North Carolina

The University of North Carolina is primarily known for the storied tradition of its basketball program that has produced greats like Michael Jordan and James Worthy. The football program has enjoyed some success but not of late. NFL great Lawrence Taylor sported the Carolina blue and white. The Tar Heels reside in the Coastal division of the ACC. The hiring of former Miami Hurricane head coach Butch Davis has the program headed in the right direction.

The Butch Davis era should get off to a good start with cupcake James Madison on the schedule for the season opener. This sanctioned massacre will hopefully spark enthusiasm into the Tar Heel program. Unfortunately, reality will set in and the rigors of the ACC schedule will leave the Tar Heels hard pressed to earn a bowl berth. Year one of the Davis regime will serve as more of a rebuilding year as Davis tries to impose his identity on the team. A strong recruiting sets the Tar Heels up for nice boost in the years to come.

Sep 1 - vs. James Madison, 6:00 PM

Sep 8 - at East Carolina, 6:00 PM

Sep 15 - vs. Virginia, 12:00 PM

Sep 22 - at So Florida, TBA

Sep 29 - at Virginia Tech, TBA

Oct 6 - vs. Miami-Florida, TBA

Oct 13 - vs. So Carolina, TBA

Oct 20 - Open

Oct 27 - at Wake Forest, TBA

Nov 3 - vs. Maryland, TBA

Nov 10 - at NC State, TBA

Nov 17 - at Georgia Tech, TBA

Nov 24 - vs. Duke, TBA

While coaching at the University of Miami, Butch Davis built the foundation for the Hurricanes national championship team in 2001. Davis was instrumental in turning the ‘Canes program around, but bolted to the NFL before he could claim the ultimate prize. His stint as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns was unsuccessful, compiling a measly 24-35 record. He did make the playoffs but never posted a victory. Davis belongs in the collegiate game. His personality and philosophy are much better suited for student athletes. Davis is an incredible recruiter and should have fans in Chapel Hill excited about football for the first time in a long, long time.

‘Former starting quarterback Joe Dailey has made the transition to wide receiver, leaving a void at QB. Look out for highly touted freshman QB Mike Paulus to compete for the starting job. Currently, only sophomore Cameron Sexton has any game experience under center. Sophomore receiver Hakeem Nicks should be the go to guy in the passing game. On defense, junior safety Trimane Goddard should bounce back from an injury plagued 2006 campaign.