2011 North Carolina Tar Heels football team

American college football season March 2012 February 2026 2011 North Carolina Tar Heels football Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division ACC 7–6 3–5 Everett Withers interim, 1st John Shoop 5th Pro-style Art Kaufman 1st 4–3 Casey Barth Cam Holland Matt Merletti Kevin Reddick Kenan Memorial Stadium Independence Bowl L 24–41 vs. Missouri 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,"." ESPN.com. Retrieved on February 17, 2011. rivals.com,"." rivals.com. Retrieved on February 17, 2011. and scout.com"." scout.com. Retrieved on February 17, 2011.). 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. yes yes 2011 Kiaro Holts OT Indianapolis, IN Warren Central HS 6 5 267 5.4 June 25, 2010 5 4 81 T.J. Thorpe ATH Durham, NC C E Jordan HS 6 0 180 4.5 March 7, 2010 3 4 81 Travis Hughes ILB Virginia Beach, VA Kempsville HS 6 1 224 4.57 December 18, 2010 4 4 80 Travis Riley RB Kannapolis, NC A L Brown HS 6 1 210 4.54 April 2, 2010 3 3 80 Eric Ebron TE Greensboro, NC Ben L Smith HS 6 5 221 4.67 March 18, 2010 3 3 80 Landon Turner OG Harrisonburg, VA Harrisonburg HS 6 5 308 5.3 July 11, 2010 4 4 80 Jack Tabb TE Red Bank, NJ Red Bank Catholic HS 6 4 233 4.8 January 14, 2011 3 3 79 Marquise Williams QB Charlotte, NC Mallard Creek HS 6 3 217 4.75 June 7, 2010 4 4 79 Norkeithus Otis OLB Gastonia, NC Ashbrook HS 6 3 197 4.6 November 5, 2010 4 4 79 Tim Scott S Stafford, VA Colonial Forge HS 6 0 176 4.4 November 5, 2010 3 3 79 Delvon Simmons^ DT McKeesport, PA McKeesport Area SHS 6 5 264 N/A February 2, 2011 5 4 79 Romar Morris RB Salisbury, NC Salisbury HS 5 10 173 4.36 August 16, 2010 3 3 79 Devonte Brown DT Fayetteville, NC Jack Britt 6 4 270 N/A November 14, 2010 3 4 79 Tyler Alberts DE Lewisville, NC Forsyth Country Day School 6 8 215 4.7 October 4, 2010 2 3 78 Shawn Underwood DT Fuquay-Varina, NC Fuquay-Varina HS 6 2 316 4.97 July 13, 2010 3 3 78 Jarrod James OG Pikeville, NC Charles B Aycock HS 6 4 279 5.0 March 20, 2010 3 4 78 Keeon Virgile OLB North Miami Beach, FL North Miami Beach HS 6 1.5 205 N/A February 2, 2011 2 3 78 Brandon Ellerbe S Wadesboro, NC Anson HS 6 0.5 199 N/A February 2, 2011 3 3 78 Miller Snyder K Charlotte, NC Myers Park HS 6 2 183 N/A December 15, 2010 2 2 78 Alex Dixon CB Clearwater, FL Countryside HS 6 1 183 N/A November 14, 2010 3 3 78 Darien Rankin S Salisbury, NC Salisbury HS 5 11 185 4.6 July 7, 2010 3 3 75 Kameron Jackson ATH/WR Madison, AL Madison Academy 6 0 180 4.5 July 2, 2010 3 3 75 Samuel Smiley ATH/DB Jacksonville, FL William M. Raines HS 6 0 170 N/A February 2, 2011 2 2 71 Stephen Houston RB Independence, KS Independence Community College 5 10.5 225 N/A February 1, 2011 2 3 N/A (Junior College) Sylvester Williams DT Coffeyville, KS Coffeyville Community College 6 3 306 5.1 December 15, 2010 4 3 N/A (Junior College) Fabby Desir LB Scranton, PA Lackawanna Community College 6 1 227 4.5 February 25, 2011 2 N/A (Junior College) yes 2011 North Carolina Commit List for 2011 Scout.com Football Recruiting: North Carolina RecruitTracker 2011: North Carolina northcarolina 73 153 16 16 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.UNC Athletic Comm 2011 UNC Announces Coaching Change insidecarolina.com http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/1089841.html July 27, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110929003611/http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/1089841.html September 29, 2011 dead mdy-all 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.2011 Everett Withers Named Carolina's Interim Head Football Coach tarheelblue.com http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072811aai.html https://archive.today/20120408070250/http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072811aai.html dead April 8, 2012 August 3, 2011 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.2011-07-28 Dick Baddour stepping down at UNC https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6812203/dick-baddour-north-carolina-tar-heels-stepping-athletic-director August 3, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press en Baddour added that he wanted the new athletic director to be in charge of hiring the university's next head football coach. Name"http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/fbccoaches.html University of North Carolina - Official Athletic Site 2008-02-06 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071214175159/http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/fbccoaches.html December 14, 2007 ." tarheelblue.com. Retrieved on February 20, 2011. 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 y 3 SO Joshua Adams WR 69 RF Nick Appel OL 26 RF Giovani Bernard RB y 15 SO A.J. Blue QB 60 RF Russell Bodine OL y 76 J Travis Bond OG 87 J Jheranie Boyd WR 38 S Curtis Byrd FB 62 SO David Collins OG 64 J Jonathan Cooper C y 85 F Eric Ebron TE y 84 RF Sean Fitzpatrick TE 71 S Carl Gaskins OT 14 J Braden Hanson QB 88 J Erik Highsmith WR 65 S Cam Holland C 72 F Kiaro Holts OL y 32 S Ryan Houston RB 68 SO James Hurst James Hurst (American football) OT y 89 J Nelson Hurst TE 51 F Jarrod James OL y 63 J Peyton Jenest OG 83 S Dwight Jones Dwight Jones (American football) WR y 44 J Matt Kolojejchick RB 75 F T.J. Leifheit OT 58 SO Jordan Marsh OL 21 F Romar Morris RB y 39 J Kenny Owens FB 45 S Devon Ramsay FB y 2 SO Bryn Renner QB y 8 F Travis Riley RB y 80 F Jack Tabb III TE 6 RF Sean Tapley WR 5 F T.J. Thorpe WR 78 F Landon Turner OG y y 81 RF Reggie Wilkins WR 73 J Brennan Williams OT 12 F Marquise Williams QB y y 33 S Christian Wilson TE 86 F Tyler Alberts DE y 10 SO Tre Boston S y 45 J Josh Bridges LB 12 S Charles Brown CB 74 SO Devonte Brown DL 47 S Zach Brown LB y 36 SO D.J. Bunn S 43 SO Curtis Campbell LB 56 RF P.J. Clyburn LB 90 S Quinton Coples DE y 94 J Adam Curry DE 49 J Fabby Desir LB 16 F Alex Dixon DB y 20 F Brandon Ellerbe DB 96 RF Ethan Farmer DT 29 S Brian Gupton S 57 J Dion Guy LB 13 J Todd Harrelson CB 9 F Travis Hughes LB 34 F Kameron Jackson DB y 93 SO Tim Jackson DL 23 SO Darius Lipford LB 31 J Pete Mangum CB 95 SO Kareem Martin DE y 25 S Matt Merletti S y 78 S Jordan Nix DT 41 S Ebele Okakpu LB 52 F Norkeithus Otis LB 98 J Donte Paige-Moss DE y 53 RF Alec Petrocelli DE 91 S Tydreke Powell DT 4 SO Jabari Price CB y 27 F Darien Rankin S y 48 J Kevin Reddick LB 1 J Gene Robinson S 7 F Tim Scott DB 24 SO Terry Shankle CB 11 F Sam Smiley DB y 28 S Jonathan Smith S 97 F Shawn Underwood DT 54 F Keeon Virgile LB y 92 J Sylvester Williams Sylvester Williams (American football) DT y 11 S Casey Barth PK y y 30 SO C.J. Feagles P 15 F Thomas Hibbard P 61 S Mark House DS 19 S Trase Jones H 67 SO Mack Lloyd DS 17 F Miller Snyder P/PK y 14 F Thomas Moore PK http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/unc-m-footbl-mtt.html September 7, 2011 Everett Withers (interim) 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 Schedule 2011 AP Eastern September 3 3:30 p.m. w y James Madison 15 (FCS) Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC RSN 42–10 57,000 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649446068/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on September 4, 2011 · C6 (newspapers.com) September 10 12:30 p.m. w y Rutgers Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC ACCN 24–22 53,000 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649482848/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on September 11, 2011 · C7 (newspapers.com) September 17 3:30 p.m. w Virginia Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC South's Oldest Rivalry ESPNU 28–17 55,000 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649468485/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on September 18, 2011 · C14 (newspapers.com) September 24 12:00 p.m. l y Georgia Tech 25 Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA ESPN 28–35 46,849 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649471243/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on September 25, 2011 · C10 (newspapers.com) October 1 8:00 p.m. w y y East Carolina Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium Greenville, NC CBSSN 35–20 50,610 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649478218/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on October 2, 2011 · C7 (newspapers.com) October 8 12:00 p.m. w y Louisville Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC ESPN2 14–7 51,500 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649478020/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on October 2, 2011 · C7 (newspapers.com) https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=312810153 Louisville Cardinals vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Box Score ESPN October 8, 2011 October 15 12:30 p.m. l Miami (FL) Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC ACCN 24–30 60,000 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649490547/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on October 16, 2011 · C13 (newspapers.com) https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=312880153 Miami (FL) Hurricanes vs. North Carolina Tar Heels football team ESPN October 15, 2011 October 22 12:00 p.m. l y Clemson 8 Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ESPN 38–59 79,000 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649483751/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on October 23, 2011 · C13 (newspapers.com) https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=312950228 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Clemson Tigers Box Score ESPN October 22, 2011 October 29 3:30 p.m. w y Wake Forest rivalry Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC ESPNU 49–24 57,000 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649483751/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on October 23, 2011 · C13 (newspapers.com) https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=313020153 Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Box Score ESPN October 29, 2011 November 5 12:30 p.m. l y NC State Carter–Finley Stadium Raleigh, NC rivalry ACCN 0–13 57,583 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649486756/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on November 6, 2011 · C10 (newspapers.com) https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=313090152 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Box Score ESPN November 13, 2011 November 17 8:00 p.m. l y Virginia Tech 9 Lane Stadium/Worsham Field Blacksburg, VA ESPN 21–24 66,233 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649419500/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on November 18, 2011 · C2 (newspapers.com) November 26 3:30 p.m. w Duke Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC Victory Bell RSN 37–21 58,500 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649491236/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on November 27, 2011 · C14 (newspapers.com) December 26 5:00 p.m. l y y Missouri Independence Stadium Shreveport, LA Independence Bowl ESPN2 24–41 41,728 https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/649539958/ The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina on December 27, 2011 · C4 (newspapers.com) Rankings 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 6 7 NR RV NR RV NR RV RV 25 NR RV NR RV RV RV RV NR RV RV NR NR NR NR NR NR RV RV NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR Game summaries James Madison y #FFF #EEE background-color:#592A8A; color:#FEC923; text-align: center; collapsed Week 1: James Madison Dukes September 3, 2011 3:30 pm Dukes 0 7 3 0 Tar Heels 14 14 0 14 Kenan Memorial Stadium 57,000 86 °F °C, sunny Tom Zimorski ACC Network Rich Waltz, Keith Jones, Jenn Hildreth 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.2011 Renner's Record Setting Day Powers 42–10 Tar Heel Win tarheelblue.com http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090311aaa.html https://archive.today/20120503102442/http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090311aaa.html dead May 3, 2012 September 7, 2011 Rutgers y #FFF #EEE background-color:#CF0015; color:#FFFFFF; text-align: center; collapsed Week 2: Rutgers Scarlet Knights September 10, 2011 12:30 pm Scarlet Knights 0 12 3 7 Tar Heels 7 10 7 0 Kenan Memorial Stadium 53,000 82 °F °C, mostly sunny Jerry McGinn ACC Network Steve Martin, Dave Archer, Mike Hogewood 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 2000.2011 UNC-Rutgers Postgame Notes tarheelblue.com http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091011aaf.html September 11, 2011 Virginia y #FFF #EEE background-color:#FF6600; color:#000080; text-align: center; collapsed Week 3: Virginia Cavaliers September 17, 2011 3:30 pm Cavaliers 0 3 7 7 Tar Heels 0 14 14 0 Kenan Memorial Stadium 55,000 60 °F °C, cloudy Brad Allen ESPNU Pam Ward, Dan Hawkins 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.2011 Carolina-Virginia Postgame Notes tarheelblue.com http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091711aab.html September 19, 2011 Georgia Tech y #FFF #EEE background-color:#CFB53B; color:#FFFFFF; text-align: center; collapsed Week 4: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets September 24, 2011 12:00 pm #25 Tar Heels 7 0 7 14 #24 Yellow Jackets 3 14 11 7 Bobby Dodd Stadium 46,849 72 °F °C, sunny Ron Cherry ESPN Bob Wischusen, Bob Davie 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.2011 Georgia Tech – North Carolina Game Notes ramblinwreck.com http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091911aae.html September 28, 2011 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 1990.2011 Tar Heels Drop Rally Effort at Georgia Tech, 35–28 tarheelblue.com http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092411aaa.html September 28, 2011 East Carolina y #FFF #EEE background-color:#4F0076; color:#FFE600; text-align: center; collapsed Week 5: East Carolina Pirates October 1, 2011 8:00 pm Tar Heels 14 14 0 7 Pirates 0 3 10 7 Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium 50,610 56 °F °C, mostly clear Randy Smith CBSSN James Bates, Aaron Taylor, Brooke Olzendam 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.2011 North Carolina vs. ECU: Postgame Notes tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100211aab.html October 7, 2011 Louisville y #FFF #EEE background-color:#D81E05; color:#000000; text-align: center; collapsed Week 6: Louisville Cardinals October 8, 2011 12:00 pm Cardinals 0 0 0 7 Tar Heels 0 0 7 7 Kenan Memorial Stadium 51,500 68 °F °C, sunny Jeff Maconaghy ESPN2 Bob Wischusen, Bob Davie 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.2011 North Carolina Postgame Notes tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100811aaa.html October 27, 2011 Miami (FL) y #FFF #EEE background-color:#FF6308; color:#223732; text-align: center; collapsed Week 7: Miami Hurricanes October 15, 2011 12:30 pm Hurricanes 17 10 0 3 Tar Heels 0 10 0 14 Kenan Memorial Stadium 60,000 69 °F °C, sunny Brad Allen ACC Network Steve Martin, Dave Archer, Mike Hogewood 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).2011 UNC-Miami Postgame Notes tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101511aae.html November 17, 2011 Clemson y #FFF #EEE background-color:#F66733; color:#522D80; text-align: center; collapsed Week 8: Clemson Tigers October 22, 2011 12:00 pm Tar Heels 7 10 7 14 #8 Tigers 10 14 35 0 Memorial Stadium 79,000 62 °F °C, sunny Gary Patterson ESPN Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman, Urban Meyer, Quint Kessenich 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.2011 Heels Drop 59–38 Shootout to Undefeated Clemson tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102211aaa.html November 25, 2011 Wake Forest y #FFF #EEE background-color:#CFB53B; color:#000000; text-align: center; collapsed Week 9: Wake Forest Demon Deacons October 29, 2011 3:30 pm Demon Deacons 0 10 7 7 Tar Heels 14 7 7 21 Kenan Memorial Stadium 57,000 52 °F °C, partly sunny David Epperley ESPNU Pam Ward, Dan Hawkins 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.2011 Bernard Leads Tar Heels to 49–24 Win Over Wake Forest tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102911aaa.html November 26, 2011 NC State y #FFF #EEE background-color:#e00000; color:#FFFFFF; text-align: center; collapsed Week 10: NC State Wolfpack November 5, 2011 12:30 pm Tar Heels 0 0 0 0 Wolfpack 7 3 3 0 Carter–Finley Stadium 57,583 46 °F °C, mostly sunny, windy Tom Zimorski ACC Network Steve Martin, Dave Archer, Scott Pryzwansky 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.2011 Postgame Notes: UNC vs. NC State tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110511aab.html January 23, 2012 Virginia Tech y #FFF #EEE background-color:#660000; color:#FF6600; text-align: center; collapsed Week 11: Virginia Tech Hokies November 17, 2011 8:00 pm Tar Heels 7 0 0 14 #9 Hokies 0 10 14 0 Lane Stadium 66,233 33 °F °C, clear Ron Cherry ESPN Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, Craig James, Jenn Brown 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.2011 Tar Heels Fall to No. 9 Virginia Tech, 24-21 tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111811aaa.html April 2, 2012 Duke y #FFF #EEE background-color:#00009C; color:#FFFFFF; text-align: center; collapsed Week 12: Duke Blue Devils November 26, 2011 3:30 pm Blue Devils 7 7 7 0 Tar Heels 10 10 10 7 Kenan Memorial Stadium 58,500 68 °F °C, sunny Jeff Flanagan ACC Network Rich Waltz, Keith Jones, Jenn Hildreth 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 loss 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.2011 UNC Dominates Duke For Eighth Straight Year, 37-21 tarheelblue.com http://www.tarheelblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112611aaa.html April 3, 2012 Missouri–Independence Bowl y #FFF #EEE background-color:#272262; color:#FFFFFF; border: 2px solid #C12030; text-align: center; collapsed Bowl: Missouri Tigers December 26, 2011 5:00 pm Tigers 14 17 7 3 Tar Heels 7 3 7 7 Independence Stadium 41,728 46 °F °C, 10% chance rain Dan Capron ESPN2/SportsUSA Radio Rob Stone, Danny Kanell, Allison Williams/Rich Cellini, Charles Arbuckle 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 References North Carolina Category:North Carolina Tar Heels football seasons North Carolina Tar Heels football