Defense helping

The Tar Heels are on a three-game winning streak and part of reason is because the defense has been bailing out the offense. The defense forced eight turnovers in the past three games and scored two touchdowns against Miami. UNC will need for that trend to continue today if the Heels hope for a third road win.

POWER ON GROUND

Since Shaun Draughn went down in the Duke game, running back Ryan Houston has carried the offense. His bruising running style has helped UNC churn minutes off the clock and put together lengthy drives. The Tar Heels will need his powerful running to control the clock against a dangerous BC defense.

STAYING MOTIVATED

The Tar Heels already are bowl eligible and insist there's still plenty to play for. The real test will be determined today by how focused UNC comes out. The Tar Heels are hoping to improve their record to go to a better bowl game and need to win their final two regular-season games to achieve that.

-- BRIANA GORMAN