Heels aware of James Madison's reputation

North Carolina coach Everett Withers said he doesn't need to remind his players what Saturday's opponent, James Madison, did to Virginia Tech last season.
A 21-16 win over the Hokies cemented James Madison's reputation as one of the strongest programs in the Football Championship Subdivision. Withers said his players are well aware of what happened a year ago.
"When you’ve got a team that’s got as many veterans on it as ours, you don’t pull that [motivational] stuff out as much," he said on the ACC coaches' weekly teleconference with reporters this morning.
One of the biggest areas of tactical interest in the game could be James Madison's spread offense and how it could affect North Carolina's defensive line if the Dukes play at a fast pace.
The strength of the Tar Heel team is a defensive line that features veterans Tydreke Powell, Quinton Coples and Donte Paige-Moss. If James Madison can keep North Carolina from rotating them and keeping them fresh, it could wear out the Tar Heels.
Withers said North Carolina has faced similar strategies in the past, though, and will be ready.
"We feel like we’ll be fine," Withers said. "I feel like this team may be in as good a shape as any we’ve had since I’ve been here."
Withers, who was named interim coach after Butch Davis was fired in July, said his players are eager to get started. Withers said that dealing since June of 2010 with an NCAA investigation into impermissible benefits and academic fraud has made getting onto the football field a cathartic experience for his players.
"The biggest excitement I have is watching our kids execute in practice," Withers said. "I can’t wait to see them play. I can’t wait to see them turn it loose on Saturday."

Ken Tysiac