Tar Heels Look for Luck to Reverse in 2008: UNC Football Preview

ACC Coastal No. 3: North Carolina Tar Heels

2007 Results and Offseason

Butch Davis took over the Heels' job last season and suffered through six losses by seven points or fewer.  T.J. Yates won the QB job as a RS freshman, setting a few Carolina freshman passing records on the way.  The Heels had another solid recruiting class and return 18 starters from a year ago.

2007 Record: 4-8 (3-5)

Ret. Starters: 18

Ret. Lettermen: 44

Off PPG: 20.1 (10th), RYPG: 102.4 (9th), PYPG: 221.6 (5th)

Def PPG: 31.0 (11th), RYPG: 187.6 (12th), PYPG: 218.8 (5th)

Offense (10 Ret. Starters, 19 Ret. Lettermen)

T.J. Yates returns as the likely starter but may be pushed by prized recruit Mike Paulus (brother of Duke PG Greg Paulus).  Yates set freshmen records for passing yards, completions, and attempts, but he is coming off shoulder surgery for an injury that hindered his arm down the stretch last year.

Richie Rich was moved mid-year to CB, leaving the RB job to Greg Little, who had 154 yards vs. Duke.  Little will be complemented by Anthony Elzy, who had 169 total vs. VT and Miami.

The Heels' WR corps is one of the best and most experienced in the ACC, led by Hakeem Nicks.  Just a junior, Nicks already has 22 starts under his belt and has set the season record for receptions.

The O-line returns four starters from a year ago and only loses part-time starter Scott Lenahan at center.

Defense (Eight Ret. Starters, 24 Ret. Lettermen)

The D-line had much improved play over the Bunting years last season.  Former top recruit Marvin Austin looks to have a breakout year after three starts as a true freshman.  Hilee Taylor will be a big loss off the D-line as he had 10.5 sacks last year.

The linebacker group could be led by sophomore Quan Sturdivant, who started five games last season.  Gone is last year's leading tackler Durrell Mapp.

The defensive backs welcomed Rich mid-year, although it looks he will have to battle for a starting CB position this season.  The secondary should be much improved with first team freshmen All-American Deunta Williams at FS and Trimane Goddard back at SS.

Special Teams

Gone is UNC record holder K Connor Barth.  Back is P Terrence Brown.  Returns will likely be handled by WR Brandon Tate.

Newcomers of Note

UNC had an impressive DL haul with Robert Quinn and Quinton Copies.  Coach John Blake has been a big plus for Davis.  Melvin Williams should be able to contribute right away out of JC in the secondary.

Final Thoughts

UNC’s record could have been much better if they won half of those close games last year.  They have always had better talent than their record in bad years, as evidenced by the number of Tar Heels in the NFL.

I think Butch Davis gets them over the edge on the way to a bowl game again this year.  Don't be shocked if UNC seriously challenges for the Coastal title.

Prediction

Likely Wins: vs. McNeese St.

Likely Losses: None

Swing Games: Everything else

7-5 (4-4)

Next Up: ACC Atlantic No. 2