North Carolina: 3 Defenders Stand Out as Heroes in Win Over TCU

There were questions about North Carolina's defense heading into their season opener against TCU in Dublin, Ireland. 

Three key defenders answered those concerns in a 15-10 win over the Horned Frogs.

Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick was placed on medical leave during training camp. He did not travel with the Tar Heels to Dublin. Defensive line coach Bob Diaco work with head coach Bill Belichick to game prep for TCU. 

Sophomore defensive lineman Xavier Lewis stepped on Saturday, recording seven tackles, two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Senior linebacker Derek McDonald led UNC with 11 tackles. Senior defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude recorded four tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss.

When speaking on the ESPN broadcast after the game, UNC quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. praised Lewis and Abou Jaoude for being strong competitors in training camp and brining that spirt to Dublin.

"They got high-end motors," Edwards said. "You know, going against them every day in practice... obviously it obviously makes you better. Iron sharpens iron.

"So, honestly, as a quarterback, you can sit back and kind of have a little bit more... relaxation, knowing that guys like that are out on your defense and they're going to put up a hell of a fight like they did tonight."

The Tar Heels did enough on offense to earn the win. Edwards went 16 of 232 yards. Junior tight end Jelani Thurman showed he can be a threat for the offense this year, recording four receptions for 94 yards. 

But the run game was a concern after UNC rushed 29 times for just 90 yards and a score.

The defense was the reason the Tar Heels are 1-0 before getting set to play ETSU in Week 2 on Sept. 12. 

UNC made life difficult for TCU quarterback Jaden Craig, who transferred from Harvard. Craig held on to the ball too long at times. The Tar Heels took advantage of Craig's indecisiveness, forcing him to fumble twice (one recovered). 

The defense is expected to be the star of the show under Bill Belichick. That unit showed UNC will be more competitive this season.

To be a threat in the ACC, North Carolina must improve on special teams and in the run game.