Comments on: Rivals Top 120 Countdown: #28 UNC

By: TarGaryHeel

TarGaryHeel — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:10:57 +0000

I need the Heels to make some waves nationally so I can quit hearing about the SOONERS! SOONERS! SOONERS! on ESPN all the time. (p.s. I live in Tulsa)

By: badbadleroybrown

badbadleroybrown — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:05:05 +0000

I’m excited about UNC football and look forward to a great year. I think the running game will be an important part of this season as well adding more balance to the offense will certainly help. As to the incidentals – we have a pretty good schedule, an excellent bye week and Thursday night football – all good things in my mind.

Looking back at 2008 in many ways can be deceptive when you look at the number of players we lost to injury and those that departed to the NFL. Last year was a tale of two maybe three teams with the loss of Yates, Tate then Paschal. Still the program moves forward and the teams reflect more and more the stated goals of the Davis, the work ethic and physical stamina he requires.

I’m looking for a few improvements that would make a big difference in the 2009 season:

Run the ball with more consistency and without the turnovers we experienced at the end of the year.

Hold the lead in the fourth quarter, prevent scoring by the opponent.

Beat NC State in their house.

That said, it is pretty cool to see the energy and excitement that Butch Davis has generated in the program with the fans, students, recruits and level of animosity. You know you are doing something right when your opponents tag you as BMFD.

The addition to the stadium is almost complete and looks to be a nice improvement is only for the additional shade it will generate. The stadium is presently undergoing some much needed maintenance including painting of the railings, seating repair and electrical work on the lighting. Aside from that the field looks better than I have ever seen it at any time in the summer and that’s always a good sign.

Go Heels!

By: smallandpettypat

smallandpettypat — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:36:49 +0000

Is the Pianalto move from Flex Back, or whatever e was recruited as complete? I remember being impressed with him last year but confused about his position. BMFD made a big deal out of him coming in as some kind of hybrid FB/TE position, but never using him like he talked about before the season. He’s a big boy with speed and pretty good hands.

By: Heels Perspective

Heels Perspective — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:29:42 +0000

S&PP Look for Pianalto and Christian Wilson to be the primary receiving TE’s with Barham and Taylor used to block.

By: Andy In Omaha

Andy In Omaha — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:35:14 +0000

THF, I couldn’t agree more with the frustrations in the defensive schemes last year. On one hand, you had a pretty young, hungry, ballhawking unit that got after the ball with some ferocity we haven’t seen since the Mack Brown years, but then see the defensive line the only part of the team trying to get the QB while the LB’s were consitently dropping back in coverage. Looking at things in reverse, maybe Davis and Withers actually believed that they didn’t have the personnel to apply consistent, in your face pressure on the QB. However, that doesn’t excuse giving UVa a game in Charlottesville and my dad and brother an excuse for getting in my face after the game.
As far as the offense goes, I’m not all that concerned about the receivers. A lot of UNC’s passing game seemes to be geared on timing rather than heaving the ball deep every down. Of course having Tate, Nicks, and Foster helps, but I think Yates can do a ton of damage with those quick routes to Little, and if Jones is anywhere the threat that I keep hearing about, Yates can have a huge year and open up the running game.
I’m not saying UNC will compete for a national title, but I believe 28th is a little low. I anticipate UNC hanging around the last two or three weeks in contention for a division title, and another berth in the Tire Bowl.

By: smallandpettypat

smallandpettypat — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:02:22 +0000

Who are the TEs going to be?

What made me maddest about the lack of consistent pressure on opposing QBs last year was the fact that the few times plays were called to put pressure on the QB, the front 7 or a blitzing DB pretty much always did exactly what they were supposed to do and the play worked beautifully. Obviously the players had the ability to carry out the plays successfully but i think that the coaches failed to put them in a position to succeed with the pansy plays they kept calling.

I expect the run game to have a huge year. An old school huge year. A Natrone Means type of year. I’m excited, can’t wait for the season to start.

By: Heels Perspective

Heels Perspective — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:52:58 +0000

In addition to Draughn and Houston, expect Jamal Womble to get some carries. Another aspect of the Heels offense will be the end around type plays for Little, passes to the flat for Elzy (which was an overlooked injury last year) and also lots of plays to the TE’s. The Heels cannot afford any injuries to the OL.

I do look for some changes in the way we play D, due to the speed and size up front and with the LB’s. I’m looking for Charles Brown to emerge at one of the corners (he was hurt last year too). I see no need NOT to pressure QB’s this year.