Updated

North Carolina officials say the NCAA has scheduled a Friday afternoon teleconference to hear the school's appeal of the suspensions of two players.

Team spokesman Kevin Best said Wednesday the school is "hopeful" that it will learn Friday whether the suspensions of cornerback Kendric Burney and safety Deunta Williams will be upheld.

The hearing comes the day before the Tar Heels (1-2) face East Carolina in their fourth game of the season.

Burney was suspended for six games and Williams received a four-game suspension from the NCAA for receiving improper benefits tied to several trips. If the suspensions are not reduced, Williams' earliest return wouldn't come until next week against Clemson while Burney's would come Oct. 23 against Miami.