2009 Tar Heel Quick Hits

Lawrence Jordan:

1. Butch Davis doubled the Tar Heel win total from his first year (4) to his second year (8), so the Tar Heel faithful expect the W total to grow.
2. Davis hit the recruiting trail hard and is now in a position to start implementing the highly rated players into his coaching schemes.
3. The Tar Heel return 9 starters from the 2008 team. Consistency is the key for this defensive unit, led by Marvin Austin and Quan Sturdivant, for the Heels to build on a relatively solid performance last year (LINK).
4. The Tar Heels bring back a strong running attack with Shawn Draughn, Ryan Houston, and prized recruit Jamal Womble out of AZ. Draughn will be a threat to break the 1000 yard mark this season, and Houston (245 lbs) is a wrecking ball on the goal line.
5. The young Tar Heel receivers bring talent but little experience to the offensive side of the ball. Greg Little and Dwight Jones are the listed starters with Joshua Adams and Johnny White backing them up.
   
6. The key to the offense will be balance. If the Tar Heel receivers are not able to make plays, opposing defenses will stack against the run and it will be a long year for the Heels.
7. Yates will need to stay healthy and consistent this year. Cameron Sexton transferred in the off season leaving the back up QBs as inexperienced Mike Paulus and Bryn Renner.
8. Closing out games should be a focus in 2009, as 4 of UNC's 5 losses were by less than 3 points. UNC blew late leads in all four of those losses.
9. It seems UNC says it every year, but youth is still a factor. With only 11 seniors on the roster this team will rely on its talented underclassmen to produce in the clutch...hopefully better than last year.
   

This season will be a success if... the Tar Heels can play BIG on the road in 2009. They play tough opponents in Blackburg (VT), Atlanta (GT), and Raleigh (NCSU). TJ Yates gains his early form from last year and the young receiving core proves themselves as legitimate threats. The defense lives up to its talented billing.
This season will be a downer if... the Tar Heels are unable to establish a passing game and become one dimensional. TJ Yates falls to a prolonged injury and a young QB is forced to take control of the offense. The Tar Heels are unable to finish games late with small margin leads.

Best Case (11-1)
Worst Case (7-5)
Prediction (10-2)