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North Carolina Tar Heels 2006 Preview

North Carolina Tar Heels Football Preview By: Matt Fargo
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college football previews :#59 – North Carolina Tar Heels Preview

by: Matt Fargo

Spring practices are in the books and fall camps will be here before you know it so that means getting an early jump on the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time in August and Matt Fargo is here to help you get a grasp of what to expect this upcoming year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 College Football Preview.

#59 – North Carolina Tar Heels 5-6 SU; 6-5 ATS

Fargo’s Take - North Carolina has been one of the most inconsistent teams in the country over the last eight season as it has not had more than two consecutive winning or losing seasons over that span. Above average years have been followed up with bad years and vice versa so where the Tar Heels finish this season is anyone’s guess. They are in the middle of the pack in the nation for just that reason. The offense will be breaking in a new quarterback in a new system by a new offensive coordinator while the defense needs to replace four key players from last season. The offense was horrid last season and the new aspects can only improve things but how much improvement is the real question. North Carolina alternated wins and losses over its final seven games last year and a tough three-point home loss to Maryland cost the Tar Heels a chance at a second straight bowl appearance. They could get back in 2006 as the schedule is on their side down the stretch.

Returning Starters on Offense – 5 North Carolina finished 104th in the country in scoring offense and 102nd in total offense last season which was the worst rankings since John Bunting took over six years ago. New offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti comes over from Fresno St. where he guided the Bulldogs to some very successful offensive outputs. He brings in a new offensive philosophy where running he ball with be the priority to go along with a downfield passing attack. Tailback Ronnie McGill is back for his senior season but injuries have held him back so he still remains a question. The quarterback duty is likely to go to Joe Dailey, the transfer from Nebraska, who has the most experience of the signal callers in camp. The offensive line is extremely young as are the wide receivers so while there looks to be improvements in place, there are also lingering issues that need to be addressed right away.

Returning Starters on Defense – 7 The Tar Heels had a huge turnaround on defense last season as they improved by 97 ypg from 2004 and allowed the fewest amount of points since 2001. If not for allowing 69 points to Louisville, the scoring average was at 21.9 ppg which improves the scoring defense ranking from 63rd to 28th. While replacing four of the best players from the defense last year will be difficult, there are plenty of capable replacements that should be able to help right away. The defensive line is very experienced while the secondary brings back three starters from the 49th ranked passing defense. The best linebacker on the squad is Larry Edwards but his return is in question due to academic issues in the spring. He is the leading returning tackler and if he cannot qualify in the fall, it will be a huge hit.

Schedule - North Carolina played the 6th toughest schedule in the nation last season and still nearly made it to a bowl game. The slate is not as difficult this time around but playing in the ACC makes it difficult enough. The Tar Heels begin the season with three straight home games with one of those against Virginia Tech in their conference opener. Following the three-game homestand, North Carolina has to travel for back-to-back games at Clemson and Miami, both sure losses. A home non-conference game against South Florida is after those contests and then a trip to Notre Dame comes after a short two-game ACC run. North Carolina closes the year with home games against Georgia Tech and NC State before heading to rival Duke for the finale. Florida St. and Boston College from the Atlantic did not make the schedule.

You can bet on… This is one of the toughest teams in the country to figure of as there are a lot of unknowns going on in Chapel Hill. The offense needs to jell right away with two difficult games to start the season and a 2-1 start is vital but the games against the Tigers and Hurricanes could possibly lead to a 1-4 start with the firing of Bunting more than likely. The Tar Heels are just 5-13 against the number at home when giving points but 4-1 as a road favorite over that same span. They likely won’t be favored often with the first chalk game being the home opener against Rutgers and then not again until the game against South Florida. That is a big contest for both teams that will feature two good defenses against rebuilding offenses and the outcome could go a long way for both squads.