Bryn Renner threw two touchdown passes as North Carolina claimed its first Atlantic Coast Conference opener since 2000 with a 28-17 victory over visiting Virginia on Saturday.

Renner, who leads the conference with an 81.4 percent completion percentage, threw a 17-yard strike to Dwight Jones early in the third quarter to give the Tar Heels a 21-3 cushion. Ryan Houston rushed for the other two scores, while freshman Giovani Bernard ran for 102 yards.

Missed opportunities spoiled an upset bid by Virginia (2-1, 0-1 ACC), which is still searching for its first ACC road win since 2009.

The Cavaliers moved the ball with efficiency in the first half and entered North Carolina territory four times, but came away with only three points. A missed field goal, turnover on downs and a fumble halted all their momentum heading into half.

Quarterback Michael Rocco threw his first two touchdowns of the season in the second half, but North Carolina (3-0) played smart to seal the victory.

The Tar Heels had only one turnover, one week after committing five in a 24-22 victory over Rutgers.