Don't Count Out The Tar Heels Against Top 20 Competition in Chapel Hill.

Once again, North Carolina finds itself a sizable underdog. However, even though No. 16 Virginia is the first ranked opponent Bill Belichick has ever faced in the collegiate ranks, there are reasons to believe an upset is possible at Kenan Stadium on Saturday.

The primary source of belief was the Tar Heels' competitive performance on the road at California last week. 

Unlike the first three outings against Power 4 teams — in which UNC was outscored by a combined margin of 120-33 — the Heels lost by the slimmest the margins, 21-18, due in large part to losing a goal-line fumble late in the game. There were noticeable improvements on both sides of the ball, too.

Offensively, UNC effectively ran the ball despite entering the game ranked 122nd nationally in rushing offense. Led by sophomore Benjamin Hall, the Heels compiled 120 yards on 29 carries. Also, upperclassman Kobe Paysour emerged on the perimeter with 101 receiving yards on six catches.

The defense allowed 14 quick points — However, the Bears' first score was gift-wrapped by UNC's offense because of a fumble on the first play of scrimmage — but allowed just one more score for the remaining 45:42 of game time.

But the reasons for optimism in Chapel Hill on Saturday aren't just limited to how UNC looked in its latest outing. There have also been red flags with the visiting Cavaliers.

Led by transfer Chandler Morris, Virginia's offense started the season white hot. It averaged 46.4 points per game over the first five games, but the Cavs have seen those numbers cool in recent weeks.

While UVA earned a 30-27, overtime win at Louisville on Oct. 4, the offense produced just 10 points in regulation. It was the defense that found the end zone on both a pick-six and a scoop-and-score touchdown.

Last weekend, UVA faced 3-3 Washington State in Charlottesville, yet had to overcome a double-digit, fourth-quarter deficit to win 22-20. The go-ahead score was a late safety.

So with UNC improving its play — while Virginia has looked more mortal of late — it wouldn't be crazy to see the Tar Heels hang around in their home stadium Saturday.

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