I said this after the UNC-App State thriller two weeks ago – the Tar Heel defense goes together like toothpaste and orange juice.
When college football fans look at Carolina’s defense, the struggles are the easiest thing to notice.
UNC allowed nearly 500 yards to App State on Sept. 9 this year, though the Mountaineers are consistently one of college football’s best among non-Power 5 schools.
Carolina finished with one of the nation’s worst defenses last year, which was somewhat surprising given all the talent (Desmond Evans, Kaimon Rucker, Cedric Gray) they have.
Outside of this year’s App State game, the UNC defense has looked significantly better.
The Tar Heels generated nine sacks and held South Carolina to a negative rushing yard total in a 31-17, Week 1 victory. Last weekend at home, UNC held Minnesota to three second-half points and quarterback Athas Kaliakmanis to 11 total completions, in a 31-13 home triumph.
Carolina’s improved defensive performance has caught the eye of defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, who pointed to comfort level and the ability to respond well to adversity.
“I think it’s just execution,” Chizik told 247Sports’ Evan Rogers on Monday. “One of the things that I really like about our defense is that we’ve got really good leadership, so it really doesn’t matter what happens in the games, good or bad. I feel like they’re built to respond. The overall difference (this season) is maybe a comfort level in the defense in your second year, I think that’s number one. Number two, we have very smart guys that totally understand where they’re fitting and what their job responsibilities are.”
Rucker and Florida State transfer Amari Gainer already have multiple sacks each, part of a UNC defense that has 10 through just three games. Carolina registered 17 all of last year.
Power Echols, Don Chapman and Armani Chatman all have one interception apiece. Echols, Gray, Chapman and Gio Biggers give Carolina four guys with double-digit tackles.
Most impressive about the defense, however, is its ability to shut down the opposition late in games. Excluding the App State game this year, UNC’s opponents have scored a combined six points in the second half.
The Tar Heel defense will get a tough test this upcoming weekend, as it opens up ACC play at Pitt on Saturday at 8 p.m. The Panthers have nearly 1,000 yards of offense through three games.
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