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Tar Heels To Watch: Kareem Martin

Martin leads the North Carolina defense in sacks and tackles for loss.

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

When the University of Cincinnati takes the field Saturday, expect to see one of the best one on one matchups of the bowl season. The battle in the trenches will be highlighted by Bearcat All-American Athletic Conference 1st teamer Offensive Tackle Eric Lefeld. Possibly his biggest challenge to date will be taking on First Team All-ACC defensive End Kareem Martin. The Senior Bowl invitee finished 3rd in the ACC in sacks and has been trending upwards on NFL draft boards after a stellar season. In action earlier this season against Pitt, Martin flipped his beast mode switch to "ON" leading to a 3.5 sack rampage against the Panthers.

It's clear when Martin turns on the jets he's hard to contain. Stopping him is key to a Bearcat victory. You keep UC Quarterback Brendon Kay's jersey clean, and you have a great shot to win the football game. A simple equation right? North Carolina is not a team that generates a lot of sacks or tackles for loss. Eliminating number 95 from the equation will be key to hoisting another Belk Bowl trophy.