• North Carolina true sophomore WR Jheranie Boyd made the most of his opportunity in Little's absence, making tough catches in traffic, coming through in the clutch in the fourth quarter and racking up more all-purpose yardage (287 yards) than any other player in the country the first week, grabbing 6-221-1 and returning three kicks for 66 yards. LSU junior CB Patrick Peterson, who returned a punt 86 yards for a TD, racked up 257 yards strictly as a returner, 244 yards were produced in the first half. However, he left through the tunnel early, appearing to be gassed from all the extra work. He allowed a ball to be caught in front of him on the game's final drive and at nearly 220 pounds, may need to shed some weight if he wants to continue in his return role.

• North Carolina senior LBs Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant, both of whom were not affected by the NCAA investigation, kept the Tar Heels in the game, with Carter forcing a fumble after a big hit and Sturdivant scooping up another loose ball with barely a minute remaining in the game. Carter is clearly the better athlete and will warrant early-round consideration because of his speed, sculpted physique and striking ability, but Sturdivant has a great feel for the game and a nose for the ball and continually puts himself in position to make plays.

• Cincinnati senior WR Vidal Hazelton tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Bearcats' season opener. The 6-foot, 208-pound USC transfer was expected to play a prominent role this season and had already notched 68 yards on six catches and returned three kickoffs prior to suffering the injury in the second half against Fresno State. He looked the part with long arms and really stood out on the scout team upon transferring last season, but could wind up returning to school again next fall.