Tar Heels get 3 back on defense

Posted Sep 30, 2011
North Carolina may be missing starting safety Jonathan Smith (doubtful because of an ankle injury) and starting linebacker Ebele Okakpu (questionable because of an ankle injury) for Saturday's game at East Carolina. But it will have three other defenders back to help try to slow the Pirates' big-play passing game. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

UNC Football Snap Counts vs. Duke: Billy Edwards, Greg Smith Lead PFF Grades
Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. turned in his best Pro Football Focus offensive grade game of the season in North Carolina’s 24-20 win Saturday at Duke,...
Sun Oct 18, 2026

Bill Belichick on defining moment in UNC win vs. Duke: 'I wasn't punting again'
UNC had timeouts remaining if it wanted to punt the ball back to Duke with hopes of getting a defensive stop for another shot. "I...
Sun Oct 18, 2026

Video: Duke Football Coach Manny Diaz Post-UNC Press Conference
Duke head football coach Manny Diaz speaks with the media following the Blue Devils' 24-20 loss to North Carolina on Saturday afternoon in Durham...
Sun Oct 18, 2026

UNC Football Report Card: Grading Tar Heels win vs. Duke
UNC Defense grade: A. The Tar Heels didn’t allow any points in the first half, with Duke’s TD coming on a fumble return. UNC forced...
Sun Oct 18, 2026