Bill Belichick and UNC try for three straight against Wake Forest

North Carolina looks to continue its late-season surge when it visits in-state rival Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon in an ACC matchup featuring two teams trending in different directions.

The Tar Heels (4-5) have won back-to-back games under first-year coach Bill Belichick, who this week publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the program amid speculation linking him to the NFL. Belichick issued a statement Friday, dismissing reports tying him to the vacant New York Giants job. His focus remains on improving UNC’s young roster.

On the field, North Carolina will need its defense, which is ranked 28th nationally allowing 320.7 yards per game, to continue its strong play. The Tar Heels have been particularly stout against the run, holding opponents to just 102 yards per game, good for 14th in the FBS.

Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez has shown steady improvement, throwing for 203 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 20-15 win over Stanford. Jordan Shipp, the team’s leading receiver, enters with 467 yards and four touchdowns.

Wake Forest (6-3) returns home after grinding out a 16-9 win over Virginia. The Demon Deacons remain anchored by a disciplined defense that ranks 34th nationally and gives up just 20.3 points per game. Robby Ashford has thrown for 1,344 yards but has struggled with consistency, completing 57.3 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and five interceptions. Running back Demond Claiborne has been the unit’s most reliable threat, rushing for 714 yards and eight touchdowns.

North Carolina ranks 118th nationally in third-down conversions, while Wake Forest stands 45th in defensive third-down percentage. The Deacons also allow opponents to score on nearly 89 percent of red-zone trips, which could benefit a UNC offense still searching for rhythm.

UNC faces Wake Forest at 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW.

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