Q&A with In The Bleachers

I've got a little Carolina insight for everybody this afternoon from former UNC defensive back, and current blogger and host of the In The Bleachers Podcast Michael Felder. Mike stopped on by to talk a little Hokies-Heels. If you guys crave college football knowledge in 140 character burts then follow Mike on Twitter: @InTheBleachers. (You can find my answers to Mike's questions on ITB.)

1. Going into 2010 everyone and anyone had the Tar Heels offense, specifically T.J. Yates as the soft spot of an otherwise championship caliber squad. Then a week before kickoff the sky came crashing down. Heading into Atlanta the pundits and prognosticators thought the season would be a wash. They were wrong on both accounts. Yates has played better than anyone expected (2,312 yards 15 TDs 4 INTs 66.4%) and UNC has battled to a 6-3 record with Charlotte still in reach. How do you feel about this team? Do you think T.J. Yates will continue to play at a high level, or regress a bit like against Miami? Are you more focused on what they've accomplished so far on the field, or is the, "What could have been?", gnawing away at you? What will you consider a successful season?

I can honestly say I've never been more proud of a group of guys that I'm not playing with. The youngsters are fighting hard and the leadership and calm our seniors are exhibiting is second to none in college football this season. This team's resolve has been admirable both on and off the field.

As for TJ I think my guy Yates will continue to play well. In the '08 and '09 seasons the kid was saddled with injuries (broken ankle, torn labrum, concussions) and he operated with inexperience and inconsistency on the offensive line and wide receiver position a year ago. This season is as much a testament to Butch Davis' recruiting success and the maturation of the line and receivers as it is to TJ Yates' improvement.

I know a lot of Heels fans live in CouldaShouldaWouldaLand but I don't. I'm a results guy and the phrase "Why don't you wish in one hand and $#!+ in the other and we'll see which one fills up quicker" is one that resonates strongly with me. We're playing well and for this season to end as successfully as it stands now I'd like to see at least 8-4 finish and a win over NC State.

2. Leading rusher Johnny White (720 yards 7 TDs) is done for the rest of the season after breaking his collarbone in the 2nd quarter against FSU. Backup senior Shaun Draughn is nursing an ankle injury. Needless to say, running back is a thin position. Who are we going to see carry the rock, and how effective will he or they be?

Two words. Hunter Furr. The kid's not your average white running back as he sports a 4.4 40 time and is coming off the mega-confidence boost of plowing through and over Florida State defenders. He and Shaun Draughn will be efficient this week and should keep your Hokies honest, taking advantage of their chances and being reliable options moving the ball for John Shoop.

3. As of late (read since JMU), we've been fortunate to have a very balanced and effective offense. When Tyrod is nullified, the running backs step up, and vice versa. How do you see Butch game planning for our two-headed attack? Conversely, when y'all have the ball on offense, how do you see John Shoop attacking our front seven-the most exploitable part of our defense?

We might as well run back the tape from the 2007-2009 games because the gameplan will not change. Butch and Everett Withers are going to flood the zones with defenders, make Tyrod throw into tight windows and rely on our speed at the linebacker position to be the difference between Taylor succeeding and struggling. Regarding the run, UNC will just have to continue to fight. We've got ends lined up at tackle, back ups rotating in heavily and our run defense is relying a lot on linebackers and safeties to make plays at the point of attack to be successful. I expect more of what we've seen to date as the Heels are "soft" against the run but still show up big on 3rd downs and in key situations.

Flipping that coin and I'll tell you be ready to get dinked and dunked by good Ol' Shoop. The run game will keep you honest but TJ and the receivers will find holes in the zone and make your back seven make sure tackles on athletes in space. Then, just as you're bored senseless Shoop will run a play action pass to take a shot deep and catch your guys sleeping. Dwight Jones is a name you need to know as he's been on a tear since our historic win over the Wahoos.

4. This one is for all the Hokies making the weekend trip to Chapel Hill. If we can only go to one place for dinner on Friday night, one bar to celebrate our victory/drink away defeat on Saturday evening and one joint to eat breakfast at Sunday morning what should we hit up?

Since there demographics are so varied and everyone isn't quite as "drinky" as I am I'll give you a two-fer-one here. Mix and match if you like folks!

Classy spots I'd recommend for the adult types are Squid's for dinner, Spanky's for your post-game drinks and eats and Breadman's for breakfast.

Squid's is a great seafood spot, very nice and inviting, I recommend the buffalo shrimp as an appetizer. Spanky's is a cool spot, right on historic Franklin St, good food and a nice atmosphere. If you sit in or near the front windows as evening turns to night you can see the hilarity start to build. Breadman's is great in the morning; pancakes, eggs, biscuits and of course bacon.

Drinky!

I struggled here but settled on Monterrey's Mexican. For post-game I will suggest my personal favorite bar Pantana Bob's and in the morning get your butt up and get biscuits from Sunrise.

Monterrey's got huge beers for cheap and after 2 33oz beers, a pick 3 combo all for around $15 you'll be ready to hit the town. I opt for burrito, taco, enchilada. As for Bob's, I'll issue this disclaimer, not the best place to run VT smack given it is frequented by UNC athletes & fraternity types but it is a place where good times are abundant. Indoor bar and an outdoor bar, huge back patio with TVs to watch the late games and yes the scenery works well. After a long night at Bob's Sunrise is the cure for what ails ya as they crank out some of the best biscuits I've ever had. Real biscuits, healthy portions of sausage, bacon, eggs, cheese and whatever it is you order. Be sure to get there early because its drive through only.

Good luck Hokies, looking forward to another great game with you guys.