UNC sneaks back into Top 25

The North Carolina Tar Heels have creeped back into the Top 25 rankings. Saturday's win over NC State was UNC's third win in a row and apparently earned them the 23rd spot in the Associated Press Poll. It's the first time UNC has been ranked since November. The Tar Heels opened the season ranked 8th, but were out of the Top 25 by week three after a loss to Vanderbilt put them at 2-2 on the season. Coincidentally, UNC is sharing that 23rd spot with Vanderbilt. The Heels are also ranked 25th in the Parrish Poll on CBSsports.com, but not ranked in the ESPN/USAToday Coaches Poll.

MAD THOUGHTS:

I have to agree with the Coaches Poll. I think it's a little too early to include UNC among the Top 25. The media has jumped the gun on UNC all season. It started with naming freshman Harrison Barnes to the preseason All-America team, then ranking UNC #8 to start the season. Yes, the Heels have looked alright in the last week and a half with wins over Clemson (in Chapel Hill where Clemson has never won), Miami (who can't win a close game), and NC State (a team with no identity). However, the real meat of Carolina's schedule starts this week against three very good defensive teams, Boston College, Florida State, and Duke. I think if UNC beats Boston College and Florida State then they'll justify being ranked among the Top 25. Exactly where they are ranked doesn't seem to matter this year since there is no clear dominant team. If you're thinking undefeated Ohio State is dominant, well the meat of their schedule starts this week too against Michigan, then at #20 Minnesota, at #18 Wisconsin, Michigan State, at #10 Purdue, and at #24 Illinois. The Buckeyes have already played Minnesota, Michigan, Purdue, and Illinois this season, and only the Purdue game was decided by more than five points.