UNC’s defense needs to take the air out of the ball

Posted Oct 29, 2011
UNC’s defense has allowed three of the past four quarterbacks it has faced to set career passing marks. So the last thing the Tar Heels secondary wanted was a season-ending injury to one of its starters. But senior safety Matt Merletti tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee a week ago at Clemson, so that’s the situation UNC’s 101st-ranked pass defense is in today when the Tar Heels host Wake Forest (3:30 p.m., ESPNU). (Durham Herald-Sun)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

UNC mourns 'selfless' James Spurling, who impacted Tar Heel football for decades
On Sunday afternoon, for the first time in more than half a century, Carolina Football will gather without James Spurling. A Celebration of Life will...
Fri Feb 13, 2026

TJ Yates Named Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Passing Game Coordinator
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2026 coaching staff includes multiple new additions in all three phases of the game. Notable additions to the offensive staff include...
Fri Feb 13, 2026

Marcus Allen, Thaddeus Dixon Invited To 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
UNC defensive backs Marcus Allen and Thaddeus Dixon have been invited to participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, taking place Feb. 23 - Mar...
Thu Feb 12, 2026

Drake Maye had injection for shoulder before Super Bowl
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said he received a pain-killing injection for his injured right throwing shoulder before the team's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks...
Wed Feb 11, 2026