UNC is coming off a 4-8 season where their marquee win was against the 1-11 Duke intramural squad.  However, the Tar Heels are the trendy pick to win ACC Coastal division because of some very close losses.  As a Hokie I’ve become caught up in figuring out whether or not they are the real deal. The three reasons why I think UNC will go from 4-8 to 8-4 (or better) are: a lot of returning talent, a very favorable schedule and top notch coaching.

Quarterback T.J. Yates had an impressive start to his 2007 season throwing 9 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions but fizzled out finishing the season with 14 tds and 18 picks.  Yates is going to have to cut that shit and be productive for the entire season for the Heels to go bowling and even come close to sniffing the asshole of the ACC Championship Game.  He gets to throw to Hakeem Nicks who is straight nasty and could put up over 1,000 yards.  The running game was suspect last year and sophomore Greg Little needs to rush for 1,000+ to keep the offense moving in the right direction.

The Heels’ schedule sets up extremely well and here is how I see their season unfolding.

• McNeese State – Blowout W
• at Rutgers – I don’t think Butch Davis will be able to get past his former assistant coach.
• Virginia Tech – UNC might be a favorite and this game will be extremely telling of how the UNC season will go.  A win has them on the fast track to the ACC Coastal division title, a close loss won’t be too devistating but a blowout will be devistating.  I think they lose a really close one.
• at Miami – Miami has too much talent
• Connecticut – This will be another extremely close game but in the end UNC will pull it out.
• Notre Dame – I really hate picking ND to win
• at Virginia – W
• Boston College – No Matt Ryan means no W for BC
• Georgia Tech – GT will be competitive for a while, but this is the year for everyone to beat down on the Wreck.
• at Maryland – A solid road win
• NC State – I really miss Chuck Amato and his sexy tan, permed hair and suave sunglasses. W
• at Duke – It will be close, but UNC wins.

We all know Butch Davis is a great head coach and recruiter.  One thing he is not is a miracle worker.  UNC is still 1-2 years away from being a legitimate ACC contender.  Going 8-4 this year with a chance to play in a bowl will definitely set the Heels up for break-out 2009.  However, maybe I am wrong and Davis pulls out the W against VT and cruises to the ACC Championship Game…