North Carolina may have the weekend off, but that doesn’t mean that Tar Heels fans should completely tune out Saturday’s college football action.
With the Tar Heels enjoying their bye week, plenty worth keeping an eye on across the country. From getting an early look at future opponents to watching games that could shape the ACC picture, Saturday’s slate gives Carolina fans plenty of reasons to keep the remote close.
Sure, there are plenty of top-25 matchups to enjoy throughout the day, but here are five games UNC fans should keep an eye on.
5 games Tar Heels fans should be watching during UNC's bye week
No. 3 Notre Dame at Purdue (2:00 PM EST, Peacock)
This game is your UNC scouting assignment, given that the Fighting Irish head to Chapel Hill next weekend for a meeting with the Tar Heels.
Marcus Freeman and his team have been rolling, outscoring opponents 120-23 so far this season. CJ Carr has been outstanding at quarterback, throwing six touchdown passes without an interception this year.
This game will give UNC fans a sense of what to expect a week from now when Notre Dame rolls into town.
Wake Forest at No. 16 Louisville (Noon EST, ESPN)
Sure, UNC fans probably don't want to watch Gio Lopez (especially given how well he's played so far this season), but Louisville is another team who North Carolina will see in just a few weeks.
Both teams hold 2-1 records, but their losses both came to top-25 ranked opponents. Louisville lost to then-ranked No. 9 Ole Miss in an old-fashion shootout on opening weekend while Wake Forest couldn't handle Miami (ranked No. 5 at the time) and their powerful offensive attack last weekend.
Both teams come in with something to prove, but for UNC fans, the focus is on the Cardinals.
Appalachian State at NC State (7:30 PM EST, ESPNU)
After NC State's meltdown a week ago, who doesn't want to see how the Wolfpack respond this week at home against App State?
NC State is another upcoming opponent for Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels, a meeting that won't come until the final week of the regular season. While it's a bit premature to worry about the Wolfpack, it never hurts to do a little hate-watching, rooting for anyone who competes against them.
Central Michigan at No. 6 Miami (6:30 PM EST, The CW)
UNC's Halloween matchup with the Miami Hurricanes could be a scary one for the Tar Heels.
Even though Miami is heavily favored in this game, you can't deny that they are one of the most fun teams to watch in all of college football. Former Duke Blue Devil Darian Mensah has fit right at home at Miami, having 11 touchdown passes to his name in just three games, while Malachi Toney continues to be one of college football's most dynamic playmakers.
Regardless of who they play, the Hurricanes are must-see TV.
Virginia Tech at Boston College (Noon, ACC Network)
Yes, this game has no barring on UNC whatsoever.
However, who doesn't love an actual ACC vs. ACC game?
Sure, we could've put Pittsburgh vs. Bucknell, William & Mary vs. Duke or Delaware vs. Virginia in this final spot, given these three ACC teams play North Carolina during the 2026 regular season. However, instead of watching non-conference action, we decided to stick with a true conference tilt, but we advise to keep your remotes close in case one (or more) of the aforementioned games get interesting.
There might not be any UNC football to watch this Saturday, but Tar Heel fans still have plenty to keep an eye on throughout the day. Even without UNC football, Tar Heel fans to keep an eye on throughout the day. If none of these games grab your attention, there's always one tried-and-true way for UNC fans to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Rooting against Duke and NC State.
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