NCAA investigating UNC

The UNC-LSU game may be worth re-evaluating.

For a while, it was considered something of a coinflip. Then, on Thursday night, something big happened.

The NCAA announced it was investigating North Carolina for potential misconduct stemming from players allegedly receiving improper benefits from sports agents.

At the same exact time, the allegations grew to academic misconduct "involving a former tutor writing papers for players," the Associated Press reported.

According to the AP: "The North Carolina Secretary of State's office has sent a letter to the more than 100 agents registered with the state notifying them of the investigation and instructing them not to destroy records. ... The Associated Press has obtained a copy of the letter; named in it are [defensive tackle Marvin] Austin, [wide receiver Greg] Little, safety Deunta Williams, cornerback Kendric Burney and linebackers Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant.

It's worth noting that all six of those guys returned to UNC for their senior seasons, opting not to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. All are considered potential pros.

Now, the Tar Heels have to practice without knowing how many starters won't be suiting up for the season opener in Atlanta.

It's impossible to handicap until the suspensions are announced, but even losing Austin and Little could be enough to swing the game heavily into LSU's favor. I wouldn't touch this game with a 10-foot pole until we know more, but it's safe to say that if those six are missing at least Week 1 -- and possibly much longer than that -- the Tigers would be a nice moneyline play.