Ranking The ACC Coastal Division Teams: North Carolina

Expectations seem to be high at North Carolina this year. A liitle too high in my opinion.

The ACC media has picked the Tar Heels to finish second in the Coastal behind Virginia Tech. Anything is possible but I think Miami may have something to say in that debate.

Butch Davis is in his second year at North Carolina. Last year he was 4-8 in his first season with the Tar Heels. His biggest victory in his first year was a 33-27 victory over Miami. Tar Heel fans are hoping that Davis can be as successful as he was at Miami when he posted a 51-20 record from 1995-2000 and took the Cleveland Browns to the N.F.L. playoffs in 2002.

Davis has 18 returning starters back for the 2008 season. Ten return on offense while eight return on defense. There is a nucleus of talent on the team ranging from junior receiver Hakeem Nicks to their safety Deunta Williams (57 tackles, 3 interceptions), linebacker Quan Sturdivant (47 tackles, sack, interception) and defensive tackle Austin (26 tackles, 4 sacks).

FSU It's Time Ranking Prediction:There is reason for optimism at North Carolina but I think it may be somewhat overinflated. I am predicting that the Heels finish at #3 in the Coastal Divison in 2008.