WINSTON-SALEM — Following his team’s less-than-aesthetically-pleasing 68-53 victory against Wake Forest, North Carolina coach Roy Williams began his postgame press conference with the kind of smooth execution his team lacked here on Tuesday night.

“You guys smell something burning?” Williams asked.

Someone mumbled that maybe it was popcorn. After a pause, Williams said, “I knew it wasn’t the nets.”

Williams insisted he wasn’t trying to be his own “set-up man” but his one-liner fit after a game in which both teams missed, on average, seven of every 10 shots they took.

Updated 9:24 p.m.

CHAPEL HILL -- North Carolina became bowl eligible for a fourth consecutive season Saturday, thanks to a 49-24 ACC football victory against Wake Forest.

And the Deacons, due mostly to a penchant for turning the ball over to the Tar Heels at inopportune times, must wait at least one more week to secure a postseason berth.

The Tar Heels (6-3, 2-3 ACC) snapped a two-game losing streak by taking advantage of five Wake Forest turnovers, turning them into 28 points. Two Deacons mistakes – a fumble and an interception – came on their first two offensive series. North Carolina converted both into touchdowns and the rout was on.

CHAPEL HILL -- In addition to safety Matt Merletti, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last Saturday at Clemson, UNC will be without three other players this week against Wake Forest.

Tar Heel coach Everett Withers said Thursday that kicker Casey Barth (groin), receiver Reggie Wilkins (ankle) and tight end Sean Fitzpatrick (head) will sit out Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. game in Kenan Stadium.

Fullback Curtis Byrd, who has been slowed by a knee problem of late, will be available, Withers said.