It hurts.
That’s all North Carolina’s players could say, and it’s all they needed to say.
After all, there’s no way to rationalize injuries. Linebacker Andre Smith, wide receiver Thomas Jackson and offensive tackle William Sweet — all starters — cannot explain why that one cut or bad landing ended up costing them the rest of this season.
On Thursday’s injury report, they were three of nine players UNC listed as out for the year after a season just three games old. Ten more players were listed as questionable, doubtful or out as North Carolina entered its earliest game against Duke in school history.