We’ll take a time out for a little out and out homerism as the ACC and more importantly the Tar Heels schedule dropped yesterday. Since spring practice is still a month away and depth charts are just thinly written in pencil we’ll hold off on the detailed schedule analysis. However, here are ITB’s opening thoughts on our Heels 2010 schedule.

On a scale of 1-10 this is probably a seven or so in terms of schedule difficulty. The Tar Heels have eight games against teams that were in bowl games a year ago; they play both reigning ACC divisional champs, only six home dates and of course the most daunting task is the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff in Atlanta against LSU to open the season.

A Quick Look

The LSU game is an a stratosphere all to itself as this is the first time the Heels have squared off with an SEC school since losing to S. Carolina in 2007. Although the Gamecocks game was a major deal regionally this game against the Bayou Bengals is one that will take center-stage as THE headliner on college football’s opening weekend.

We know the defense will bring the star power to this game as five potential first round draft picks look to contain the best that Gary Crowton can run out. Offensively we’ll see if Shoop’s unite has progressed and developed in the offseason as they look set to face their biggest challenge of Butch’s tenure.

After the LSU contest Virginia Tech, Miami and Florida State all look to shape up the cream of the ACC crop and luckily UNC gets VT in Kenan. Florida State on the road is a big task as Jimbo Fisher already appears to have rekindled some of the excitement in Tallahassee (Exemplified by Coach Coley’s enthusiasm). The Hokies will come to Chapel Hill with revenge on their minds after last season’s thriller that saw my Heels steal one on the hallowed ground that is Lane Stadium on Thursday night.

The U will have to buck their losing trend since Davis’ arrival as the former Canes’ Coach is 3-0 against Miami during his stint in Chapel Hill. Every game has been a battle with the Heels coming from behind to win; hopefully this year will be no different as our defense should make Jacory Harris’ life a living hell, again.

Georgia Tech and Clemson will clearly be hard fought contest that can go either way. Not much more to say as it truly depends on which Jackets and Tigers show up that day. Getting them in Kenan is a mighty, mighty plus.

Now for the scary side of this wrap up: Virginia and NC State. Sure, Virginia doesn’t scare anyone with their lack of talent, coaching change and overall bad program but the fact is in my lifetime the Tar Heels have never won in Charlottesville. Not during Mack Brown’s good years, the Bunting and Torbush eras and not with Butch Davis either. Like it or not until we win a game in Scott Stadium the place will remain a house of horrors.

Finally the NC State game has now officially ascended to the DEFCON 5 level as a must win freaking contest. Not only for our shot at an ACC title but for my own personal damn sanity. Hearing a team that has won 11 games the last two seasons describe themselves as a better program than a 16 win team in the same time span is infuriating. Yes, we got blown out, no we shouldn’t have lost this season and yes, this year it is a must win game. In other words I’m sick of giving State their bowl victory in November.

All in all a solid schedule for the Heels, I love Butch Davis taking a page from the SEC scheduling handbook with William & Mary in late October. Rest bodies that week and get prepared for the Florida State, Virginia Tech and NC State stretch run that will, fingers crossed, be straight for the ACC Championship Game here in Charlotte.

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