North Carolina is eligible for a bowl game but isn't happy or satisfied.
A signature win, one that could define the season and the team, still is missing. UNC's last chance at making a statement will come today when it plays No. 9 Virginia Tech (8 p.m., ESPN Ch. 33) at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.
Armed with a week of extra rest because of an open date last Saturday, UNC will try to get the victory it couldn't get at Clemson or Georgia Tech in previous games against ranked teams.
"I think the life (of this team) is fine," coach Everett Withers of UNC said. "I think this football team is resilient and ready to go back to work, and we're ready to try and go get another win."
UNC (6-4, 2-4 ACC) won its most recent game at Virginia Tech (9-1, 5-1) two seasons ago, but has lost three of its past four this season.
The outcome most likely will be influenced greatly by which team establishes the better running game. Each has an outstanding tailback: Gio Bernard for UNC; David Wilson for Virginia Tech.
Bernard, a freshman, is averaging 101.2 yards a game to rank No. 3 in the ACC. He is No. 2 in the conference in scoring with 12 touchdowns, all but one by rushing. Bernard is coming off one of his toughest games — 47 yards on 18 carries in a loss at N.C. State.
Wilson is coming off the best game of his career — 175 yards at Georgia Tech, an effort that pushed his season total to 1,360 yards. He is No. 3 in the nation in rushing yards per game (136) and averages 6.5 yards a carry.
Wilson broke 16 tackles against Georgia Tech and gained 133 yards after being hit. For the season, he has broken 116 tackles and has 821 yards after being hit.
Withers is hoping time away from full practices last week refreshed the Tar Heels and will help the defense contain Wilson and quarterback Logan Thomas.
"They do what they (always) do," Withers said of Virginia Tech. "Nothing really changes from year to year. They just figure out what they do (best), and they do it. We've got to do a great job of running the ball and keep their offense off the field, and play really good on special teams."
A second critical factor for UNC will be the play of sophomore quarterback Bryn Renner, who suffered a mild concussion Nov. 5 against N.C. State. Renner didn't finish the game, statistically his worst of the season.
He said this week he feels fine and isn't worried that another knock to the head might sideline him today.
"I don't worry about that at all," Renner said. "I think the biggest thing you can do (to recover) is practice. Once I got back on the practice field (last) Thursday and then (Sunday), it was all of the confidence that I need to play on Thursday."
Renner was 9 for 17 passing for 76 yards at N.C. State, was sacked three times and intercepted twice. Withers has no doubt he'll bounce back strong.
"I expect him to respond like a starting quarterback at a Division I, BCS school," Withers said. "I expect him to take the challenge and go with it. Hopefully, we'll protect him better."
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