UNC defense faces tough test against Clemson with loss of Okakpu

Posted Oct 17, 2011
Just when North Carolina’s defense is preparing to face one of its toughest opponents of the season -- undefeated and eighth-ranked Clemson, which is second in the ACC in total offense and points scored – the Tar Heels lose a starting linebacker. Senior Ebele Okakpu has been dismissed for “conduct detrimental to the team,’’ interim head coach Everett Withers announced at his Monday news conference. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

UNC Football's Top Position Groups Entering Training Camp
With the start of training camp approaching, North Carolina is preparing for a pivotal 2026-27 college football season. Based on the reinforcements the Tar Heels...
Mon Jul 13, 2026

UNC Football Schedule Lookahead: East Tennessee State
UNC Football's Sept. 12 game against East Tennessee State at Kenan Stadium is the Tar Heels’ only clear-cut favorite on a demanding schedule. The Buccaneers...
Fri Jul 10, 2026

Previewing UNC football's upcoming roster
After a disappointing 4-8 finish in head coach Bill Belichick’s first season, North Carolina football looked to make some changes heading into the 2026 season...
Thu Jul 9, 2026

North Carolina Football’s Five Greatest Quarterbacks
Since 2011, four Tar Heels quarterbacks have been taken in the NFL draft, two among the top 10 picks. Over that same stretch, UNC has...
Thu Jul 9, 2026