NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS O:5 D:7

The Tar Heels owned one of the toughest schedules in the country last year, and ended up with a commendable 5-6 mark overall. Head Coach John Bunting was forced to bring in a couple new assistants this past off-season, and the players say they sense a buzz and positive aura around the program. Whether that feeling turns into victories remains to be seen. The Heels return 12 overall starters, and has its best depth in quite some time. They went 4-4 in ACC play last season, but ended up out of bowl contention due to a brutal non-conference slate. This year’s schedule is more manageable, and they get the benefit of playing seven of their 12 games at home. The offense was anemic a year ago averaging 18 PPG, and will have a new face to it this year with both QB’s Cam Sexton and Nebraska transfer Joe Dailey battling it out for the starting spot. Former Fresno State OC Frank Cignetti was brought in this past off-season, so the offense should be more potent on the ground and through the air. Defensively, the Heels are have size, speed, and are very experienced. They should drastically cut down on the 26 PPG they let up a year ago. The special teams unit returns completely intact, and should be amongst the top 25 units in the country. There’s a positive feeling in Chapel Hill about the Heels upcoming campaign, and its well warranted. This program has recruited very well over the last few years, and has the talent on hand to play spoiler against the elite squads in the ACC. The team isn't in position to contend for the ACC title, but give them a little more time. However, six or seven victories and a bowl trip are highly realistic.