2009 North Carolina Tar Heels Predictions
2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Butch Davis, 3rd year (12-13)
Off. Coordinator: John Shoop (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Everett Withers (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 16 (6 offense, 9 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tyler Yates)

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Offense: The Tar Heels return junior starting quarterback Tyler Yates, who threw for 1,168 yards last year. He was hampered by injuries his first two seasons and in the spring, sprained his thumb playing Ultimate Frisbee. If he’s healthy, he should have a big season. However, his top three receivers-Hakeem Nicks, Brooks Foster and Brandon Tate-are off to the NFL. Junior Greg Little is the only experienced wideout returning. At running back, junior Shaun Draughn, who rushed for 866 yards, is back. He’s adequate, but the rushing game is a major concern. They’ll need the former safety to be more productive this season as the offense will have to rely more on the running game. The offensive line must replace its left guard and tackle.

Defense: The defense allowed 21.2 points per game last year, while the offense produced 27.7 ppg. That may change this year, so the defense will have to be more stout, especially against the run, as they allowed 122.6 ypg last year. The entire defensive line returns led by Marvin Austin, but they have to produce more than the five combined sacks last year. They have some of the fastest linebackers in the nation, headed by freshman Zach Brown, who ran a ridiculous 4.26 40 in the spring. Junior LB Quan Sturdivant is the leading returning tackler with 122. The secondary loses Trimane Goddard, but should be solid at corner.

Outlook: Butch Davis brought the Tar Heels back to a bowl game for the first time in four years. Now the goal will be to win one after they lost to West Virginia in the Meineke Bowl. They’ll need a healthy Yates to lead a team that lost three talented receivers and will have to spread the ball out to the running backs and tight ends.

This ACC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

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