North Carolina Tar Heels
Atlantic Coast Conference
With all the North Carolina program has gone through in the offseason, perhaps it was a little too much to ask them to win their division this season. Coach Butch Davis was fired and players were still suspended due to NCAA allegations. Interim coach Everett Withers should be commended on what he was able to pull out of this team. Talent alone helped earn this team a few wins. They find themselves in a bowl despite the many times this season the team could have taken a turn for the worse. Though ultimately disappointing, the Tar Heels should be content with what they did in 2011.
2011 Record: 7-5, 3-5
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Music City Bowl vs. Tennessee (W 30-27)
Big Wins: 10/8 Louisville (14-7), 10/29 Wake Forest (49-24)
Bad Losses: 10/15 Miami (24-30), 11/5 North Carolina State (0-13),
Coach: Everett Withers (7-5 at North Carolina, 7-5 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at North Carolina, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: John Shoop
Defensive Coordinator: Everett Withers
Strengths:
The Tar Heel defense was considered in many ways an “NFL” defense. All that means is that there are several members of their defense that are solid NFL prospects. As it would turn out, the defense overall was only slightly above average (40th in total defense; 5th in conference). They did have individual stars though. On the edge, Quinton Coples and Donte Paige-Moss were beasts trying to get to the quarterback. Zach Brown in the middle had his helmet on the football all season. The offense should be happy with the overall performance of freshman quarterback Bryn Renner although he has been shaky at times this season. For the most part, Renner has lived up to his recruitment billing. As a freshman, he was the second most efficient quarterback in the conference as he tossed 23 touchdowns and threw for over 2,500 yards. The Tar Heels should feel confident about the situation under center after this season. Additionally, North Carolina led the conference in kickoff returns. T.J. Thorpe was a great field position weapon for an offense that is run by a young quarterback.
Weaknesses:
Conversely, every other aspect of UNC’s special teams was lacking. Punting and punt returns were among the lowest in the conference. It certainly didn’t help their defense out when opposing offenses had great field position. As lauded as that defense was, they could not stop the opposing air attack. They were always able to get to the quarterback, but when they didn’t, quarterbacks would make them pay the price of nearly 250 yards per game given up through the air. Though Giovani Bernard has been a good running back for the Tar Heels, he is no superstar. The running game has average over 140 yards per game, but in today’s football landscape, most teams are rushing for much more. Protecting Bryn Renner has been a priority this year. The line still gives up about two sacks per game and Renner has had to leave for periods at a time because he has been banged around.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Giovani Bernard, RB, 1,222 yards
Passing: Bryn Renner, QB, 2,769 yards
Receiving: Dwight Jones, WR, 1,119 yards
Tackles: Zach Brown, LB, 91
Sacks: Quinton Coples, DE, 7.5
Interceptions: Tre Boston, S, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 147.42 (70, 6)
Passing Offense: 249.17 (43, 5)
Total Offense: 396.58 (52, 5)
Scoring Offense: 28.33 (57, 5)
Rushing Defense: 106.17 (16, 3)
Pass Defense: 246.75 (88, 12)
Total Defense: 352.92 (40, 5)
Scoring Defense: 23.50 (46, 5)
Turnover Margin: -.08 (65, 7)
Sacks: 2.08 (43, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 2.17 (74, 8)
