North Carolina looks to have its most talented team in John Bunting's tenure, but just how far that will take the Tar Heels is questionable.

Will Joe Dailey or Cam Sexton -- or both -- be the answer at quarterback?

Will another wide receiver step up to give opposing defenses someone to worry about other than Jesse Holley?

Will the defense continue the improvement it showed in 2005?

Will the Heels survive a schedule that has them playing conference contenders Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Miami before the leaves turn and Notre Dame and Georgia Tech back-to-back late in the season?

Taking them one by one, neither Dailey, a transfer from Nebraska, nor Sexton had a firm grip on the starting job in the spring, leading to some consideration to having them share the starting job this fall.

Sometimes that works.

"It would be no different than having two running backs that do two different things well," Dailey said.

But more often that not, splitting QB reps is fraught with problems. Someone needs to step in and take over the leadership.

Bunting dismissed Mike Mason after the season, leaving the Tar Heels with unproven talent at the WR spot outside of Holley. Holley led the team with 47 catches and 670 yards in 2005, but no other returning wide receiver caught as much as swing pass last season. Sophomore Brandon Tate looked to be a possible starter in the spring.

The defense looks solid with seven starters returning, including LB Larry Edwards and three members of the secondary - CB Jacoby Watkins, SS Trimane Goddard and FS Kareen Taylor. DT Kyndraus Guy had three sacks as a backup in 2005 and will move into a starting position in the line along with returnees DT Shelton Bynum and DE Brian Rackley.

The return of defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders for a second season is a big plus. He shared the responsibility last season with John Gutekunst, who is now coaching tight ends.

As for the schedule, the Tar Heels have faced difficult treks in the past and managed to come up with a surprise win (Miami in 2004, Boston College in 2005) or two. The key will be to get one or two of those upsets and without letting a game or two they should win get away.

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