Ryan Houston still in mix for Tar Heels?

CHAPEL HILL — Where is North Carolina tailback Ryan Houston?

A year ago, the UNC bruiser from Butler High played in seven games, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 44 attempts. Entering Saturday's game at Miami, the sophomore has carried six times for 20 yards.

Despite Carolina's ground inconsistencies — while averaging 141 rushing yards, only 97.7 per game are coming from the running backs — Houston remains third in the tailback rotation, although coach Butch Davis said fans eventually may see more of him.

"I will tell you that I think he is a better football player today than he was a year ago,'' Davis said Wednesday. "I think the running back picture got a little more crowded because of the emergence of Shaun Draughn, and how that plays out, we'll see. ... I think he has a future in this program, he has a future as a running back. I love that he cut the weight to increase his speed and quickness. ... As in the case of everybody, he's going to get his day to show what he can do."

Greg Little, UNC's starter, is averaging 59.7 yards rushing. Draughn is chipping in 28 yards per game.

-- Robbi Pickeral