Marquise Williams, Explosive Carolina Will Test Hoos

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Jon Tenuta’s defense has allowed 10 explosive scoring plays in 2015. ~ Mike Ingalls

If you’re Virginia’s defense, it might seem like North Carolina is a week early on the football schedule this season. The Tar Heels, after all, might be the defense’s worst nightmare.

Throughout the season, the Hoos have struggled to prevent explosive scoring plays. Jon Tenuta’s group has allowed 10 touchdowns of 24 yards or more, including eight scoring passes, in 2015. Syracuse joined the fun last week when quarterback Eric Dungey broke containment and scrambled 26 yards for a leaping touchdown. That brings the total for 24-plus yard touchdowns allowed during Tenuta’s tenure as defensive coordinator to 36 in 30 games, an average of 1.2 explosive scoring plays per game.

Enter Virginia’s Freddy Krueger, perhaps.

UNC has been one of the biggest thorns in Tenuta’s side when comes to explosive scoring plays. In the rivalry matchup the past two seasons, the Tar Heels have uncorked four touchdowns of at least 24 yards while averaging 36.5 points per game.

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