Tar Heels' Opening Act on Defense a Different Story From Last Season

Posted Sep 6, 2023
The Tar Heels' struggles to generate tackles for loss were evident last season. They never recorded more than six in a game and never more than five against Power 5 schools. This season's opener saw UNC record a staggering 16 TFLs. Defensive Coordinator Gene Chizik, while pleased with the performance, cautioned there's still room to improve. (Tar Heel Illustrated)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Video: IC Podcast - UNC vs. Syracuse Football Preview
Jason Staples, Greg Barnes, and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss UNC Football's matchup with Syracuse on Saturday night in Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels...
Fri Oct 23, 2026

Podcast: Carolina Football Live - UNC vs. Duke Recap, Syracuse Preview
North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick joins Jones Angell from the Tar Heel Sports Network to recap UNC's win over Duke, preview Saturday night's...
Fri Oct 23, 2026

Nicco Maggio Takes On Expanded Role Along UNC Defensive Line
As injuries have mounted across North Carolina’s defensive line, trial by fire has become a weekly reality for a handful of Tar Heels thrust into...
Thu Oct 22, 2026

Extra Points: Keep Up The Fight
Two days earlier, Jelani Thurman had caught five passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns, and Benjamin Hall had carried the ball 10 times for...
Thu Oct 22, 2026