Byline: Nolan Hayes

Oct. 9--CHAPEL HILL -- Two weeks ago, North Carolina football coach Butch Davis asked his players to devote more time during the week to game preparation.

They began doing so, and the results have been positive. After losing 37-10 at South Florida on Sept. 22, the Tar Heels were competitive in a 17-10 loss at Virginia Tech before snapping their four-game losing streak Saturday with a 33-27 victory over Miami.

Their reward? Even more preparation. That's what Davis believes is necessary as UNC (2-4) welcomes No. 7 South Carolina (5-1) to Kenan Stadium on Saturday (3:30 p.m., WTVD) for the first time since 1991.

"I'd say there's less sleep ...