2008 record: 8-5, 4-4 (3rd-tie in ACC Coastal)
2008 bowl: Lost to West Virginia 31-30 in Meineke Car Care
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: Unranked
Coach: Butch Davis (12-13, 3rd year; 63-33 overall, 8 years)
Offensive coordinator: John Shoop (3rd year)
Defensive coordinator: Everett Withers (2nd year)
Returning offensive starters: 6
Returning defensive starters: 9
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Stadium: Kenan Memorial Stadium (grass; 60,000)
Last league title: 1980
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Junior T.J. Yates returns for his third season as starting quarterback. Unfortunately, most of his standout receivers do not return, making for a period of adjustment. Junior Greg Little is the only experienced receiver in the group that is expected to play for the Tar Heels. The offensive burden could rest on junior running back Shaun Draughn, who rushed for 866 yards on a team that didn’t run the ball that effectively. Four starting offensive linemen return, including three seniors.

Defensive: North Carolina could make a quantum leap in this area. Nine starters return, including the massive interior linemen, junior Marvin Austin and senior Cam Thomas, who need to help boost the team’s sagging sack totals. The secondary, led by potential All-American junior free safety Deunta Williams, has three starters back. Meanwhile, the team’s leading tackler, junior Quan Sturdivant, is moving from the weak side to middle linebacker, making way for sophomore Zach Brown, one of the ACC’s fastest defenders. Brick by brick, the Tar Heels are constructing an impressive group.

Specialists: The Tar Heels are counting on sophomore Casey Barth at place-kicker and junior Grant Schallock at punter. Johnny White will look to replace superb return man Brandon Tate, one of the team’s biggest losses.

Coaching: Once, Butch Davis amassed perhaps the greatest roster ever in college football. But when the 2001 Miami Hurricanes won the national championship, Davis was already off to the NFL and his contributions were reduced to footnote status. He has found his true calling — college football — and he’s building North Carolina in the image of those old Hurricane teams (versatility at the skill positions, blinding speed on defense).

Heisman Hopefuls: North Carolina doesn’t have any realistic Heisman contenders.

Game of the year Oct. 29 at Virginia Tech The Tar Heels seemingly had it wrapped up last season, but things came apart during the second half and Virginia Tech prevailed, 20-17. As the Tar Heels look to make the next step, beating Virginia Tech would be a tangible measuring stick in the ACC Coastal Division.

Overview: The Tar Heels are on the move. But it’s important to remember that the program is still in the baby-steps stage. In fact, it is seeking a second consecutive bowl bid for the first time since 1998. Moving further up the Coastal Division ladder would be a sign of progress.

Next up: No. 17 Cincinnati

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