North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time

With just two games remaining on their schedule, the No. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies will engage in a huge battle on Thursday night when they host the 6-4 North Carolina Tar Heels in an ACC clash.

The Hokies are currently 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference, putting them in first in the Coastal Division. Virginia is on their tail, though, and will have a chance to face them in the season's final week, making this game a big one.

North Carolina isn't in contention in the ACC, but it will certainly be looking to finish the season off strong. The Tar Heels had a hiccup last week in a 13-0 loss to NC State, but they have generally had a very strong season.

This game is Virginia Tech's to lose, and while winning in Blacksburg will be no easy task, North Carolina has an opportunity to play spoiler. Whether quarterback Bryn Renner plays for UNC will be a big factor, but the Tar Heels certainly won't go quietly.

Where: Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.

When: Thursday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m.

Watch: ESPN/ESPN3D/ESPN3

Listen: 99.9 FM (North Carolina) and WDIC 92.1 FM (Virginia Tech)

Betting Line: Virginia Tech (-10.5)

Who Might Not Play for North Carolina: QB Bryn Renner

Even if North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner plays against Virginia Tech on Thursday, winning the game will be a tall order for the Tar Heels. After suffering a concussion, however, Renner's availability for the game is very questionable at this point.

Renner has been a huge part of North Carolina's success this season, and while he is prone to some mistakes, he has generally been very good, as evidenced by his 19 touchdown strikes. The Virginia Tech defense is a tough nut to crack, but Renner is probably North Carolina's best bet. If he can't go, this game could get ugly.

Who Might Not Play for Virginia Tech: LB Alonzo Tweedy

Although he isn't a starter for Virginia Tech, junior linebacker Alonzo Tweedy is a big part of the team in terms of defensive depth, and he is a major presence on special teams. Tweedy is recovering from an ankle injury, and his status is questionable against North Carolina.

Playing without Tweedy wouldn't be a crippling blow for the Hokies, but if another injury should strike the linebacker corps during the game, then his absence would loom very large. The Hokies will obviously want him to play, but they can probably get by without him.

BCS/Top 25 Implications

While North Carolina has no real chance to get involved in the Top-25 poll and certainly no chance in the BCS, they are playing for positioning in the ACC. The Tar Heels are out of it in terms of winning the conference, but ending the season with a couple big wins could get them in a high-level bowl game.

The Hokies are playing for much more than bragging rights, though, as they are in the driver's seat and look poised to play Clemson or Florida State in the ACC Championship Game for a chance to play in a BCS Bowl. While a loss wouldn't knock Virginia Tech out of contention in the conference, it would ruin any chances they had at an at-large BCS bid.

What They're Saying

There is no question that Virginia Tech running back David Wilson has been the driving force of the Virginia Tech offense this season, and he has the numbers to prove it. Wilson has been so good in fact, that head coach Frank Beamer is speculating that he may be in the Heisman Trophy race this year and next if he returns to school, according to Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times.

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I think once you get in the mix (for the Heisman), your name is out there next year too, Beamer said. I think get that rolling. And then you think about it, most people this year being mentioned are seniors and are going to be gone. So I think it’s some great opportunities for him.

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North Carolina Player to Watch: RB Giovani Bernard

While quarterback Bryn Renner has been the heart and soul of the North Carolina offense this season, running back Giovani Bernard has very quietly put together a fantastic season. Through 10 games, Bernard has over 1,000 yards rushing and 11 scores while averaging nearly five-and-a-half yards per carry.

If Renner has to sit out with a concussion, then Bernard will have to do it all for the Tar Heels. He was very much held in check by NC State last week, as the passing game wasn't a threat. Virginia Tech may try to do the same, but with or without Renner, Bernard will need to establish himself early and often in this game.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: RB David Wilson

While he isn't as well known as the likes of Andrew Luck and Brandon Weeden, Virginia Tech running back David Wilson is very much in the Heisman conversation. Wilson leads the nation in rushing with 1,360 yards and has seven rushing touchdowns to boot.

Quarterback Logan Thomas has been up and down as a passer, but Wilson has taken a ton of pressure off him with his performance this year. The Hokies have generally always been about running the ball and playing great defense, and this season has been no different. If Wilson plays the way he has been, then the Hokies will cruise to victory.

Key Matchup: UNC Run Defense vs. David Wilson

If North Carolina is going to win this game, then it will be important to control the ball on offense. While running the ball is part of that, so is stopping it. Virginia Tech running back David Wilson has run over opposing defenses all season and does a great job of keeping his defense fresh by moving the chains.

Provided the Tar Heels can keep him in check, they will have a chance to pull the upset. It is most certainly easier said than done, but it is fair to say that whichever side comes out on top in this battle will be victorious.

Prediction

Virginia Tech 27, North Carolina 10