By the numbers: Is UNC's defense ready for the big time?

A quick look at the raw numbers tells a pretty compelling story about the job Gene Chizik has done in his first year as defensive coordinator at North Carolina.

Yards per game versus FBS foes are down 27 percent from last year.

Explosive plays allowed have been cut in half.

Gene Chizik has improved North Carolina's defense across the board.Points surrendered per drive against FBS teams is down 45 percent and the touchdown rate UNC’s defense has allowed is down 47 percent.

In seven games so far this year, North Carolina has allowed 17 points or fewer six times. The lone exception came against Georgia Tech, when the Tar Heels struggled in the first half but dominated the second.

Of course, the…