Louisiana State @ North Carolina preview
Georgia Dome
Saturday evening's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game between North Carolina and Louisiana State is arguably the most anticipated contest for the opening weekend of college football.
LSU and North Carolina are ranked No. 16 and No. 18, respectively, in the USA Today Top 25 Coaches' Poll. The game will be televised nationally in prime time from Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
A dark cloud hangs over this contest, however, following an NCAA investigation into North Carolina’s program.
In recent weeks the Tar Heels have come under scrutiny concerning allegations of illegal benefits from agents for potential NFL prospects, defensive tackle Marvin Austin (42 tackles, four sacks in ’09) and receiver Greg Little (62 receptions, 724 yards, five touchdowns in ’09).
Austin was suspended indefinitely Wednesday by North Carolina coach Butch Davis, who insisted the disciplinary action was unrelated to the NCAA’s probe.
Last week, the NCAA expanded the investigation to include other players. The inquiry has no timetable and decisions about who will and won't be able to start Saturday might not be made until before game time, according to UNC academic officials.
The uncertainty surrounding the Tar Heels is a mixed blessing for LSU coach Les Miles, who mentioned in his weekly press conference that his team will prepare for North Carolina's starters and schemes regardless of any potential decision from the NCAA.
Miles, meanwhile, has his own work ahead of him with his young team. One of the big questions to watch will be the continued improvement from quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who enters his second year as the starter.
Jefferson led LSU to a 9-4 record last season, throwing for 2,166 yards with 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Overall, offense was an issue last year, however, with the Tigers ranking just 112th in the country with an average of 304.5 total yards per game, including 97th in passing (181.8 YPG) and 90th in rushing (122 YPG).
LSU's defensive reputation (11th best nationally in 2009) should carry over into this year as well. Among the early position battles, Miles expects Jai Eugene, Craig Loston and Eric Reid to all see minutes at safety as the team tries to hash out a permanent starter at the position.
For North Carolina, junior quarterback T.J. Yates will enter as the starter for the third consecutive season after throwing for 2,136 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009. If Little doesn't play, potential targets include receivers Erik Highsmith (37 catches, 2TDs in ’09) Jheranie Boyd and senior tight end Zack Pianalto.