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UNC's Marquise Williams receives encouragement from Peyton Manning, other quarterbacks

CHAPEL HILL

Marquise Williams threw three interceptions – two of them in the end zone – last week during North Carolina's season-opening 17-13 loss against South Carolina. And then came the most difficult part of his night, when he found himself alone with his thoughts and disappointment.

“It hurt,” Williams said after practice on Tuesday, the first time he'd spoken with reporters since after the game in Charlotte. “I couldn't really sleep Thursday.”

Friday, though, was a new day, and one that started well enough. Williams said he began hearing from fellow quarterbacks from all over the country, sending him text messages and words of encouragement.