Preview: Virginia hosts North Carolina Thursday night

Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY Sports

With 1,008 rushing yards this season, Giovani Bernard is the first North Carolina player with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since Natrone Means in 1991 and '92.

Virginia needs to beat North Carolina Thursday and Virginia Tech next week to salvage a bowl bid
UNC is postseason ineligible because of NCAA sanctions but looks to clinch a winning record
The Tar Heels' all-purpose threat, Giovani Bernard, is one of the nation's most electrifying players

North Carolina (6-4) at Virginia (4-6)

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET/ESPN. Surface: Grass.

Covers.com line: UNC by 3. Sagarin difference: UNC by 7.96.

Two weeks ago, the Cavaliers appeared to be playing out the string in what could euphemistically be called a rebuilding year. But a demolition of N.C. State and a thrilling comeback against Miami (Fla.) has them two wins from salvaging a bowl berth. Neither will be easy, with equally needy rival Virginia Tech to follow Thursday night's visit from the Tar Heels. UNC is postseason ineligible because of NCAA sanctions but looks to clinch a winning record for first-year coach Larry Fedora. The Tar Heels' all-purpose threat, Giovani Bernard, is one of the nation's most electrifying players. He does most of his damage as a tailback, so he'll get plenty of attention from Cavaliers LB Steve Greer. UNC QB Bryn Renner can also make things happen with 20 TD tosses, but he also has seven picks. UVa QB Mike Rocco comes in with the hot hand, but Phillip Sims will continue to be part of the rotation. On the other end, WR Darius Jennings is the primary target who probably will be marked by Tar Heels CB Tim Scott.

Jeff Sagarin's power ratings show the relative strength of teams; 3.01 points were added to the home team's rating to calculate the difference.

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