GAME NOTES: For the first time since 1998, North Carolina enters a new campaign ranked in the Top 25, and the 21st-ranked Tar Heels will try to prove they are worthy of the honor when they host The Citadel Bulldogs Saturday evening at Kenan Stadium.

The Citadel did not put forth a very strong effort in 2008, racking up a mere 4-8 record, and the team finished the year with seven losses in its last eight games, including an embarrassing season-finale setback to eventual national champion Florida (70-19).

As for the Tar Heels, they are coming off a strong 8-5 season, and enter their 119th campaign with some pretty high expectations. Coach Butch Davis has the Tar Heels headed in the right direction, and after a four-win swing from 2007 to 2008, North Carolina is primed for even better things in 2009.

This will be the fourth meeting for UNC against the Bulldogs, but the first since 1986. The three previous meetings were won by the Tar Heels in convincing fashion, as UNC outscored The Citadel by a combined 109-21 in those contests.

One area of concern for the Bulldogs last year was the lack of production on the ground, and with a new running back and some new faces up front, the Bulldogs could struggle once again rushing the football. Terrell Dallas, who only rushed for 197 yards in 2008, will likely find himself in the backfield on Saturday, but expect to see a few different backs get a chance to showcase their talents. The team does return quarterback Bart Blanchard and his main target Andre Roberts. Blanchard had a decent 2008 season, throwing for 2,420 yards and 19 scores, but the majority of his success came hand-in-hand with the play of Roberts, who hauled in 90 receptions for 1,268 yards and 14 scores. Blanchard should once again be productive, as Roberts is clearly one of the top receivers in the Southern Conference.

With the ground game being a problem for the offense, it was also an issue for the defensive unit, which surrendered 170.5 ypg rushing and 21 touchdowns. Fortunately the team has plenty of experienced players on the front line returning, including Dewitt Jones and Terrence Reese. Jones and Reese combined for 15.0 TFLs in 2008 and will be joined by Erik Clanton up front. The team's leading tackler from '08, Jordan Gilmore (89 tackles), will also be on the field Saturday, and is the clear leader for the Bulldogs on defense. The defensive backfield did a tremendous job in 2009 and coach Kevin Higgins is hoping for a similar effort this year.

The Tar Heels were unable to put forth a consistent offensive effort in 2008, but there are plenty of key returning players that can make this year's unit a dangerous one. One of the main reasons for hope is T.J. Yates. Yates is in his third season under center and was efficient last year in seven starts, completing 60 percent of his passes, with 11 TDs and just four INTs.

"I've definitely got to be more of a leader," Yates said. "I've got to be one of the guys that know everything that's going on at all times so I can help all the younger guys out that might be confused. Sometimes, in practice even when you're kind of feeling down, you've got to pick up your other teammates, even if you're pumping yourself up as well."

Yates will need to get adjusted to new targets, as his top three receivers from 2008 are gone. Greg Little has ability and could become Yates' top target. The ground game will once again be led by Shaun Draughn. Draughn ranked sixth in the ACC last year with 866 yards. He has a solid fullback in front of him in the form of senior Bobby Rome, while the short-yardage specialist is junior Ryan Houston (6-2, 250), who was responsible for eight of the team's 18 rushing scores last season.

The Tar Heels were one of the more staunch defensive units in 2008 and big plays were the reason why, as the Tar Heels racked up 22 sacks and 29 turnovers. The front line should be just as ferocious in 2009, thanks to the return of all four starters, including E.J. Wilson.

"One thing that's really showing up, as far as the D line goes, we're in a lot better shape than we used to be," says Wilson. "There's going to be a lot more energy, a lot more chasing the ball."

The secondary returns three of last year's four starters, although ballhawk Trimane Goddard (seven INTs in 2008) will surely be missed. Still, the unit is chock-full of talent, including Second-Team All-ACC cornerback Kendric Burney (78 tackles, three INTs) and former Freshman All-American Deunta Williams (now a junior) at safety.

However, the strength of the unit is at linebacker, as juniors Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter reign supreme. Sturdivant mans the middle and was a Second- Team All-ACC selection in 2008, leading UNC with 122 total tackles, with two sacks and two interceptions. Carter flanks Sturdivant and was the team's top pass rusher in 2008, notching five sacks among his 68 total tackles.

Last year the Tar Heels were an up-and-coming team, but now coach Davis' squad has arrived and North Carolina will look to prove the team belongs with the elite programs in the nation. Routing the Bulldogs is a good place to start.