North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The No. 8-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels may still be punch-drunk from their last loss, but they will go into Blacksburg to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Tar Heels were blasted at Florida State on Jan. 14, 90-57. They hope to rebound while keeping the Hokies winless in the ACC.

Where: Cassell Coliseum, Blacksburg, VA

When: Thursday, Jan. 19 at 9:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN,

Listen: WDBJ-7, Roanoke, Virginia, WCHL—1360 AM, Chapel Hill, NC

Live Stream: ESPN3

Betting Line: No Published Line

Key Injuries for North Carolina

Leslie McDonald: Knee

Desmond Hubert: Ankle

Key Injuries for Virginia Tech

Allan Chaney: Heart Condition

JT Thompson: ACL Tear

What's at Stake?

The Tar Heels must get back on track. They seem a far cry from the team that started the season ranked No. 1 in the country. Another loss to an inferior ACC foe could be catastrophic to the young Tar Heels' confidence.

The Hokies just need an ACC win. Capturing one against North Carolina would make it all the better. It would be great for their NCAA hopes come March as it would register as a quality win.

What They're Saying

After the Seminoles of Florida State notched their huge win over the Tar Heels, as is tradition, the fans stormed the court. It was a hectic scene and Roy Williams may not have accurately predicted it, as he still had players on the floor when the 'Noles fans came rushing onto it. He offered this to the players:

""I said, 'Guys, I apologize. There was a miscommunication between (assistant) coach (Joe) Holladay and myself. I would never have left you out there to play the game,' " he said. "I was trying to get my entire team off the court, apologize to Florida State, make sure they weren't interpreting it the wrong way; I was just doing it for safety.""

If the Heels don't play better, they will be watching a similar scene in Virginia.

Virginia Tech coach, Seth Greenburg said this of Florida State's interior defense after they blocked 15 shots:

"

“They protect the front of the rim and they challenge shots. They’re good at it.”

"

Tar Heels center John Henson will not give the Hokies any rest either. He is one of the nation's best shot-blockers, averaging three rejections per game.

North Caolina Player to Watch: John Henson

If Henson can control the offensive glass, he can help the Tar Heels control tempo. That is the first step in stopping Virginia Tech. They tend to depend too much on the three and they will need to run to create opportunities. The Heels have a huge size advantage and should be able to pound the Hokies inside.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Erick Green

The Hokies will need a hot-shooting Green to compete with the Tar Heels. Green is the team's leading scorer and a 40 percent three-point shooter.

If he's hot, he can do a lot to keep the Hokies close.

Key Matchup

Jarell Eddie should draw the defensive assignment against Harrison Barnes. When the Heels need a bucket, they go to their best player—and that is Barnes.

If Eddie can do a good job on him and deny him the ball in crucial spots, it'll help the Hokies force other players to perform and take up the slack.

Their matchup will be a key to this game.

Prediction: North Carolina 85 Virginia Tech 68

The Tar Heels will come out blazing. They will be playing with a chip on their shoulder because they were beaten so soundly by the Seminoles. It will serve as a wake-up call for them, as they played with a lack of energy and urgency against Florida State.

Roy Williams won't allow another effort like that; the Heels will roll.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter.