PLAYERS TO WATCH
–LB Chris Peace recorded seven tackles and 2.5 sacks last week against Duke, giving him five sacks this season. The senior has quietly become the ACC’s sack leader at the linebacker spot. Peace is following up a junior season that saw him lead the ACC’s linebackers with 7.5 sacks in 2017.
–WR Olamide Zaccheaus continues to be Perkins’ favorite target on offense as he racked up 10 more receptions. Zaccheaus now has a reception in 36-straight games and is second in the ACC with 46 receptions this season. He will be going against a North Carolina defense this week that is giving up over 400 yards per game and almost 35 points per game. Look for Zaccheaus to continue to get the ball early and often against the Tar Heels.
–CB Juan Thornhill intercepted his third pass in Virginia’s last two games Saturday against Duke and also led the Cavaliers with eight total tackles. Thornhill now has four interceptions on the season and has paced a Cavalier secondary that ranks as one of the best in the ACC.
SERIES HISTORY: North Carolina leads Virginia 63-55-4. The Cavaliers won 20-14 in Chapel Hill last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Plenty to work on. Another ACC game. So glad to be at home, it makes a difference. Looking forward to playing.” — Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall.
