Duke football falls out of AP Poll after disappointing loss to North Carolina

As expected, the Blue Devils plummeted out of the AP Poll after their second consecutive home loss.

Duke, which was ranked No. 25 last week despite a disappointing 17-16 home loss to Virginia Tech, was thrashed on national television 45-20 by its rival North Carolina in its first Thursday night game since 1994.

As a result, the Blue Devils dropped out of the AP Poll Sunday afternoon and only received nine votes, fifth most among unranked teams.

Last week, Duke made history by staying in the poll for the fourth consecutive week, the first time that had happened since 1955.

Now, after losing the Victory Bell, ACC Coastal Division title and their top-25 ranking, the Blue Devils will look to rally the troops and knock off Wake Forest Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium to record back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time ever.

With a win against the Demon Deacons and a victory in its bowl game, Duke still has a chance to finish in the top 25 if it can pick up the pieces following Thursday's crushing loss.