2011 North Carolina Tar Heels football team

2011 North Carolina Tar Heels football
Independence Bowl, L 24–41 vs. Missouri
Conference	Atlantic Coast Conference
Division	Coastal
Record	7–6 (3–5 ACC)
Head coach	Everett Withers (interim, 1st season)
Offensive coordinator	John Shoop (5th season)
Offensive scheme	Pro-style
Defensive coordinator	Art Kaufman (1st season)
Base defense	4–3
Captain	Casey Barth, Cam Holland, Matt Merletti, Kevin Reddick
Home stadium	Kenan Memorial Stadium

2011 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings

	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
Atlantic Division
No. 22 Clemson x$		6	–	2					10	–	4
Wake Forest		5	–	3					6	–	7
No. 23 Florida State		5	–	3					9	–	4
NC State		4	–	4					8	–	5
Boston College		3	–	5					4	–	8
Maryland		1	–	7					2	–	10
Coastal Division
No. 21 Virginia Tech x%		7	–	1					11	–	3
Virginia		5	–	3					8	–	5
Georgia Tech		5	–	3					8	–	5
Miami (FL)		3	–	5					6	–	6
North Carolina		3	–	5					7	–	6
Duke		1	–	7					3	–	9
Championship: Clemson 38, Virginia Tech 10
$ – BCS representative as conference champion % – BCS at-large representative x – Division champion/co-champions Rankings from AP Poll

The 2011 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a member of Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led by interim head coach Everett Withers and played their home games at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels finished the season 7–6 overall and 3–5 in ACC play to tie for fourth in the Coastal Division. They were invited to the Independence Bowl, where they were defeated by Missouri, 24–41.

Recruiting

After National Signing Day (February 3, 2011) the Tar Heel's recruiting class was ranked as the 16th best class in the nation by the three major recruiting sites (espn.com, rivals.com, and scout.com). Marquise Williams (QB), Travis Riley (RB), T.J. Thorpe (Ath), Landon Turner (OG), and Sylvester Williams (DT) (Junior College Transfer) all enrolled in January 2011. The entire 2011 recruiting class included 26 players, 22 of which were either four-star or three-star recruits.

US college sports recruiting information for 2011 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Kiaro Holts OT	Indianapolis, IN	Warren Central HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	267 lb (121 kg)	5.4	Jun 25, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
T.J. Thorpe ATH	Durham, NC	C E Jordan HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	4.5	Mar 7, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Travis Hughes ILB	Virginia Beach, VA	Kempsville HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	224 lb (102 kg)	4.57	Dec 18, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Travis Riley RB	Kannapolis, NC	A L Brown HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	4.54	Apr 2, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Eric Ebron TE	Greensboro, NC	Ben L Smith HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	221 lb (100 kg)	4.67	Mar 18, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Landon Turner OG	Harrisonburg, VA	Harrisonburg HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	308 lb (140 kg)	5.3	Jul 11, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Jack Tabb TE	Red Bank, NJ	Red Bank Catholic HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	233 lb (106 kg)	4.8	Jan 14, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Marquise Williams QB	Charlotte, NC	Mallard Creek HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	217 lb (98 kg)	4.75	Jun 7, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Norkeithus Otis OLB	Gastonia, NC	Ashbrook HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	197 lb (89 kg)	4.6	Nov 5, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Tim Scott S	Stafford, VA	Colonial Forge HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	176 lb (80 kg)	4.4	Nov 5, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Delvon Simmons^ DT	McKeesport, PA	McKeesport Area SHS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	264 lb (120 kg)	N/A	Feb 2, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Romar Morris RB	Salisbury, NC	Salisbury HS	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	173 lb (78 kg)	4.36	Aug 16, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Devonte Brown DT	Fayetteville, NC	Jack Britt	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	N/A	Nov 14, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Tyler Alberts DE	Lewisville, NC	Forsyth Country Day School	6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	4.7	Oct 4, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Shawn Underwood DT	Fuquay-Varina, NC	Fuquay-Varina HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	316 lb (143 kg)	4.97	Jul 13, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Jarrod James OG	Pikeville, NC	Charles B Aycock HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	279 lb (127 kg)	5.0	Mar 20, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Keeon Virgile OLB	North Miami Beach, FL	North Miami Beach HS	6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	N/A	Feb 2, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Brandon Ellerbe S	Wadesboro, NC	Anson HS	6 ft 0.5 in (1.84 m)	199 lb (90 kg)	N/A	Feb 2, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Miller Snyder K	Charlotte, NC	Myers Park HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	183 lb (83 kg)	N/A	Dec 15, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Alex Dixon CB	Clearwater, FL	Countryside HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	183 lb (83 kg)	N/A	Nov 14, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Darien Rankin S	Salisbury, NC	Salisbury HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	4.6	Jul 7, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Kameron Jackson ATH/WR	Madison, AL	Madison Academy	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	4.5	Jul 2, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Samuel Smiley ATH/DB	Jacksonville, FL	William M. Raines HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	N/A	Feb 2, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 71
Stephen Houston RB	Independence, KS	Independence Community College	5 ft 10.5 in (1.79 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	N/A	Feb 1, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: N/A (Junior College)
Sylvester Williams DT	Coffeyville, KS	Coffeyville Community College	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	306 lb (139 kg)	5.1	Dec 15, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: N/A (Junior College)
Fabby Desir LB	Scranton, PA	Lackawanna Community College	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	227 lb (103 kg)	4.5	Feb 25, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: N/A (Junior College)
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 16   Rivals: 16
‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "North Carolina Commit List for 2011". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 17, 2011. "Scout.com Football Recruiting: North Carolina". Scout.com. Retrieved February 17, 2011. "RecruitTracker 2011: North Carolina". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 17, 2011. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved February 17, 2011. "2011 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 17, 2011.

^Delvon Simmons requested to be released from his letter of intent in March 2011. He was granted release, and will not play for UNC.

Coaching staff

On July 27, 2011, UNC chancellor Holden Thorp announced that UNC's board of trustees decided to dismiss Butch Davis as the head coach of the football team. The announcement comes a week before the start of fall training camp. The firing is due to the investigations by the NCAA into academic fraud, impermissible benefits, and talking to agents in the 2010 season. The next day on the 28th, Everett Withers, the defensive coordinator of the past 3 years, was named as the interim head coach. Athletic director, Dick Baddour, also announced, on this day, that he would be stepping down from his role once a new athletic director is found for the university. Baddour added that he wanted the new athletic director to be in charge of hiring the university's next head football coach.

Name	Position	Seasons in Position
Everett Withers	Interim head coach	1st (4th at school)
Brian Baker	Defensive Line	1st
Ken Browning	Running backs	18th
Tom Myslinski	Strength and conditioning coordinator	1st
Troy Douglas	Defensive Backs	3rd
Art Kaufman	Linebackers	3rd
Allen Mogridge	Tight Ends/recruiting coordinator/special teams coordinator	3rd
Sam Pittman	Associate head coach/offensive line	5th
John Shoop	Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks	5th
Charlie Williams	Wide Receivers	5th
Steve Sisa	Safeties	1st

Roster

2011 North Carolina Tar Heels football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class WR 3 Joshua Adams So OL 69 Nick Appel RFr RB 26 Giovani Bernard RFr QB 15 A.J. Blue So OL 60 Russell Bodine RFr G 76 Travis Bond Jr WR 87 Jheranie Boyd Jr FB 38 Curtis Byrd Sr G 62 David Collins So C 64 Jonathan Cooper Jr TE 85 Eric Ebron Fr TE 84 Sean Fitzpatrick RFr OT 71 Carl Gaskins Sr QB 14 Braden Hanson Jr WR 88 Erik Highsmith Jr C 65 Cam Holland Sr OL 72 Kiaro Holts  Fr RB 32 Ryan Houston Sr OT 68 James Hurst So TE 89 Nelson Hurst Jr OL 51 Jarrod James  Fr G 63 Peyton Jenest Jr WR 83 Dwight Jones Sr RB 44 Matt Kolojejchick Jr OT 75 T.J. Leifheit Fr OL 58 Jordan Marsh So RB 21 Romar Morris  Fr FB 39 Kenny Owens Jr FB 45 Devon Ramsay  Sr QB 2 Bryn Renner So RB 8 Travis Riley  Fr TE 80 Jack Tabb III Fr WR 6 Sean Tapley RFr WR 5 T.J. Thorpe Fr G 78 Landon Turner  Fr WR 81 Reggie Wilkins RFr OT 73 Brennan Williams Jr QB 12 Marquise Williams  Fr TE 33 Christian Wilson Sr	Defense Pos. # Name Class DE 86 Tyler Alberts  Fr S 10 Tre Boston So LB 45 Josh Bridges Jr CB 12 Charles Brown Sr DL 74 Devonte Brown So LB 47 Zach Brown Sr S 36 D.J. Bunn So LB 43 Curtis Campbell So LB 56 P.J. Clyburn RFr DE 90 Quinton Coples Sr DE 94 Adam Curry Jr LB 49 Fabby Desir Jr DB 16 Alex Dixon  Fr DB 20 Brandon Ellerbe Fr DT 96 Ethan Farmer RFr S 29 Brian Gupton Sr LB 57 Dion Guy Jr CB 13 Todd Harrelson Jr LB 9 Travis Hughes Fr DB 34 Kameron Jackson  Fr DL 93 Tim Jackson So LB 23 Darius Lipford So CB 31 Pete Mangum Jr DE 95 Kareem Martin So S 25 Matt Merletti  Sr DT 78 Jordan Nix Sr LB 41 Ebele Okakpu Sr LB 52 Norkeithus Otis Fr DE 98 Donte Paige-Moss Jr DE 53 Alec Petrocelli RFr DT 91 Tydreke Powell Sr CB 4 Jabari Price So S 27 Darien Rankin  Fr LB 48 Kevin Reddick Jr S 1 Gene Robinson Jr DB 7 Tim Scott Fr CB 24 Terry Shankle So DB 11 Sam Smiley  Fr S 28 Jonathan Smith Sr DT 97 Shawn Underwood Fr LB 54 Keeon Virgile  Fr DT 92 Sylvester Williams Jr	Special teams Pos. # Name Class PK 11 Casey Barth   Sr P 30 C.J. Feagles So P 15 Thomas Hibbard Fr DS 61 Mark House Sr H 19 Trase Jones Sr DS 67 Mack Lloyd So P/PK 17 Miller Snyder  Fr PK 14 Thomas Moore Fr	Head coach Everett Withers (interim) Coordinators/assistant coaches Sam Pittman -Associate head coach/offensive line Ken Browning -Running backs Troy Douglas -Defensive backs Art Kaufman -Linebackers Allen Mogridge -Tight ends Tom Myslinski -Head strength and conditioning coach Joe Robinson -Defensive line John Shoop -Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks Steve Sisa -Safeties Charlie Williams -Wide receivers Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update: September 7, 2011

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance	Source
September 3	3:30 p.m.	No. 15 (FCS) James Madison*	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC	RSN	W 42–10	57,000
September 10	12:30 p.m.	Rutgers*	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC	ACCN	W 24–22	53,000
September 17	3:30 p.m.	Virginia	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC (South's Oldest Rivalry)	ESPNU	W 28–17	55,000
September 24	12:00 p.m.	at No. 25 Georgia Tech	Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA	ESPN	L 28–35	46,849
October 1	8:00 p.m.	at East Carolina*	Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium Greenville, NC	CBSSN	W 35–20	50,610
October 8	12:00 p.m.	Louisville*	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC	ESPN2	W 14–7	51,500
October 15	12:30 p.m.	Miami (FL)	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC	ACCN	L 24–30	60,000
October 22	12:00 p.m.	at No. 8 Clemson	Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC	ESPN	L 38–59	79,000
October 29	3:30 p.m.	Wake Forest	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC (rivalry)	ESPNU	W 49–24	57,000
November 5	12:30 p.m.	at NC State	Carter–Finley Stadium Raleigh, NC (rivalry)	ACCN	L 0–13	57,583
November 17	8:00 p.m.	at No. 9 Virginia Tech	Lane Stadium/Worsham Field Blacksburg, VA	ESPN	L 21–24	66,233
November 26	3:30 p.m.	Duke	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC (Victory Bell)	RSN	W 37–21	58,500
December 26	5:00 p.m.	vs. Missouri*	Independence Stadium Shreveport, LA (Independence Bowl)	ESPN2	L 24–41	41,728
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

Rankings

See also: 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	—	—	—	RV	—	—	RV	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Coaches	RV	RV	RV	25	RV	RV	RV	RV	—	RV	—	—	—	—	—	—
Harris	Not released						RV	RV	—	RV	—	—	—	—	—	Not released
BCS	Not released							—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Not released

Game summaries

James Madison

Week 1: James Madison Dukes

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dukes	0	7	3	0	10
Tar Heels	14	14	0	14	42

at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Date: September 3, 2011
• Game time: 3:30 pm
• Game weather: 86 °F (30 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 57,000
• Referee: Tom Zimorski
• TV: Regional Sports Network

Game information

First quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 34 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Casey Barth kick) UNC – Giovani Bernard 12 yd run (Casey Barth kick) Second quarter UNC – Ryan Houston 1 yd run (Casey Barth kick) JMU – Daniel Brown 41 yd pass from Justin Thorpe (Cameron Starke kick) UNC – Giovani Bernard 14 yd run (Casey Barth kick) Third quarter JMU – Cameron Starke 31 yd field goal Fourth quarter UNC – Bryn Renner 1 yd run (Casey Barth kick) UNC – Dwight Jones 21 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Casey Barth kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 22/23, 277 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT JMU – Justin Thorpe – 11/15, 152 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 64 yds, 2 TD JMU – Jordan Anderson – 40 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 116 yds, 2 TD JMU – Brian Barlow – 31 yds, 0 TD

This was the first ever game as a head coach for Everett Withers. The Tar Heels never trailed in the game, scoring on the opening drive of the game with a 34 yard touchdown pass from Bryn Renner to Dwight Jones. The Heels gave up only one touchdown, which came off of the ensuing drive after a mishandled snap, which resulted in a blocked punt. In his first ever collegiate start, Bryn Renner set school and ACC records for the highest completion percentage (95.7%) in a single-game and was just shy of the NCAA record of 95.8% set in 1998 by Tennessee's Tee Martin.

Rutgers

Week 2: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Scarlet Knights	0	12	3	7	22
Tar Heels	7	10	7	0	24

at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Date: September 10, 2011
• Game time: 12:30 pm
• Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), mostly sunny
• Game attendance: 53,000
• Referee: Jerry McGinn
• TV: ACC Network

Game information

First quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 66 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Casey Barth kick) Second quarter RUT – Te, San San 35 yd field goal RUT – Te, San San 50 yd field goal UNC – Giovani Bernard 60 yd run (Casey Barth kick) RUT – Sanu, Mohamed 18 yd pass from Dodd, Chas (Dodd, Chas pass failed) UNC – Casey Barth 46 yd field goal Third quarter RUT – Te, San San 19 yd field goal UNC – Giovani Bernard 6 yd run (Casey Barth kick) Fourth quarter RUT – Wright, Tim 5 yd pass from Dodd, Chas (Te, San San kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 20–26, 273 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT RUT – Chas Dodd – 25–47, 243 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 81 yds, 2 TD RUT – De'An Williams – 15 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 135 yds, 1 TD RUT – Mohamed Sanu – 119 yds, 1 TD

North Carolina was able to hold on to a 2 point win despite turning the ball over 5 times (2 fumbles and 3 interceptions) and not having a single takeaway. A key defensive stand came in the first quarter when a Rutgers interception was returned to the UNC 2 yard line. The UNC defense was able to hold the Rutgers offense and on 4th down from the 1 yard line held the line of scrimmage forcing a turnover on downs. The UNC defense was also able to hold Rutgers to only 1 yard rushing total for the game, the lowest total since holding Wake Forest to a negative 2 yards in 2000.

Virginia

Week 3: Virginia Cavaliers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Cavaliers	0	3	7	7	17
Tar Heels	0	14	14	0	28

at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Date: September 17, 2011
• Game time: 3:30 pm
• Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 55,000
• Referee: Brad Allen
• TV: ESPNU

Game information

First quarter no scoring Second quarter UVA – Robert Randolph 38 yd field goal UNC – Jheranie Boyd 18 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Casey Barth kick) UNC – Ryan Houston 1 yd run (Casey Barth kick) Third quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 17 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) UVA – Max Milien 41 yd pass from Michael Rocco (Robert Randolph kick) UNC – Ryan Houston 2 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) Fourth quarter UVA – Michael Rocco 4 yd run (Robert Randolph kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 15–21, 143 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT UVA – Michael Rocco – 22–37, 287 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 102 yds, 0 TD UVA – Kevin Parks – 98 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 85 yds, 1 TD UVA – Kris Burd – 110 yds, 0 TD

With its win against Virginia, UNC started their ACC schedule with a win for the first time since 2001. The Heels were able to effectively run the ball against the Cavaliers, finishing the game with 222 rushing yards by 8 different offensive players. The Heels defense recorded their first takeaways of the young season when Matt Merletti recorded 2 interceptions in the fourth quarter to seal the Carolina victory.

Georgia Tech

Week 4: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
#25 Tar Heels	7	0	7	14	28
#24 Yellow Jackets	3	14	11	7	35

at Bobby Dodd Stadium

• Date: September 24, 2011
• Game time: 12:00 pm
• Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 46,849
• Referee: Ron Cherry
• TV: ESPN

Game information

First quarter UNC – Giovani Bernard 4 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) GT – Justin Moore 40 yd field goal Second quarter GT – Stephen Hill 59 yd pass from Tevin Washington (Justin Moore kick) GT – Roddy Jones 2 yd run (Justin Moore kick) Third quarter GT – Justin Moore 36 yd field goal UNC – Nelson Hurst 6 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) GT – Tevin Washington 1 yd run (David Sims rush) Fourth quarter UNC – Eric Ebron 20 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) UNC – Giovani Bernard 55 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) GT – Tevin Washington 5 yd run (Justin Moore kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 17–25, 204 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT GT – Tevin Washington – 10–14, 184 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 154 yds, 2 TD GT – Orwin Smith – 79 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 85 yds, 0 TD GT – Stephen Hill – 151 yds, 1 TD

Georgia Tech entered this meeting of unbeatens as one of the top offenses in the nation averaging 53.3 points and 675.3 yards a game. The UNC defense, however, was able to hold them to only 35 points and 496 yards. Trailing 28–14 in the fourth quarter, UNC rallied behind an Eric Ebron touchdown reception and a 55 yard Giovani Bernard touchdown run to tie the game up with 7:22 left in the game. Georgia Tech took the lead for good with a Tevin Washington touchdown run with 5:20 remaining. With the win, Georgia Tech goes to 4–0 for the first time since their national championship season in 1990.

East Carolina

Week 5: East Carolina Pirates

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Tar Heels	14	14	0	7	35
Pirates	0	3	10	7	20

at Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium

• Date: October 1, 2011
• Game time: 8:00 pm
• Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), mostly clear
• Game attendance: 50,610
• Referee: Randy Smith
• TV: CBSSN

Game information

First quarter UNC – Jheranie Boyd 11 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) UNC – Erik Highsmith 75 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Second quarter UNC – Giovani Bernard 10 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) ECU – Mike Barbour 35 yd field goal UNC – Dwight Jones 47 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Third quarter ECU – Lance Lewis 23 yd pass from Dominique Davis (Mike Barbour kick) ECU – Mike Barbour 25 yd field goal Fourth quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 4 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) ECU – Danny Webster 4 yd pass from Dominique Davis (Mike Barbour kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 13–20, 230 yds, 4 TD, 0 INT ECU – Dominique Davis – 41–58, 417 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 146 yds, 1 TD ECU – Reggie Bullock – 72 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Erik Highsmith – 94 yds, 1 TD ECU – Lance Lewis – 166 yds, 1 TD

UNC did not commit a turnover in a game for the first time all season. They were +4 in the turnover margin for the game (2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions). Giovani Bernard became the first Tar Heel since Natrone Means in 1992 to rush for over 100 yards in 3 consecutive games. His 7 touchdowns through 5 games ties the individual high for Johnny White as the team leader for the year in 2011. The UNC offense continued to perform in the red-zone scoring touchdowns on 3 of 4 trips, bringing their season total to 15 touchdowns in 18 trips in the redzone. The defense, however, has held opponents to only 7 touchdowns in 18 trips into the redzone so far this year.

Louisville

Week 6: Louisville Cardinals

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	0	0	7	7
Tar Heels	0	0	7	7	14

at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Date: October 8, 2011
• Game time: 12:00 pm
• Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 51,500
• Referee: Jeff Maconaghy
• TV: ESPN2

Game information

First quarter no scoring Second quarter no scoring Third quarter UNC – Giovani Bernard 3 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) Fourth quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 43 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) LOU – Dominique Brown 18 yd pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Chris Philpott kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 12–18, 178 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT LOU – Teddy Bridgewater – 19–30, 173 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 109 yds, 1 TD LOU – Dominique Brown – 47 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 91 yds, 1 TD LOU – Eli Rogers – 56 yds, 0 TD

Despite having the ball for 22:08 in the first half, Louisville only gained 173 yards of offense. This was, however, 113 more yards than UNC going into the locker rooms at the half. In the second half however, UNC outgained Louisville 202 to 95. Louisville's only score of the game came with only 42 seconds left to end the shutout for the UNC defense. Giovani Bernard became the first ever freshman running back to rush for over 100 yards in 4 straight games. With this win, UNC has won 8 straight games against non-conference opponents. Their last lost was against LSU in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

Miami (FL)

Week 7: Miami Hurricanes

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Hurricanes	17	10	0	3	30
Tar Heels	0	10	0	14	24

at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Date: October 15, 2011
• Game time: 12:30 pm
• Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 60,000
• Referee: Brad Allen
• TV: ACC Network

Game information

First quarter MIA – Mike James 4 yd pass from Jacory Harris (Jake Wieclaw kick) MIA – Tommy Streeter 27 yd pass from Jacory Harris (Jake Wieclaw kick) MIA – Jake Wieclaw 41 yd field goal Second quarter UNC – Thomas Moore 20 yd field goal MIA – Jake Wieclaw 43 yd field goal MIA – Travis Benjamin 30 yd pass from Jacory Harris (Jake Wieclaw kick) UNC – Dwight Jones 4 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Third quarter no scoring Fourth quarter UNC – Giovani Bernard 3 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) MIA – Jake Wieclaw 28 yd field goal UNC – Reggie Wilkins 20 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 29–37, 288 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT MIA – Jacory Harris – 20–30, 267 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 110 yds, 1 TD MIA – Lamar Miller – 29 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 82 yds, 1 TD MIA – Travis Benjamin – 99 yds, 1 TD

UNC gave up a touchdown in the first quarter for the first time this season. Miami took a 14–0 lead before UNC ever took the field on offense. Miami scored on their opening drive of the game and then, on the ensuing kick-off, recovered a fumble by kick returner T.J. Thorpe and scored on their next play from scrimmage. The Heels nearly made an improbable comeback when, down by 13, they scored a touchdown with 46 seconds remaining in the game. They then recovered the on-side kick on their own 44 yard line. They were able to advance the ball to the 30 yard line after a 15 yard pass reception by Dwight Jones and an 11 yard reception by Giovani Bernard. Bernard also rushed for another 110 yards giving him 5 100+ yard games in a row. This ties for the second most in a season by a UNC freshman. The other two UNC freshmen with this record are Amos Lawrence (who finished with 6 in 1977) and Leon Johnson (who finished with 5 in 1993).

Clemson

Week 8: Clemson Tigers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Tar Heels	7	10	7	14	38
#8 Tigers	10	14	35	0	59

at Memorial Stadium

• Date: October 22, 2011
• Game time: 12:00 pm
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 79,000
• Referee: Gary Patterson
• TV: ESPN

Game information

First quarter CLEM – Chandler Catanzaro 39 yd field goal UNC – Jheranie Boyd 33 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) CLEM – DeAndre Hopkins 25 yd pass from Tajh Boyd (Chandler Catanzaro kick) Second quarter UNC – Thomas Moore 32 yd field goal CLEM – Martavis Bryant 29 yd pass from Tajh Boyd (Chandler Catanzaro kick) CLEM – Kourtnei Brown 20 yd interception return (Chandler Catanzaro kick) UNC – Jheranie Boyd 58 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Third quarter CLEM – Tajh Boyd 1 yd run (Chandler Catanzaro kick) CLEM – Brandon Ford 12 yd pass from Tajh Boyd (Chandler Catanzaro kick) UNC – T.J. Thorpe 100 yd kickoff return (Thomas Moore kick) CLEM – Sammy Watkins 42 yd pass from Tajh Boyd (Chandler Catanzaro kick) CLEM – Dwayne Allen 9 yd pass from Tajh Boyd (Chandler Catanzaro kick) CLEM – Kourtnei Brown 26 yd fumble recovery (Chandler Catanzaro kick) Fourth quarter UNC – Ryan Houston 2 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) UNC – Ryan Houston 12 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 19–33, 264 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT CLEM – Tajh Boyd – 27–46, 367 yds, 5 TD, 0 INT Top Rushing UNC – Ryan Houston – 63 yds, 2 TD CLEM – D.J. Howard – 25 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Jheranie Boyd – 95 yds, 2 TD CLEM – DeAndre Hopkins – 157 yds, 1 TD

The Tar Heels turned the ball over 6 times in their 59–38 loss to Clemson. This was the most points allowed by UNC since they gave up 69 to Louisville in 2005. UNC was only down by 7 going into the half and their defense had only allowed 15 yards of rushing up to that point. However, Clemson's 35 points in the third quarter became only the second time in school history to accomplish this feat, the only other time being by the 1981 National Championship team. T.J. Thorpe became only the second Tar Heel in history to record a kickoff return of 100 yards for a touchdown.

Wake Forest

Week 9: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Demon Deacons	0	10	7	7	24
Tar Heels	14	7	7	21	49

at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Date: October 29, 2011
• Game time: 3:30 pm
• Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), partly sunny
• Game attendance: 57,000
• Referee: David Epperley
• TV: ESPNU

Game information

First quarter UNC – Giovani Bernard 7 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) UNC – Erik Highsmith 4 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Second quarter WF – Brandon Pendergrass 8 yd run (Jimmy Newman kick) WF – Jimmy Newman 22 yd field goal UNC – Giovani Bernard 4 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) Third quarter WF – Brandon Pendergrass 30 yd run (Jimmy Newman kick) UNC – Ryan Houston 1 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) Fourth quarter UNC – Giovani Bernard 4 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) UNC – Erik Highsmith 38 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) UNC – A.J. Blue 5 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) WF – Tommy Bohanon 3 yd run (Jimmy Newman kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 21–28, 338 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT WF – Tanner Price – 17–29, 146 yds, 0 TD, 3 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 163 yds, 2 TD WF – Brandon Pendergrass – 105 yds, 2 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 138 yds, 0 TD WF – Michael Campanaro – 88 yds, 0 TD

With their win over Wake Forest, North Carolina became bowl eligible for the 4th straight year. The Tar Heel defense caused 5 Deacon turnovers (3 interceptions and 2 fumbles) after Wake Forest had committed only 5 turnovers the entire season coming into the game. UNC's 49 points was the most they had scored in a game since their opener against William & Mary in 2004 and the most against an ACC opponent since the 2001 season. The Tar Heel defense was led by senior Zach Brown who had 9 tackles (2.5 for a loss), an interception, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

NC State

Week 10: NC State Wolfpack

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Tar Heels	0	0	0	0	0
Wolfpack	7	3	3	0	13

at Carter–Finley Stadium

• Date: November 5, 2011
• Game time: 12:30 pm
• Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C), mostly sunny, windy
• Game attendance: 57,583
• Referee: Tom Zimorski
• TV: ACC Network

Game information

First quarter NCSU – T.J. Graham 12 yd pass from Mike Glennon (Niklas Sade kick) Second quarter NCSU – Niklas Sade 26 yd field goal Third quarter NCSU – Niklas Sade 24 yd field goal Fourth quarter no scoring Top Passing UNC – Braden Hanson – 7–13, 86 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT NCSU – Mike Glennon – 16–33, 164 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 47 yds, 0 TD NCSU – James Washington – 110 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 72 yds, 0 TD NCSU – Tobais Palmer – 94 yds, 0 TD

The Tar Heels were shut out for the first time since a 7–0 loss to Georgia Tech in 2006, and their first shut out by NC State since 1960. Bryn Renner was knocked out of the game with concussion-like symptoms early in the second half. The UNC offense had its worst performance of the season, being held to a game low of 165 total yards. Giovani Bernard was, however, able to become the 15th Tar Heel to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and the third freshman to rush for 1,000 yards. The only point in the game in which it seemed UNC was going to put points on the scoreboard was on a 75 yard touchdown reception by Dwight Jones that was called back because of holding on the offensive line.

Virginia Tech

Week 11: Virginia Tech Hokies

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Tar Heels	7	0	0	14	21
#9 Hokies	0	10	14	0	24

at Lane Stadium

• Date: November 17, 2011
• Game time: 8:00 pm
• Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C), clear
• Game attendance: 66,233
• Referee: Ron Cherry
• TV: ESPN

Game information

First quarter UNC – Giovani Bernard 4 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) Second quarter VT – Chris Drager 11 yd pass from Logan Thomas (Cody Journell kick) VT – Cody Journell 22 yd field goal Third quarter VT – Logan Thomas 23 yd run (Cody Journell kick) VT – D.J. Coles 4 yd pass from Logan Thomas (Cody Journell kick) Fourth quarter UNC – Erik Highsmith 5 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) UNC – Ryan Houston 1 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 14–26, 224 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT VT – Logan Thomas – 19–32, 195 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 45 yds, 1 TD VT – David Wilson – 82 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 105 yds, 0 TD VT – Jarrett Boykin – 106 yds, 0 TD

Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas fumbled on the first play from scrimmage when he was sacked by Sylvester Williams. This set up UNC with a 3 play, 20 yard drive that concluded with a Giovani Bernard 4 yard touchdown. After preventing Virginia Tech from converting a 4th down on the UNC 26 yard line, the Heels drove the length of the field to the 5 yard line where Ryan Houston fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Hokies. The last time that UNC and Virginia Tech played on Thursday night was in 2009 when Virginia Tech fumbled the ball on a drive in the fourth quarter that eventually lead to a UNC victory. After coming 5 yards from taking a 14-0 lead, UNC found itself giving up 24 unanswered points to the Hokies by the fourth quarter. However, with 7:06 left in the game, Bryn Renner completed a pass to Erik Highsmith to reduce the lead to 10 points. After forcing the Hokies to punt on their next possession, Renner completed a 25 yard pass to Dwight Jones, then a 64 yard pass to Erik Highsmith to the 2 yard line where Houston punched the ball into the endzone to cut the lead to 3 with 2:32 left in the game. The Heels recovered the onside kick on the subsequent kick-off, but upon further review, it was judged that the ball did not travel the required 10 yards on the kickoff which gave the Hokies the ball. They were able to run the clock down to where only one play would be left for UNC, who was not able to convert it into a touchdown.

Duke

Week 12: Duke Blue Devils

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Blue Devils	7	7	7	0	21
Tar Heels	10	10	10	7	37

at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Date: November 26, 2011
• Game time: 3:30 pm
• Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 58,500
• Referee: Jeff Flanagan
• TV: Regional Sports Network

Game information

First quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 6 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) DUKE – Juwan Thompson 70 yd pass from Sean Renfree (Will Snyderwine kick) UNC – Thomas Moore 31 yd field goal Second quarter UNC – Thomas Moore 46 yd field goal UNC – Giovani Bernard 48 yd run (Thomas Moore kick) DUKE – Jamison Crowder 45 yd pass from Sean Renfree (Will Snyderwine kick) Third quarter UNC – Thomas Moore 28 yd field goal DUKE – Donovan Varner 11 yd pass from Anthony Boone (Will Snyderwine kick) UNC – Dwight Jones 18 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Fourth quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 8 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 21–34, 274 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT DUKE – Sean Renfree – 13–20, 153 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 165 yds, 1 TD DUKE – Anthony Boone – 41 yds, 0 TD Top Receiving UNC – Dwight Jones – 101 yds, 3 TD DUKE – Juwan Thompson – 70 yds, 1 TD

UNC beat Duke for an 8th straight year, the last lose coming in 2003. Dwight Jones broke the single season reception record with 79 receptions for the season. The previous record of 74 receptions was held by Hakeem Nicks. Bryn Renner tied the single season record for most passing touchdowns with 23. In addition, Giovani Bernard ran for a season high 165 rushing yards. Duke quarterback, Sean Renfree, was taken out of the game during the third quarter due to numbness and swelling in his right hand. Because of this, Anthony Boone saw the most snaps of his freshman year and lead the Blue Devils in rushing for the game.

Missouri–Independence Bowl

Bowl: Missouri Tigers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Tigers	14	17	7	3	41
Tar Heels	7	3	7	7	24

at Independence Stadium

• Date: December 26, 2011
• Game time: 5:00 pm
• Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C), 10% chance rain
• Game attendance: 41,728
• Referee: Dan Capron
• TV: ESPN2

Game information

First quarter UNC – Dwight Jones 22 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) MIZZ – Wes Kemp 40 yd pass from T.J. Moe (Trey Barrow kick) MIZZ – James Franklin 2 yd run (Trey Barrow kick) Second quarter MIZZ – Trey Barrow 31 yd field goal MIZZ – Jerrel Jackson 8 yd pass from James Franklin (Trey Barrow kick) MIZZ – Kendi Lawrence 9 yd run (Trey Barrow kick) UNC – Thomas Moore 21 yd field goal Third quarter UNC – Jheranie Boyd 44 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) MIZZ – James Franklin 2 yd run (Trey Barrow kick) Fourth quarter MIZZ – Trey Barrow 26 yd field goal UNC – Erik Highsmith 17 yd pass from Bryn Renner (Thomas Moore kick) Top Passing UNC – Bryn Renner – 27–42, 317 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT MIZZ – James Franklin – 15–23, 132 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Top Rushing UNC – Giovani Bernard – 39 yds, 0 TD MIZZ – James Franklin – 142 yds, 2 TD Top Receiving UNC – Erik Highsmith – 77 yds, 1 TD MIZZ – Wes Kemp – 48 yds, 1 TD

NFL Draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	NFL Team
1	16	Quinton Coples	DE	New York Jets
2	52	Zach Brown	OLB	Tennessee Titans