WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina

Davis: Still a long way to go for Heels' D

By Adam Harris

Nov 24, 2009

Despite spending much of the season rated among the nation's best, Butch Davis is not yet satisfied with UNC's defense.  While getting ready for the final game of the regular season at NC State, Davis told 99.9 FM The Fan that he's looking for improvement.

"We've been able to add a little bit of depth over the last two recruiting classes, but we're still a long way away from where we would like to be."

While the Tar Heels head into Carter-Finley Stadium as the favorite on Saturday, Davis has yet to beat NC State since taking over at UNC in 2007.  The head coach at North Carolina knows his third attempt at a win over the Wolfpack will not be easy.

"This is always a huge challenge," Davis tells The Insiders.  "I think it always will be, and it always has been."

Davis is a bit worried about containing the ACC's reigning 1st-Team quarterback.

"NC State is really talented offensively.  Russell Wilson, he prevents you from wanting to go to sleep at all at nighttime," says Davis.

The blue-red rivalry is always a fiercely played game on the football field.  This year, however, there is more focus off the field as NC State offensive coordinator Dana Bible has been diagnosed with leukemia.

As a cancer survivor himself, Davis offered his best for Bible as he fights the deadly disease in the hospital.

"Every single person in our program has already said a prayer for Coach Bible," said Davis.