Opponent Breakdown: North Carolina Tar Heels Defense

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 19: Greg Smith III (1) of the North Carolina Tar Heels lines up on defense during the college football game against the Clemson Tigers on September 19, 2026 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Defense is Bill Belichick's forte, and the North Carolina Tar Heels are benefiting from his expertise this year. For the second straight year, Belichick has his defense ranked in the top 50 in yards per play. His group is being led by his son Brian after his son Steve left the team earlier this season. While the defense has taken a step back this year, they have played well enough to keep the Tar Heels in each game, and they've made big plays at big moments.

The most talented group on this team is the defensive line, with a couple of NFL prospects. Melkart Abou Jaoude is the returning ACC leader in sacks, while Jaylen Harvey has been a very good addition from Penn State with 21 pressures this season. The edges of this defense haven't put up crazy numbers from a havoc standpoint, but they will be key players for this defense if Louisville continues to attack the edges of the defense.

The interior of the line is where this defense is at its best. Xavier Lewis is one of the best defensive tackles in the country. He is in the top five in pressures, tackles for loss, and sacks among his position group. The 6-0/260 tackle is extremely undersized, but he is very quick, and he uses his quickness to beat blocks to get into the backfield. He will be a key player in this game and will likely cause some issues for Louisville's offensive line.

Isaiah Johnson and Leroy Jackson are the other top players on the interior of the defense. Jackson has 14 pressures on the season as the main backup for Lewis, but he and Johnson provide really good size on the inside as well. Johnson is big enough to demand a double team, which has been a factor in Lewis' big season. He has been able to get one-on-one matchups often, and that has not gone well for offensive linemen.

UNC's linebackers have benefited more than just about anyone from the strong play of the defensive line. Derek McDonald and Peyton Sheelmann are averaging 19 tackles a game between the two of them. Both players are ranked in the top 25 in tackles nationally, and they are constantly running free when you watch their games. Louisville has adapted their running game over the last few weeks, but they will likely have a hard time running the stretch zone runs that they really like. These two guys can run, and they will have a lot of space to get downhill to make tackles behind the line.

Jaiden Patterson leads a solid cornerback group that has played at an average level this season. UNC has given up a lot of yardage this season, but they are better when it comes to metrics like passer rating. The corners have had some issues against the top players they've seen this year. Umari Hatcher, Jordon Faison, Calvin Russell, and Bryant Wesco all stood out to me when I watched their games. Those receivers were able to get open and make big plays on the outside.

The biggest playmaker outside of the defensive linemen is Greg Smith at free safety. He leads the team with 3 interceptions this year, and he's at his best as a deep safety playing center field. Smith can also come down into the box in run support or cover if needed. He's having one of the best seasons in the ACC at safety. While this secondary isn't great, they do have a couple of players who can make a play on the ball, which is not something I would say about the last few opponents for the Cards.