Coaches often talk about unknowns heading into openers, not knowing exactly what your opponent may have in mind or how your own players are going to react in tough situations.
But for North Carolina's Butch Davis, that is more than mere coachspeak.
As the Tar Heels began game-week preparations for their opener against LSU, Davis wasn't sure exactly what players he will have available for the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff clash in Atlanta.
Wide receiver Greg Little and defensive tackle Marvin Austin have been the subjects of an ongoing NCAA investigation over their relationship with agents, and more recently the school announced an undetermined number of players may have been involved in academic misconduct with a former tutor.
Though Austin was indefinitely suspended, Davis claimed the suspension was unrelated to the ongoing inquiry by the NCAA.
Beyond the known players, the university released no names, and Davis himself declined to provide even a number of players who might be caught up.
"That's something that's part of the review and right now I can't make any statement about that," he said.
The school's news release previewing the game did not include a depth chart, as is customary.
"We have a tentative depth chart," Davis said, "but I would say that it has been fluid."
One certainty is that senior T.J. Yates, the incumbent, will start at quarterback after withstanding a challenge from redshirt freshman Bryn Renner. Davis said, however, said he could use two quarterbacks if the situation "presents itself."
Davis also said that he believes his players have handled the turmoil quite well.
"I think our kids have done a very good job of being focused," Davis said. "They realize we are playing a very fine football team. They know that it's a big challenge, and I think we've had very good practices in preparation."
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=spacer}
North Carolina Tar Heels
