Matt Merletti might return for bowl Posted Nov 10, 2011 North Carolina safety Matt Merletti went in for knee surgery on Tuesday expecting the worst. He came out with the best possible news and a second chance at his senior season. Merletti had originally been diagnosed with ligament damage and was expected to be out for the rest of the season. But there's a chance he might be able to play in the Tar Heels' bowl game in December. (Raleigh News & Observer)