Quarterback T.J. Yates said it has eaten at North Carolina's football players, losing six games last season by seven or fewer points -- being so close to qualifying for a bowl, yet finishing 4-8.

"But it has motivated us, too," said the sophomore, who returns to his starting slot after offseason shoulder surgery. "Knowing we were so close ... makes us realize how good we can be."

That's just one of the reasons expectations are high in Chapel Hill as the Tar Heels open preseason practices today. Based on a weaker conference schedule, coach Butch Davis' reputation and many young-but-talented returning players, the ACC media voted UNC to finish second behind Virginia Tech in the Coastal Division.

Davis, who begins his second season at UNC, said he was surprised by the final ballot, but he also took it as a compliment.

"We're definitely moving the football program in the right direction," he said last month. "We need more depth, talent and speed, but we're moving in the right direction."

How far can the Tar Heels -- who haven't played in a bowl since 2004, or won the ACC title since 1980 -- go? A number of questions will need to be answered.

WHO CAN HELP LITTLE A LOT?

Wide-receiver-turned-running back Greg Little, now a sophomore, established himself as UNC's top ball carrier in the final two games last season, when he rushed for 243 yards (including 154 and two touchdowns in the finale against Duke).

"But one guy isn't going to be enough at any position for us to be any good," Davis said. "We've got to find at least one or two other kids at running back that can come in, that can give him a blow and change of pace -- maybe somebody that brings a little different element to the game than Greg does."

Johnny White, who started eight games last season, has moved to cornerback, but there are several other options in the backfield. Sophomore Ryan Houston, a powerful 6-foot-2, 250-pounder, rushed 44 times for 145 yards last season. Redshirt freshman Devon Ramsay and true freshman Jamal Womble will be in the mix.

COULD BARTH REPLACE BARTH AS PLACE-KICKER?

Davis dubbed the place-kicking situation "a big concern," considering four-year starter Connor Barth is now competing for a spot with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.

Redshirt freshman Jay Wooten appears to be the leading candidate, but "we're still not 100 percent settled on that," Davis said.

Another possibility: walk-on Casey Barth, Connor's younger brother. Davis said he has been told by high school coaches that Casey might have an even stronger leg than Connor, who holds the school record for made field goals (54).

"But, the accuracy factor is going to be more important than anything," Davis said. "Making sure that we make all the extra points and all the reasonable field-goal attempts."

UNC must also replace last year's holder and snapper.

WHO WILL FILL THE HOLES AT LINEBACKER?

With starters Durrell Mapp having graduated and Wesley Flagg dismissed from the team, the biggest concern for UNC's defense is the linebacking corps.

The Heels have back four guys with starting experience: seniors Chase Rice (who injured an ankle in last year's first game and didn't return) and Mark Paschal (who started four games last season); and sophomores Quan Sturdivant (who started five games) and Bruce Carter (four).

Along with the need for speed, the Tar Heels must build depth.

Juniors Kennedy Tinsley and Ryan Taylor will compete to provide it, as will freshman Kevin Reddick.

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