Virginia Tech-North Carolina: Thursday Night Preview

Two Thursday night ACC games in a row, and North Carolina is still looking for it's first conference win.

UNC isn't going to get much help Thursday in this game from a Virginia Tech team looking to bounce back from their stunning loss to Georgia Tech. 

Virginia Tech has an incredibly potent offense, and their running game is near the top of the ACC.  Ryan Williams running out of the backfield could give UNC the same troubles it had facing Georgia Tech's offense earlier in the season, in which they gave up 317 yards of rushing offense.

Unfortunately for UNC, the scrutiny isn't any better on the other side of the ball. 

Their offense will be facing a strong defense with a good pass defense, which has been UNC's strong suit this season. When their passing game isn't working, like the second half of last Thursday's game against FSU, they can't move the ball.

Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams should be looking to make this a statement game for his Heisman candidacy.  He is currently ranked eighth nationally in rushing yards after his 100 yard game last week against Georgia Tech. 

However, 66 of those 100 yards came on a single breakaway touchdown run.  Williams will need to have more carries and far more yardage to keep his Heisman hopes alive.

North Carolina will be leaning on quarterback T.J. Yates to get the job done this week.  He will need to shake off last week's poor performance against the Seminoles to have a chance in Lane Stadium. 

The young quarterback had only one touchdown pass last week and unfortunately paired it with a single interception.  Virginia Tech's defense is on par with Florida State's in interceptions, but is much stronger at deflecting and interrupting passes.

If the North Carolina team that played the first half against Florida State can play the whole game against Virginia Tech, they will have a chance, albeit a small one, and will at least stay close. 

But if the team that gave up a 18-point lead in the second half last week shows up again, expect a blood bath.

Virginia Tech takes this one by more than two scores.