Carolina’s trip to Durham on Nov. 20 will mark the 20-year anniversary of the Tar Heels’ 41-40 win over Duke in 1994, and a contingent of Tar Heels from all eras plans to gather for a pregame tailgate and sit together during the game to mark the occasion.

            “I think that ’94 game is the best game in the rivalry’s history,” says Charlotte’s Roge Purgason, a starting offensive tackle on the team that went 8-4 in Mack Brown’s seventh Carolina season. “It’s the only time both teams have been ranked in the top 25 when they played and both gone to a bowl game the same year. That’s a reason to celebrate a great game and Tar Heel football. I’ve had this in the back of my mind for some time and have been waiting for the 20-year mark.”

            Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will telecast on ESPN. A block of tickets is available for Tar Heel Lettermen at $60 each plus a $7 per order service charge. Contact Willem Bokhoven in the Rams Club to order: willem@ramsclub.com or 919/843-6404. Details on the tailgate festivities are forthcoming.

            The Tar Heels were 7-3 and ranked 21st in the Associated Press poll entering the season finale, while Duke was ranked No. 24. The Blue Devils under coach Fred Goldsmith won seven straight to open the year, climbed as high as 16th and then lost to Florida State and N.C. State and were 8-2 when they faced the Tar Heels. Carolina would lose to Texas in the Sun Bowl and Duke would lose to Wisconsin in the Hall of Fame Bowl.

            Carolina won the game in the final two minutes when QB Mike Thomas hit receiver Octavus Barnes on a 71-yard scoring pass, then safety Sean Boyd forced an interception that was hauled in by Fuzzy Lee to secure the win.