2019 Recap: The University of North Carolina decided to hire a coach with experience. Mack Brown returned to the sidelines after spending some time in broadcasting. The chapter of Mack is already off to a good start after one year. The Tar Heels finished 7-6 with their six losses decided by seven points or less. They play hard and that’s all you can ask for as a coach. I really enjoyed watching quarterback Sam Howell play. After a standout freshman campaign where he threw 38 touchdown passes, he’s ready to take that next step in his sophomore year. The defense also improved under defensive coordinator Jay Bateman last fall. In 2018, the Tar Heels defense was one of the worst 34 points a game. Last season, they gave up 23. They can only get better from here.
Notable Losses: DL Jason Strowbridge & Aaron Crawford. S Myles Dorn. OT Charlie Heck.
2020 Outlook: I’m picking the Tar Heels to win the Coastal division this fall. Mack Brown has made all the difference. The Tar Heels return a large portion of last year’s starters on both sides of the football. On offense, running back Michael Carter along with receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome are back to help anchor an offense that averaged 33 points per game. Four of the five offensive linemen will also return. The defense will do all they can to replace Myles Dorn, Aaron Crawford and Jason Strowbridge. Watch for safety Chazz Surratt this year to take more of a leadership role for the defense.
