, please feel free to elaborate on the 43-43 tie against NC State in 1988. I don't remember the game. I had only a moment to find a question this morning
Blue Devils went into game 6-3 knowing in '88 at least, it would take at least 7 W's to get a smaller non football school to qualify for a bowl bid.Peach Bowl scouts were at the game, and Duke was considered a top candidate if they beat Dick Sheridan's Wolfpack (already probably locked in a bowl) in Raleigh.
There was no TV broadcast, but what a back and forth game offensively. Steve Spurrier's Blue Devils moved the ball all over the field and Duke led 43-40 late. State had 3rd and long and Duke intercepted. The celebration was premature, as Duke was called for what some observers called a "phantom" defensive holding penalty. It moved State into FG range and on last play of game Pack's Damon Hartman kicked a game tying FG.
Spurrier knew next week a win against Mack Brown's hapless 1st year 1-9 UNC team wouldnt be enough to qualify Duke for a bowl. A heated Spurrier told reporters post game following tie: "Thats the worse call in the history of Duke Football!!!" It caused Spurrier to be banned from sidelines for Duke-UNC game. Barry Wilson was interim coach next week. Duke eked by the Tar Heels 35-29 to finish 7-3-1, but no bowl.
OFC