Going in to year one of the Larry Fedora regime, there were questions aplenty. For example, how would the offense fare under the spread that Fedora likes to run, and how would the team react to not being eligible for postseason play? Those questions were answered early on, as the offense blew teams away, and played like they were a team on a mission, averaging over 40 points per game, and finishing in a three way tie atop the Coastal Division.
Offense
The number one question going in to this season is how UNC will replace Gio Bernard. The all purpose back accounted for nearly 33% of the team's yards last season despite missing two games. In terms of running the ball, it will likely take a combination of A.J. Blue and Romar Morris to equal Bernard's production in the running game. In the passing game, neither are as prolific as Bernard was, so this could mean more opportunities for Quinshad Davis, Sean Tapley, and All-ACC tight end Eric Ebron.
Of course, none of this can happen without Bryn Renner. Entering his senior season, Renner has a career 66.7% completion percentage, including nine games in his career with a completion percentage above 70%. He currently holds the highest career pass efficiency rating in ACC history. You can get away with these kind of stats when you barely get touched. Renner was sacked only 11 times last season, but that number figures to go up a little this season, with three new starters on the offensive line.
Defense
Over the last four seasons, the UNC defense has regressed. After allowing only 17 points and 270 yards per game in 2009, the defense last season allowed nearly 26 points and 390 yards per game. Despite pitching two shutouts, the defense allowed six teams to score over 30 points per game, including allowing 68 points to Georgia Tech. The defense returns seven starters this season, but only three of them are in the front seven. The key returner in the front seven is defensive end Kareem Martin, who was among the team leaders in tackles for loss. He had the opportunity to go to the NFL after last season, but decided to stay in school, and will anchor the front of the defense.
There is no doubt that the strength of the defense lies in the secondary. All four starters are back, led by Tre Boston, the team's leader in tackles, and tied for the lead in interceptions with Tim Scott. Counting cornerback Jabari Price, the top two returning tacklers from last season are from the secondary. The defense allowed 247 yards per game through the air, but given the experience back, that number should go down this year.
Special Teams
This may surprise you, but this year's kicker does not have the last name Barth. It feels like it's been years since that's happened. You did see some of Thomas Moore last season. He hit 2-3 field goals, and all 12 extra points he attempted. The only big thing missing from special teams is not having Gio Bernard back to returns punts, which he was so good at doing. Even with Barth and Bernard gone, the special teams will be strong in all phases.
Schedule
Expect a rude welcoming for UNC as the open up on a Thursday night at South Carolina. Good luck with Jadeveon Clowney. After that, the rest of the non conference schedule is very manageable, with home games against Middle Tennessee, East Carolina, and Old Dominion. In conference play, UNC gets Miami on a Thursday night, Boston College, Virginia, and Duke at home, while traveling to Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, NC State, and Pitt.
Prediction
Year number two under Larry Fedora should be another successful season. With Bryn Renner under center, and plenty of weapons in the passing game, that part of the offense will be just fine. It's just a matter of how the running game goes this year. It certainly won't be as exciting this year without Gio Bernard. Defensively, everything rides on how well the front seven plays, with so few starters back. The less pressure on the secondary, the better off they will be. With a good schedule that weakens over the second half of the season, UNC should have a shot at the ACC Coastal Division title.
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