UNC: a quick overlook…

UNC Football

I will be getting into much more detail about the North Carolina football team, as well as their opponents for the 2010 season, starting next week. For now, to wet the appetite, here is a very general look at what the Tar Heels did last year. Of course all of this means practically next to nothing with the dark cloud of the NCAA still hovering over the program. Since no one can truly say how it will all end I will let that be in this post.

This is head coach Butch Davis’ fourth go around with the Tar Heels, having compiled a 20 and 18 record (16 and 10 in the last two seasons), gone to two bowl games (both times the Meineke Car Car Bowl and both times losing to a Big East squad), if you look past who you like and who you don’t on the squad the progress made can be easily seen. The past season coach Davis won eight games and lost five (same record as 2008), so for many (including myself) this was to be the breakout season for the Heels. Will it be? I have a feeling a lot rides on what the head honchos in Indianapolis decide

2009 Team Offensive Statistics (10 returning starters):
Scoring: 23.8 points per game (10th in ACC)
Rushing Yards per Game: 132 (7th in ACC)
Passing Yards per Game: 174 (10th in ACC)
Total Yards per Game: 307 (11th in ACC)

2009 Team Defensive Statistics (9 returning starters):
Scoring: 17.1 points per game (2nd in ACC & 13th in Nation)
Rushing Yards per Game: 95 (1st in ACC & 10th in Nation)
Passing Yards per Game: 174 (3rd in ACC & 14th in Nation)
Total Yards per Game: 269 (1st in ACC & 6th in Nation)

Top Returning Statistical Leaders:
Passing: QB T.J. Yates, Sr (214/355 for 2136 yds, 14 TDs, 15 INTs, 164 YPG)
Rushing: RB Ryan Houston, Sr (191 carries for 713 yds, 3.7 YPC, 9 TDs, 54 YPG)
Rushing: RB Shaun Draughn, Sr (124 carries for 567 yds, 4.5 YPC, 1 TD, 56 YPG)
Receiving: WR Greg Little, Sr (62 rec, 724 yds, 5 TDs, 4.8 RecPG, 55 YPG)

Tackles: LB Quan Sturdivant, Sr (79)
Sacks: DE Robert Quinn, Jr (11)
Interceptions: FS Deunta Williams, Sr (6)

Pre-Season Rankings:
USA Today Coaches Poll: #18
Rivals: #17
Scout: #14

I have talked about this over and over and over again. The analysts and so-called experts have as well, North Carolina has a defense that can be put up against most anyone in the nation and an offense that needs lots and lots of work. With “Agent Gate” still looming, and Athletic Director Dick Baddour saying that the NCAA has no timetable for releasing its findings, head coach Butch Davis still isn’t sure if all his returning starters will be eligible. Nonetheless, the Tar Heels still have plenty of talent coming back from last season. I hate to say this, cause I know the theory of one game at a time, but if UNC struggles out of the gates this season could be over before October begins. On the other hand, if they get the wins they should this team could be headed for a really great year. Yes, it’s just that kind of season for the gridiron in Chapel Hill.

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