Auburn football: UNC QB Sam Howell could present problem for Tigers

While North Carolina brings back the majority of their talent at the offensive skill positions, the offensive line is a bit more of a question mark for the Tarheels.

The team’s three-year starter at left tackle, Charlie Heck is now with the Houston Texans and the 6-foot-8, second-team All-ACC selection is certainly a major loss for the team. However, the team does bring back RG Marcus McKethan (6-foot-7, 332) who made 12 starts last year and RT Jordan Tucker (6-foot-7, 335) who started all 13 games last year.

Still, while the loss of Heck could be a problem, the Tarheels return four of their five starters up front and have tremendous size at nearly every position. On the other hand, UNC did give up 37 sacks last year (ninth in the ACC) and 92 tackles for a loss (10th in the ACC.)

The talent is there and the experience will be essential for UNC but they’ll still need to improve if they want to control a defensive line as talented as Auburn’s.