The story of the season-opening win over South Carolina has to be the improved play of Gene Chizik’s defense. The Tar Heels came alive in Charlotte, holding the Gamecocks to just 17 points, despite three turnovers. They swarmed, they got after quarterback Shane Rattler, and they gave Drake Maye’s offense the support it needed when they left points on the field.
There are plaudits to share all over the defensive side of the ball, but special notice has to be spared for Kaimon Rucker. The Butcher had 8 tackles (one less than team-leader Cedric Gray), and led the team in solo tackles (6), tackles for loss (5.