Matchup: No. 17 North Carolina (7-2, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) at Maryland (6-3, 3-2)

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Site: Byrd Stadium, College Park

TV: Chs. 2, 7

Radio: 105.7 FM, 1300 AM

Line: North Carolina by 3

Series: North Carolina leads 35-32-1

Last meeting: North Carolina won, 16-13, on Nov. 3, 2007, in Chapel Hill

Maryland offense vs. North Carolina defense: Maryland will need to run much better than it did at Virginia Tech (minus-12 yards) against a defense that feasts on turnovers. The Tar Heels have forced 24 turnovers, including 18 interceptions, and are fourth in the nation in turnover margin. Top Terps RB Da'Rel Scott practiced with his sore shoulder but was limited to "no contact." The Tar Heels are a half game behind Miami for the ACC's Coastal Division lead.

Maryland defense vs. North Carolina offense: Maryland shuffled the defensive line after surrendering 253 yards to Virginia Tech freshman RB Darren Evans. DT Jeremy Navarre moved to his old end position, and Travis Ivey and Dion Armstrong became starters. The Terps will be wary of the Tar Heels' Hakeem Nicks, who leads the conference in receiving yards (94.9 per game) and has eight touchdowns.

Prediction: Maryland 23, North Carolina 21