UNC Football: 4 Bold Predictions for Tar Heels in 2018

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Anthony Ratliff-Williams #17 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after scoring a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 09: Darrin Hall #22 of the Pittsburgh Panthers carries the ball against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on November 9, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Rush defense won’t improve on 2017 stat

To say, the Tar Heels’ defense struggled to stop the run would be an understatement. Last season, this defense finished 112th in the FBS and gave up over 213 yards per game on the ground.

The belief was that this is a number that this defense could improve on because the strength of this defense was up front with this defensive line. However, they will only have both projected starting defensive ends, Carney and Fox, for four games this year.

This, combined with news of Aaron Crawford suffering an injury this week, has turned what was thought to be a strength into a potential weakness.

It is hard to imagine a way the Tar Heels will improve on their run defense with the absences they are expected to have this season.

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