Davis still plays it close to the vest during weekly teleconference

UNC Coach Butch Davis made it clear before answering questions that he wasn't going to answer questions - at least unless it related directly to the LSU game itself.

"I just don't have the ability to be able to answer questions other than things that directly relate to the LSU game," he said.

A couple of journalists attempted to get some answers about player availability for the LSU games in light of the NCAA and school investigations. But precious little was revealed and no specific names were mentioned.

"We're in a holding mode," Davis said. "Right now we're just preparing for the game... We're trying to prepare for all scenarios."

Davis did mention individual LSU players including second-team All-America cornerback Patrick Peterson and new starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

He said he can tell from the practices this week that it's game week. "Guys are tired of practicing against themselves," Davis said. "It's time to go and play and be able to put some of these distractions behind us and focus legitimately on an opponent."

Davis said that the game plan against LSU will be the same regardless of which UNC players are on the field.

I'm not sure what else Coach Davis can do but you'd think that some 72 hours before the first game, he could throw some crumb regarding who definitely will be available to play.