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Yates' future in flux?
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close xThe notion isn't entirely accurate that North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates' performance level has nosedived since the opening kickoff of last season's 41-10 loss to N.C. State in Chapel Hill.
That game definitely was a landmark in Yates' career, and he did not play well in his return to the starting lineup after suffering an early-season broken ankle. Against the Pack, he was pulled late - replaced by Cameron Sexton - after 10 completions for 116 yards and one interception.
Five other Carolina turnovers contributed more to the Wolfpack rout than Yates' errant passes. He was effective in the next two games, combining for 401 yards and five touchdown passes in a win over Duke and a bowl loss to West Virginia. He was intercepted four times on 135 attempts for the season, down substantially from the 18 interceptions he threw as a freshman in 2007.
But as Yates directs the UNC offense against State today in Carter-Finley Stadium, many Carolina fans openly question if he'll ever start another regular-season game.
A popular opinion is that Butch Davis will turn to redshirt freshman Bryn Renner in spring drills, leaving Yates to serve his senior season as a backup.
His interception total has spiked again - up to 13 after throwing three last week at Boston College - and the coaching staff obviously has scaled back the offense to the most basic plays.
As recently as a month ago, there was some speculation that Davis would end Renner's redshirt status and begin the transition early.
But something to keep in mind is that the Heels are scheduled to open 2010 against LSU in Atlanta. Facing the Tigers' always-alert, aggressive defense probably is not the way Davis would prefer for Renner to get his first college start. The night in the Georgia Dome could be a helmet-rattling experience that even the most talented young quarterback might struggle to overcome.
For now, the starting job belongs to Yates, as will be the case in another bowl. To a degree, the chance against the Pack puts him back to where the second-guessing began. You can bet he's given that some thought this week.
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