However, UNC might be hard-pressed to repeat that in 2011 as head coach Butch Davis was fired at the end of July, which was shocking for its timing as it came less than two weeks before fall camp. Everett Withers, the Heels’ defensive coordinator the past three years, will be the interim coach this year. Can Withers lead a program in some disarray to an ACC title? UNC is 7/1 on Bodog's NCAA football odds to win the conference title and 11/4 to win the Coastal Division.

Six starters are expected back on both offense and defense. Four-year starting QB T.J. Yates is gone. Sophomore Bryn Renner will start. He is bigger and faster than Yates and has a stronger arm, but he has thrown only two passes in his college career. Senior RB Ryan Houston returns. He led the team in rushing in 2009 but redshirted last year. Dwight Jones is one of the ACC’s top wide receivers, averaging 105.3 yards in the last eight games in 2010. And the offensive line should be very good. On defense, the line has good depth but the secondary has to replace four starters — Jabari Price started the final four games at corner last season and is back.

North Carolina opens its season Sept. 3 against James Madison.

Get a 10% Sign-up Bonus at Bodog!