Hope the Tar Heels give Duke a chance to help them.

Carolina kicks off versus always dangerous Georgia Tech at 12:30 on Homecoming Saturday, and the Heels have to win to keep any hopes alive of defending their ACC Coastal Division title. The last two games against the Yellow Jackets were thrilling victories after five straight losses to Paul Johnson’s triple-option team.

UNC is a solid favorite to win a third straight, mostly because Tech has had a down year so far with a 2-3 conference record, 5-3 overall. But the Jackets have their sights set on their first quality win of the season against the Tar Heels, whom they have beaten 14 times in their the last 18 meetings dating back to 1998.

Quarterback Justin Thomas remains their dual threat with more than 1500 yards of total offense. Devoid of their usual other playmakers, the Yellow Jackets can still confound defenses with that triple option, made more lethal with Thomas completing 55 percent of his passes and throwing only one interception so far.

Late in the game, Duke will play host to Virginia Tech, which may be the Hokies toughest ACC game left. And, of course, Carolina needs them to lose again in order to win the Coastal for the second straight time. The Blue Devils are having their own sub-par season and are in serious jeopardy of missing their first bowl game in five years, 3-5 overall and 0-4 in the ACC with UNC, Pitt and Miami to follow Virginia Tech. It could be an 0-fer in the conference for Duke, which has been ravaged by injuries including losing their four co-captains for the season.

They do have a chance against Virginia Tech, which is a good team but not a great one. And the Dukies are always dangerous in Wallace Wade Stadium, where the Tar Heels will visit on short rest Thursday night for their ESPN headliner. Duke may not beat the Hokies, but Carolina cannot let that game become a moot point by losing to Georgia Tech. The Tar Heels need to take care of business and at least give the Blue Devils a chance to help them in the ACC race by pulling off the upset on their home field.