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I’m not sure if there is any such thing as a perfect moment, but if there is, I’m pretty sure watching Duke Football defeat UNC for the first time since 2003 and reclaim the Victory Bell for Duke would qualify.

A little bit of history….

In order to fully appreciate the significance of Saturday’s football victory over Carolina, it’s necessary to provide you with a little bit of background on the game.

Traditionally, Duke and Carolina face each other towards the end of November rather than this year’s earlier October game day. The winner of the game gets bragging rights and possession of the Victory Bell for a year, a tradition started in 1948.  Unfortunately, prior to Saturday’s game, the Victory Bell had not been in Duke’s possession since 2003.

Saturday…

This game was a little different. The earlier game day allowed many students to attend the Duke-Carolina football game for the first time (the past November game generally fell over Duke’s Thanksgiving break) and they responded to the opportunity with record attendance. I’ve never seen Wallace Wade so packed or so energized!

It was also the first time both teams would be entering the game with perfectly matched records. Both teams were 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the ACC.  It was anybody’s game.

The final moments…

The game went down to the final moments.  I’m pretty sure I had multiple heart attacks during the final minutes, and with less than thirty seconds left on the clock, five yards, and one touchdown separating us with a victory over our rival, it was all I could do to remember to breathe.

When we won, in a beautiful 33-30 victory over UNC, I was one of the first people over the wall to rush the field.

We started off as a normal, football-watching crowd. Then, we rushed the field in glee over our victory. Once on the field, we congratulated the players on their win!

Saturday’s game is a memory I’ll never forget.  Not just the win, although that was great, but the energy and Blue Devil pride showed throughout the game. It was beautiful to see the student body encouraging and supporting their fellow students in the stands.

Think I’m exaggerating? Check out those final moments for yourself!