ESPN College Football

Money money money ...

• Maryland offensive coordinator Gary Crowton made some mad cash this year to go 2-10.
• You want to talk contracts? Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris has topped them all.
• And no, Larry Fedora doesn't have a contract yet at North Carolina.
• David Glenn caught up with North Carolina offensive coordinator John Shoop and got his take on several interesting topics.
• Clemson's staff will have to deal with some significant turnover on offense next year.
• Georgia Tech guard Will Jackson had some thoughts on the Jackets' bowl practices.
• BC linebacker Luke Kuechly remains a bright spot in a dismal season for the Eagles.
• Miami coach Al Golden got the voting right: Clemson should be ahead of Virginia Tech.
• The Canes' depth chart will look pretty young next year, and scholarships could be limited.
• Florida State and Notre Dame have changed, but the history between them still makes for an interesting matchup.

Here’s a look at your top performers for Week 9:

Georgia Tech quarterback Tevin Washington: His 176 rushing yards in the 31-17 upset of Clemson was a school record for a quarterback. He had a 46-yard run in the second quarter and then topped that with a 56-yard run in the third quarter. He was the game’s leading rusher, averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored one touchdown.

BC running back Rolandan Finch: He ran for 243 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles’ 28-17 road victory over Maryland. It was the first time the sophomore had cracked the 100-yard mark, and he had totaled 266 yards in the six previous games. Finch had 152 rushing yards at halftime and finished with a career-high 39 carries. He also had a team-best two catches for seven yards.

FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops: This was a tough call, because EJ Manuel played such an outstanding game, but NC State went nowhere against the Noles, including the end zone, in a 34-0 loss. Florida State’s defensive line pressured quarterback Mike Glennon all game and won the battle up front, and the Noles held NC State to 36 rushing yards, 7 of 16 third-down conversions and forced three turnovers.

UNC offensive coordinator John Shoop. The Tar Heels had a season-high 562 yards of total offense in the 49-24 win over Wake Forest, the most points the program has scored in seven years, according to the Associated Press. It was also the most points UNC has scored in an ACC game in a decade. Wake Forest had five turnovers, and UNC’s offense converted four of those into touchdowns. Quarterback Bryn Renner threw for a career-high 338 yards and three touchdowns, Giovani Bernard scored three touchdowns and had his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season and receiver Dwight Jones had six catches for 138 yards.

Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco. He threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns in the 28-21 win over Miami and helped Virginia snap a seven-game losing streak in ACC road games. He has now passed for over 200 yards three times this season, and his 78-yard touchdown pass to Perry Jones in the fourth quarter was the longest completion and touchdown pass of his career.

We'll know more about which direction North Carolina is headed following today's 11 a.m. press conference, but it's hard not to assume they're going the interim direction. Colleague Bruce Feldman listed some potential candidates for the long-term, and one name appears on both of our lists: Bud Foster. The Hokies' defensive guru has made no secret about the fact he wants to be a head coach, and his name has been tied to several openings in the past. It seems completely unreasonable to think an entirely new staff could come in just two weeks before the start of fall camp, but there will be plenty of speculation as to who will lead the Tar Heels on a permanent basis. I haven't heard anything confirming any names, so consider this a list of possibilities for North Carolina's next coach:

INTERIM

Everett Withers, defensive coordinator: He has 24 seasons of coaching experience at both the collegiate and NFL levels. North Carolina's defense has been in the spotlight under Withers, and what he cobbled together in spite of the NCAA investigations was impressive.

John Shoop, offensive coordinator:He has two decades of coaching experience in both the NCAA and NFL, and has been a coordinator for both. Carolina's offense improved under Shoop, but he's a quirky character who has been given his fair share of heat at times from UNC fans.

Sam Pittman, offensive line coach:The title of associate head coach was added earlier this month, but Pittman has spent the past four seasons coaching the Tar Heels' offensive line. School spokesman Kevin Best said there's not necessarily a correlation between Pittman's recent promotion and the timing of the coaching change.

NEW HIRE

Bud Foster, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator:Give the man a chance, willya?

Randy Shannon, former Miami coach:He knows the ACC, he's a good recruiter, and the timing would work well if an interim were hired this year because Shannon isn't coaching this season. Shannon was reportedly interested in the Maryland job and wants to return to coaching.

Name your Bowden: Terry or Tommy, both have plenty of coaching experience to offer.

The series highlighting one assistant coach from each program whose position group will be in the spotlight this year continues with North Carolina.

Coach: John Shoop

Position: Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks

Experience: Shoop is entering his fifth season with the Tar Heels and 21st season as a coach. He has been a coordinator at the collegiate level and in the NFL. Shoop came to Chapel Hill after two seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He was Oakland's quarterbacks coach in 2005, the tight ends coach in 2006 and was elevated to offensive coordinator for the final five games of the 2006 season.

Shoop spent the 2004 season as quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under coach Jon Gruden. He worked five seasons (1999-2003) for the Chicago Bears under head coach Dick Jauron, including three as the offensive coordinator (2001-03). Shoop was promoted to Chicago's offensive coordinator position after spending the 1999-2000 seasons as the Bears’ quarterbacks coach. At the time, he was one of the youngest coordinators in NFLhistory.

Prior to joining the Bears, Shoop spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he began his NFL coaching career at the age of 25. Shoop was an offensive quality control assistant for the Panthers in 1995-96 where he was a member of a staff that led the team to the NFC Championship Game in 1996. He was then promoted to quarterbacks coach, serving in that capacity for Carolina from 1997-98.

Of note: Shoop graduated from the University of the South in 1991, where he played quarterback for four seasons. His brother, Bob, is the defensive coordinator at William & Mary College.

His challenge: Replace a record-setting quarterback in T.J. Yates with first-year starter Bryn Renner. There have been nothing but rave reviews coming out of Chapel Hill regarding the Tar Heels’ next quarterback, but the fact remains that Renner lacks game experience. He has completed 1 of 2 passes for 14 yards. North Carolina has an outstanding offensive line and a talented group of receivers to help take some pressure off of Renner, but he has to be ready quickly, as UNC faces Coastal Division opponents Virginia and Georgia Tech in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively. UNC lost some significant talent from last year’s roster, but not so much that it can’t reload and be a contender this fall -- if, of course, Renner shines. It’s up to Shoop to coach ‘em up.

Quarterback Patton Robinette committed to North Carolina on Wednesday, according to Jamie Newberg of ESPN Recruiting.

Robinette chose UNC over Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Purdue and others. He threw for more than 1,800 yards, 21 touchdowns and ran for 11 more.

"I just had a really strong feeling about North Carolina," said Robinette. "Their academics and tradition are incredible and I love the community. Coach [Butch] Davis, coach [John] Shoop and the other coaches there are all outstanding coaches and guys. Really, it's the best fit for me.

"I visited a bunch of schools like FSU, Clemson, Georgia, Wake Forest, Northwestern and Vandy," Robinette said. "And it was just a great experience for me. I had an opportunity to visit some of the greatest schools in the country. Along the way I met with some super people and coaches. My family kept me grounded and this was my decision."

Clemson added three-star kicker Bradley Pinion to its class of 2012. As a junior, Pinion averaged 68 yards per kickoff, averaged 38 yards punting and made 7-of-12 field goals with a long of 42 yards. He also made 25-of-26 extra points.

Overall, Miami has the most recruits of any ACC school in its current class with 15. Virginia Tech has 12 and Florida State has 10. FSU has the most quality, though, as seven of those recruits are ESPNU 150 players. Miami has five ESPNU 150 recruits, and Clemson has four.

Expectations are high for North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner, and in his debut as the Tar Heels' starter, Renner delivered. He completed 9 of 13 attempts for 123 yards and a touchdown in North Carolina's spring game on Saturday. The controlled scrimmage consisted of approximately 50 plays.

Renner was one of four quarterbacks to play, along with Braden Hanson, A.J. Blue and freshman Marquise Williams. While Renner's ability to flourish in games is one of the Tar Heel's biggest questions heading into the fall, UNC's receivers are proven.

Dwight Jones had five catches for 56 yards and and Erik Highsmith had four for 67 yards, with most of that yardage coming on a 43-yard touchdown pass from Renner.

"I was a lot more nervous today because I was running with the ones and it was the first time Coach (John) Shoop was in the (press) box," Renner said, according to the team's practice report. "I thought I did alright, but I know I've got a lot more to learn. I worked the ball to Dwight a lot today and he made me look good. He has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the country."

Ryan Houston started at tailback and had just two carries for 22 yards. Hunter Furr and junior walk-on Matt Kolojejchick each had seven carries.

Defensively, Quinton Coples made a team-high six tackles and was credited with one sack. Safety Josh Hunter had four tackles and one interception.

There he is, Good T.J.

There's Good T.J., and there's Turnover T.J.

Last week, UNC quarterback T.J. Yates turned it over four times in the loss to Virginia Tech. Today, he started out by completing all eight of his passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, and his seven-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Elzy gave the Tar Heels a 7-0 lead over rival NC State.

This is exactly how the Heels needed to start -- strong. The linebackers have been disrupting the passing game, Yates and Elzy have been moving the chains, and offensive coordinator John Shoop is in a groove.

Here’s a look at 10 things to keep an eye on this week, in no particular order:

Quarterbacks in Raleigh. Both Christian Ponder and Russell Wilson are two of the veterans in the league, but they’ve both struggled with interceptions recently. Ponder threw three in the win over Boston College and lost a fumble, and Wilson threw three in the loss at East Carolina. Odds are whichever one rebounds, comes out on top.

NC State’s run defense. It will be one of the biggest keys to the game, as FSU enters Raleigh with the No. 19 rushing offense in the nation at 211.71 yards per game. NC State is holding opponents to 148.13.

The replacements in BC. BC defensive end Alex Albright’s season ended last week with a broken fibula. It’s Max Holloway’s job now, and safety Wes Davis is definitely out after sustaining a neck injury against Maryland. Okechukwu Okoroha is expected to start in his place. Cornerback DeLeon Gause did not practice on Wednesday but is still listed as day-to-day.

Bowl eligibility. Maryland, NC State and Miami are all chasing their sixth win of the season this week. So far, only Virginia Tech and Florida State are bowl-eligible in the ACC. It’s of particular importance to the Terps and Wolfpack, who were both home for the holidays last year.

Clemson’s turnover-free streak. The Tigers have gone three straight games without turning the ball over -- a first in school history. The Clemson offense has run 196 consecutive plays without a turnover, a streak that dates to the last play of the Miami (FL) game on October 2. Overall, Clemson has four games this year when it has not committed a turnover. BC’s defense has had 18 takeaways this year.

Nation’s top tacklers in Chestnut Hill. Saturday’s game between BC and Clemson will feature two of the nation’s top tacklers in BC linebacker Luke Kuechly and Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers. Kuechly leads the nation in tackles per game with 13.9 and is three shy of 100 tackles for the season. Bowers leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, and he is on a record-setting pace with 10 sacks in seven games so far this season. Boston College is one of the worst teams in the country in sacks allowed with 2.86 per game. Bowers needs three more to set the record for most sacks in a season in school history by a defensive lineman.

Wake Forest running back Josh Harris. In his first career start against Virginia Tech, Harris rushed 20 times for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Harris’ 241 yards rushing were the most ever allowed by Virginia Tech, surpassing the 239 by Temple’s Paul Palmer in 1986. Harris became the first Deacon since 2005 to rush for over 200 yards in a game. Maryland has the No. 4 rushing defense in the ACC, holding opponents to 143.6 yards per game. The Terps have held each of their last three opponents (Duke, Clemson, and BC) under 100 yards on the ground. It’s the first time the defense has done that since 2004.

Maryland’s secondary. Two players who are having great seasons are flying under the radar in College Park, Md. Against Boston College, safety Antwine Perez had a career-best two interceptions and recovered a fumble. Perez is second on the team in pass breakups (six) and tied for third in the league in interceptions (0.43 pg). Kenny Tate is the leading tackler in the ACC among defensive backs (8.0 per game). He is also atop the league chart with four forced fumbles, the most by a Terp since Milton Harris also had four in 2005.

Shoop vs. Shoop. UNC offensive coordinator John Shoop will face his older brother, William & Mary defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. It is believed to be one of only three matchups in college football this season pitting brothers against each other, according to UNC’s sports information department. (The other two involve Oklahoma). Both Shoops are in their fourth seasons at their respective schools. Carolina is averaging 365 yards per game and the Tribe is allowing just 318 yards. May the best Shoop win.

Pass defenses in Charlottesville. The ACC’s top two pass defenses will be featured in the Miami-Virginia game. Miami leads the ACC with 149.1 passing yards per game allowed, and Virginia follows at 165.4. The Canes have 14 interceptions, Virginia five.

There’s no shortage of familiarity between North Carolina and William & Mary. UNC offensive coordinator John Shoop will face his brother, Tribe defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, and North Carolina coach Butch Davis will face one of his former quarterbacks, Mike Paulus.

It’s the first time the Shoop brothers have coached against each other during their professional careers, and it’s the first time Davis has coached against one of his former players. Paulus, who came to UNC in 2007, transferred to William & Mary this past January and has started the past three games.

“It is a little bit unique,” Davis said. “I don’t think I’ve ever faced that before. Mike’s a very good kid. He’s a very good quarterback. He’s led them to some significant victories during the course of this season. The bizarreness of it is, it is a little bit odd that somebody who played for you is on the field playing for another team. I don’t think I’ve personally ever faced it.”

Paulus has led his team to wins over the top two teams in the FCS -- Villanova and Delaware, respectively. He got his opportunity at the expense of injured starter Mike Callahan. Paulus made his first career start for the Tribe against No. 1-ranked Villanova and had a career-best 211 passing yards (20-of-28). It was his second career collegiate start, as he made one in 2008 while playing at North Carolina (at Miami). So far this season, Paulus has completed 60 percent of his passes, and over the past three games, he has completed 73 percent of his third-down attempts.

He’s listed as No. 2 on the depth chart this week, though, behind Callahan. The former walk-on played through a shoulder injury against Delaware, and his status will continue to be evaluated.

John Shoop’s brother has fared well so far, as the Tribe have the No. 8 defense in the FCS, holding opponents to 16 points per game. The rushing defense has also been stingy, allowing just 113 yards per game.

It’s not an opponent UNC can afford to overlook. The Tribe are ranked No. 5 in the FCS coaches' poll.

“Immediately upon watching film, your kids starting making decisions about the talent level of a team, and instantly all of our coaches and all of our players recognized that William & Mary is a very well-coached football team,” Davis said. “Fundamentally, techniques, scheme -- you don’t see them making mistakes. They are in the right places and their kids play very well. They’re a reason they’re ranked as high as they are.”

And two people very familiar with North Carolina have had a lot to do with it.

The chat wasn't enough for you guys today?

Mike Murphy in Onancock, Va., writes: Heather,If Kyle Parker goes to spring training, then continues baseball in the summer - how would that effect his eligibility should he opt for football in the fall of 2011? He would not be enrolled in the spring semester nor the summer sessions.Thanks.PS Really enjoy your reports

HD: Thanks, Mike. He could still be eligible in the fall to play for Clemson if he passed 12 hours in fall and six in the spring. Or he could opt to join the Rockies in May and complete the spring semester at Clemson. Or there is something called a missed term exception where he could still be eligible in the fall without going to Clemson in the spring (complicated). But, we both probably just wasted time on that paragraph because it would make the most sense for Parker to play his final season for Clemson this fall and join the Rockies in February.

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John in Williamsburg, Va., writes: How can the UNC-William and Mary game not be on your biggest games list...It is the first time in the history of college football that the offensive coordinator of one team--John Shoop UNC is going against his brother who is the defensive coordinator of the other team--Bob Shoop--William and Mary

HD: You're serious about this, aren't you?

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KyleGTfan in Atlanta, Ga., writes: Wondering if you read this article by a fellow ESPN analyst By Andrea Adelson "Twenty teams with best title shot" what do u think about people placing UNC and BC ahead of Miami, Florida State, and Georgia Tech. Seems a little far fetched to me but im just a loyal Paul Johnson fan so i expect to be unappreciated haha. But seriously are BC and UNC really that good?

HD: I think you have to look at their schedules, and Boston College has a very favorable one because it doesn't have to play Miami, Georgia Tech or North Carolina. When trying to figure out who might win a national title, you have to look at who has the best chance to go undefeated and who has a shot at a one-loss season. As we know, undefeated doesn't always cut it, either. It also helps tremendously to start the season ranked high like Virginia Tech. So I could definitely see the reasoning behind that, but no, I don't think BC and UNC are that good.

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Garrett in Charleston, S.C., writes: Hey Heather, love the blog. would you please explain to me why the ACC just HAS to have Miami and FSU succeed to be relevant again? They had their time in the spotlight and it was great but Clemson, Georgia Tech and maybe even UNC seem to be showing some promise for the future. If Miami and FSU succeed this year, great. but if not, I think it actually looks better for the ACC to have a different team win some BCS bowls so we look more well rounded and not a conference of two great teams and a bunch of mediocres. your thoughts?

HD: Thanks for reading, Garrett. Personally, I think that's only part of the equation. There are lots of other things the ACC can do -- as I mentioned in the video this morning -- to become more relevant. And if somebody -- anybody -- in the ACC were to become a national title contender, it would raise the conference's profile immediately. That being said, college football is better when the traditional powers of the sport are at their best. Here's a similar opinion:

"If you look back in the 90s when Florida State was performing at such a high level, it brought a lot of attention to college football, it brought a lot of attention to the ACC," FSU quarterback Christian Ponder said. "Obviously it would be good for us. We'd love it. But I think it would be good if us, Miami and Florida all performed at a high level at the same time."

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Stu in Baltimore writes: As a realistic UVA fan, I'm concerned about whether the Wahoos will go winless in conference play this year. I like the Mike London hiring and think he'll do well long term, but the cupboard was really left pretty bare for him. Ho do you rate the probability of a winless ACC season for UVA? Is UVA the worst team in a BCS league?

HD: Unfortunately for Mike London, he starts his career in the stacked Coastal Division, which makes conference wins tough to come by, and his crossover schedule includes Florida State and a road trip to Boston College, two teams that should be in the hunt to win the Atlantic Division. Now, they've also got Maryland at home, and to me, that's the best shot for a conference win. Even a road trip to Duke will be difficult, as Wahoo fans know. As for UVA being the worst team in a BCS league? Don't forget Virginia won more games than Maryland last year. The Hoosiers, Syracuse and Washington State might also have challenged for that title last year.

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Dan in Chicago writes: Tanner Price got more ATT's and competitions than any of the other 4 QB candidates during the scrimmage the other day despite having two passes dropped which would have put him at an impressive 10 for 13. You would have to think that for Grobe to insert another guy to split reps amongst he would have to be considering the kid, but with his history of red shirting nearly everybody is it really a possibility that he plays a true freshman behind in inexperienced line?

HD: Price would have had to leave no question in their minds that he was the guy following Thursday night's scrimmage in order to win the job from Ted Stachitas. I think Stachitas is their guy and from here on Wake builds the offense around him.

Congratulations, ACC fans. You came out in droves this spring to watch what amounted to intrasquad scrimmages, leading me to believe there will be a heightened interest in ACC football this fall. (And no, we’re not using Alabama as the standard here.)

Four programs –- Clemson Tigers (27,000), North Carolina Tar Heels (29,500), Florida State Seminoles (51,300) and Virginia Tech Hokies (41,000) –- each set attendance records at their respective spring games this year. The Miami Hurricanes had a sellout crowd of 10,000 at Traz Powell Stadium, which is about normal because of the smaller venue, and the North Carolina State Wolfpack had 25,372.

There are reasons to be excited about ACC football this year, but here are my top five:

1. BCS contenders. Virginia Tech has already been deemed a top-10 preseason team. Georgia Tech is coming off an Orange Bowl appearance. Miami came close to a BCS bid last year. All three teams finished 2009 among the top 15 in the BCS standings. Florida State could represent in the Orange Bowl with an ACC title, but so could more than half the league.

2. Heisman hopefuls. Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams and FSU quarterback Christian Ponder are the first two names that come to mind. Don’t forget, though, that Jacory Harris’ name entered the conversation last September after the Canes’ hot start, and fans can (and will) argue the legitimacy of Josh Nesbitt as a contender.

3. Beefed up schedules. Based on opponents’ overall records from 2009, ACC teams will face the most difficult schedules in the nation this fall. ACC opponents compiled a winning percentage of .604, making the ACC the only league where its opponents won at least 60 percent of their games. And they’re not all creampuffs. Ohio State, Pitt, Alabama, LSU, Boise State, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia and BYU are all on the list.

4. Championship changes. Bring on Charlotte! Last year’s matchup between Clemson and Georgia Tech was a step in the right direction. It was one of the best games of the conference season. Now that the game will be moved to what the folks in Greensboro refer to as the “geographical footprint” of the ACC, the overall atmosphere and attendance is expected to improve.

5. Coaching. There are subplots at almost every school, whether it’s a new coordinator, new head coach, or current coach starting to feel some heat. Will this be Ralph Friedgen’s last year? Not if he has anything to say about it. What can Dabo Swinney do without C.J. Spiller? How quickly can first-year defensive coordinator Mark Stoops improve FSU’s floundering defense? What can John Shoop do to catch the UNC offense up to the Tar Heels’ stellar D? How will Al Groh fit in at Georgia Tech with his 3-4 scheme? Can Mike London work a miracle and get Virginia to a bowl in his first year? The list goes on.

For the past three seasons under coach Butch Davis, North Carolina has never finished better than 92nd in the country in total offense. Aside from the highlight-reel plays by former wideout Hakeem Nicks, the Tar Heels’ offense has existed in relative obscurity. The defense, meanwhile, reached a peak last year finishing sixth in the country in total defense.

This year, Davis is looking for better balance, and if UNC is going to take the next step and win the Coastal Division in 2010, he’s going to have to find it.

“As you grow a football team and you grow the program, you don’t want to be disproportionate,” Davis said. “ … Part of the emphasis of this spring and this summer’s training camp will be to raise the experience level and the competitiveness of the offense.”

There were plenty of excuses for the Tar Heels’ lack of production on offense last year, but this season, the young receivers are no longer inexperienced, the offensive line should be healthier and more seasoned, and embattled quarterback T.J. Yates will be a senior with an improved supporting cast. The Tar Heels have 19 returning starters from last year's 8-5 team. If North Carolina’s offense can catch up to its defense – or at least cut down on turnovers and self-imposed mistakes – the Tar Heels can finally become the complete package and could be one of the best teams in the ACC if not the country.

“If I can do a lot better, take care of the ball – we’re going to have a lot better team than we’ve had in the past – so if the offense puts it together and holds up our end of the bargain, we know the defense is going to do an amazing job,” Yates said. “So if we can do that, we’re going to have a pretty good team and be hard to beat.”

UNC finished the 2009 season ranked No. 11 in the ACC in pass efficiency (115). Yates completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,136 yards, 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Yates wasn’t entirely to blame, as he was working with three freshmen on the offensive line and three freshmen wide receivers. The Tar Heels lost their top running back and leading tight end to injuries, significantly limiting what they could do offensively.

“Defenses have to respect a lot of things that you can do, and if all you’ve got is Hakeem Nicks or Greg Little, because Shaun Draughn is hurt, the tight ends are hurt, we’ve got to become somewhat multidimensional offensively to where we gain some respect at a lot of skill positions,” Davis said. “I think we’ll definitely make some growth. It’s important this spring.”

Yates has been watching film with offensive coordinator John Shoop almost every day. He’s been throwing with the receivers at least three times a week, in addition to the running and lifting expected of the players during offseason conditioning.

Yates said he realizes the offense has to hold up its end of the deal this year.

“During the season last year we knew a lot of the times the defense took over for us and won us the game,” said Yates. “There was a stretch during the middle of the season when the offense was struggling in pretty much every way you could, with turnovers, not running the ball well, not passing the ball well. The defense created some turnovers, got us good field position. A lot of the times they won a game for us.

“The offense as much as we can, we just have to pick up our end of the bargain and control the ball on offense, not create turnovers, not put them in bad situations where they’re backed up against the wall. I know myself, the offensive linemen, running backs and the wide receivers, we’re working extremely hard this offseason to try and prove ourselves.”

The Tar Heels started spring practice today, and they've got plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Expectations should be higher in Butch Davis' fourth season, but what's reasonable to expect? Here are three early predictions for UNC:

• T.J. Yates will be the starter for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff against LSU.Sure, there are plenty of UNC fans out there who want to see backup Bryn Renner take over, but the staff hasn't lost confidence in Yates, and they're the ones who make the final call. Why take a rookie into an SEC game when you've got an experienced record-setter? Yates would have to regress this spring in order for that switch to be made, but he should improve with the progress of the players around him.
• The Tar Heels will have the best secondary in the conference.All four starters -- Kendric Burney, Deunta Williams, Charles Brown and Da'Norris Searcy -- are seniors, and they have accounted for a combined 771 yards and and four touchdowns in interception returns heading to the season.
• UNC goes 4-0 against its nonconference opponents.The Tar Heels' defense will be the difference against LSU, and UNC should be able to handle a road trip to Rutgers, plus home games against East Carolina and William & Mary. If this prediction holds true, and the Heels add a win against Georgia Tech, Clemson will need to be on high alert for that Oct. 9 trip to Chapel Hill.

It's not going to be easy. UNC has questions to answer offensively and still has a lot to prove. But if offensive coordinator John Shoop and Davis get everyone in the right places -- especially up front -- this team has the ability to make a real push in the Coastal Division.

It's easy to catch the Backup syndrome. After all, the Backup is always better, more reliable and more exciting, right?

If he were, he wouldn't be the Backup.

UNC fans seem to have caught the Backup syndrome. They are eagerly waiting for Bryn Renner to take over senior T.J. Yates' starting quarterback job. Considering the Tar Heels had one of the worst offenses in the ACC last year, one of the first people to catch the heat would be Yates. To some degree, it's understandable. There were a few plays in 2009 that made you wince.

Yates threw 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions last year. Not good. Yates knows that. But he also completed 60.3 percent of his passes -- a better mark than more than half his counterparts in the ACC -- for 2,136 yards. Not bad. And offensive coordinator John Shoop knows it.

This coaching staff hasn't lost faith in Yates, and neither should Carolina fans. Why gamble on inexperience when you've got one of only two quarterbacks in UNC history to throw for 5,000 yards as your starter? It's hardly as if Yates' career has been disastrous. In the UNC career record book, Yates ranks second in completions, second in touchdowns, second in attempts, second in passing yards, and third in completion percentage.

It is important to remember that Yates was working with an entirely new cast of wide receivers and a patchwork offensive line last year. In 2008, when he had Hakeem Nicks to throw to, Yates passed for 1,168 yards and 11 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He missed five games with an ankle injury.

The players around Yates should be better this year, and that should help him improve. He's got to make better decisions and cut down on the turnovers, but he's proven to be a capable quarterback who can manage the game well enough to win.

UNC fans should be excited about Renner. He's an extremely talented athlete and was rated the No. 6 quarterback in his class by ESPN.com. He was a member of the ESPNU 150. His father was a punter at Virginia Tech and the Green Bay Packers. He'll be playing baseball this season, but football is his first priority. Renner could be the missing piece to Carolina's ascension in the ACC and the college football ranks.

Then again, so could Yates.

It’s early, but it’s never too early for pre-spring power rankings -- especially since Duke kicks off spring practice on Feb. 15. Now that the NFL departures have been announced and signing day is over, it’s time for the first look at how the ACC might stack up in 2010. Keep in mind that this can -- and most likely will -- change. The ACC is all-too familiar with star players getting hurt before the season begins, and there are other factors like position battles to be won and coaching changes to acclimate to that can impact this later. For now, though, here’s how the ACC looks heading into 2010:

1. Virginia Tech – The Hokies’ spot at the top is based on their historical ability to reload on defense, but they can fall quickly if significant progress isn’t made this spring and summer in replacing six starters. In an unusual twist, the offense is in a position to keep this team in contention early.

2. Florida State – Things are different under coach Jimbo Fisher, but this ranking is based on the assumption that the defense will be different -- and improved -- under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops. The Noles will have a championship-caliber offense led by quarterback Christian Ponder, who will be playing behind a standout veteran offensive line.

3. North Carolina – This defense is scary good. It should be one of the best in the country. But visions of last year’s offense should still be dancing in John Shoop’s head. The Tar Heels aren’t far from where they need to be, though, and this defense can take them places, even with an average offense. All T.J. Yates has to do is manage the offense without turning it over, but the players around him need to improve, too.

4. Miami – If Miami is going to take the next step under coach Randy Shannon, it has to protect quarterback Jacory Harris better and improve the running game. That will be difficult after losing three starters on the offensive line and having very little returning experience at tight end. The Canes will also be under the direction of new defensive line and running backs coaches, and have one of the most difficult schedules in the conference -- again.

5. Boston College – The Eagles were in contention for the Atlantic Division until November last year, and they can do the same again if they work out some trouble spots at quarterback and build the depth at running back. The linebacker corps can be one of the best in the ACC.

6. Georgia Tech – There are too many questions to give the defending ACC champs too much credit just yet. Having lost their leading rusher, receiver and top two defenders, the Jackets have some work to do. They also have to adjust to a new defensive scheme under first-year coordinator Al Groh. Odds are the offense makes a seamless transition with Anthony Allen at B-back.

7. Clemson – Some of the most accomplished players in school history have graduated, leaving this season a true test for coach Dabo Swinney. The recruiting has gone well under his direction, and there is still plenty of talent left on the roster, but the Tigers could be without quarterback Kyle Parker if he chooses baseball, and they will have to find a way to replace the production of C.J. Spiller.

8. NC State – The young secondary will still be an issue, and the Pack will be without their starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, all spring because of his baseball obligations. The defense should improve with the return of Nate Irving, but it’s still unclear how much he’ll be able to do this spring.

9. Maryland – There’s only one way for this 2-10 team to go, and that’s up. The pressure should be on in College Park to get back to a bowl game, but the Terps have questions up front on both sides of the ball, and there should be a quarterback competition this spring.

10. Wake Forest – The Deacs are in the lower half for one big reason -- they have to replace the winningest quarterback in school history, and right now, that job is wide open.

11. Duke – The big question holding Duke back right now is the graduation of quarterback Thaddeus Lewis and the fact his backup, Sean Renfree, will miss this spring with a torn ACL. The Blue Devils also have questions on the defensive line and need to improve their running game.

12. Virginia – Progress isn’t only measured in wins and losses, and first-year coach Mike London will make progress, but until he is able to put together a few of his own recruiting classes, Cavs fans will need some patience. First, though, they need a quarterback.