Watch Out ACC Football, Tar Heels Are Ready to Butt Heads to a Championship

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fla.): The Tar Heels of North Carolina haven't been making waves in the ACC as far as championships in football for a while now, but Coach Butch Davis may be ready to change this and give the fans something to cheer about other than basketball.

With 19 returning starters, the Tar Heels return more starters than any school in the ACC, including a returning quarterback and nine of 11 starters on a defense that should be very sound and physical this year.

That was a defense that allowed just 270 yards per game and 17 points per game in '09. Several players passed up chances to be selected in the first couple of rounds including OLB Bruce Carter, DT Marvin Austin, and LB Quan Sturdivant. These players are staying in hopes of leading the Tar Heels to their best season since ’97.

It will be one of the best defenses in the ACC without question.

Once they get some injured offensive linemen back healthy, and they should be by fall, then North Carolina should also have an offense to be reckoned with as well with their eight returning starters.

With the line back in place, maybe they can rebuild the running game.

Last season had its bright spots, including wins over No. 13 Va. Tech, (who later finished the season at No. 11), No. 14 Miami, as well as wins over other bowl teams.

They finished the season on a down note due to several injuries including a less than a minute to go loss to No. 17 Pittsburgh in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

Without some key injuries, that 8-5 record could have easily been at least a 10-win season and a top 20 ranking.

With all these starters coming back, with a little injury luck, this could be the team that wins it all this year in the ACC.

With so many returning starters, a solid coaching staff in place and a favorable schedule, don't bet against it.