Created: 11/23/2009 4:19:18 PM 
Chapel Hill, N.C. -- North Carolina has been able to count on one thing all season: its defense.
It's a big reason why the Tar Heels are bowl eligible after some midseason struggles and back in the national rankings.
The No. 23 Tar Heels travel to rival North Carolina State to close the regular season this weekend.
They're looking for their fifth straight win and are trying to win nine games for the first time in more than a decade.
North Carolina's defense has led the team all year, including last weekend's win at Boston College in which the unit scored two touchdowns and forced six turnovers.
Associated Press
