North Carolina returns 13 total starters and a bevy of young talent after going 8-4 in 2012 but must find a way to replace superstars on both sides of the ball.
Running back Giovanni Bernard, who would have been a preseason Heisman favorite, headed to the NFL after playing just two seasons.
Replacing Bernard will be the capable duo of senior A.J. Blue and sophomore Romar Morris. The two combined for 819 yards on the ground last season, both averaging five-plus yards per carry. If the offensive line can regroup after losing three starters to the 2013 draft, then the run game will be solid.
Senior quarterback Bryn Renner returns for his third season as a starter but loses one of this favorite targets in receiver Erik Highsmith. Regardless, the passing game should remain strong, especially if Renner and junior tight end Eric Ebron—40 catches for 625 yards a year ago—can connect often.
North Carolina returns much of its defensive backfield, but losses in the front six—the Tar Heels utilize a five-man secondary—might prove too much to replace.
If the Tar Heels’ defense can hold its ground against early-season opponents South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, then the offense should produce enough to give North Carolina a chance at the ACC championship and a BCS berth.
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