UNC Football vs. Virginia: Game preview, info and more

The UNC Football program returns to the field on Saturday as they host a huge game in Kenan Memorial Stadium with the Coastal lead on the line

Fresh off a thrilling win over Duke in Week 9, the North Carolina Tar Heels have a big chance to take the lead in the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal division this weekend. Virginia comes into Chapel Hill in Week 10 for a big primetime showdown this week and it’s the biggest game of the season to date for both teams.

UNC and Virginia are both at 3-2 in ACC play, sitting atop the Coastal division.

Saturday’s winner will take the top spot in the Coastal division with just a few games to go in November. Virginia Tech has a non-conference game vs. Notre Dame while Pitt will be on the road to take on Georgia Tech.

For UNC, they are hoping to build a winning streak to close out this season and move one-game closer to bowl eligibility. At 4-4, the Tar Heels need two more wins out of these final four games this season including one vs. Mercer. Following this game, they will have a bye week before taking on Pitt on Thursday Night and then closing out the season at home vs Mercer and then on the road at N.C. State.

The Cavaliers come into this game fresh off a loss to Louisville, their third loss in the last four games including one to Notre Dame. Going into this season, Virginia was the clear favorites in the Coastal but like always, this division usually is chaos especially down the stretch. Now Virginia hopes to turn things around and close out the season strong starting with a win over UNC.

This game could really come down to the quarterback play for both teams.

Virginia’s Bryce Perkins  is coming off a big season in 2018 throwing for 25 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions while rushing for 9 more. This season has been a different story. Perkins has thrown for just 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He does have 5 rushing touchdowns.

UNC’s Sam Howell has been fantastic this season but did throw two interceptions in the win over Duke, including one that was tipped as he was hit. Howell will be in the spotlight once again at home and a big performance to give UNC a win could get him some more national attention.

Let’s get down to our preview:

Key to victory for the Tar Heels

UNC has had some trouble containing mobile quarterbacks this season including third string quarterback Quincy Patterson just two weeks ago. Perkins is among the best dual-threat quarterbacks not only in the conference but in the country.

It will be key for UNC’s front seven to contain Perkins and keep the heat on him.

You can’t let him get outside of the pocket and make plays happen with his feet. You also can’t let him sit back in the pocket and be comfortable all game long. UNC really has to get pressure on Perkins and force tough decisions and make him get the ball out of his hands.

When UNC’s front seven has turned it up, they have played very well. Whether it has been Jason Strowbridge or Chazz Surratt, the defense has answered the call when it was needed the most.

Let’s see if they can do it again on Saturday.

Something to watch

The run game for both teams. We talked about the two quarterbacks already in Perkins and Howell but it could come down to offensive efficiency including the run game. Both teams have a good stable of running backs that their quarterbacks could rely on.

UNC has the two-headed monster of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, both are over 500 yards and split time in the backfield. The Tar Heels have been able to make it work with that two-headed monster spelling each other and both have played a role as receivers too.

For Virginia, in addition to Perkins rushing for 275 yards the Cavaliers have Wayne Taulapapa who has 345 yards and 9 touchdowns this season. They could lean on him to get the offense going and keep Perkins in rhythm.

What you need to know

WHAT?  Virginia 5-3 (3-2 in ACC) AT North Carolina Tar Heels 4-4 (3-2 ACC)
WHEN?  Saturday,  October 23, 7:30 p.m. EST
WHERE?  Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? ACCN Extra
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? Sunny with a high of 61 degrees
LINE? UNC -2
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC leads 63-56-4. (Virginia has won two-straight)
LAST MEETING? Virginia beat UNC 31-21 in 2018
PREDICTION? UNC 27, Virginia 24