UNC Tar Heels vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

Lawrence Jordan: To say the 2009 Tar Heels have been disappointing is an understatement. Coming into this season there were high hopes: a preseason national ranking, a solid returning defensive front...all that was needed was an average offense. Well, 8 weeks into the 2009 season the Tar Heels' NCAA offensive ranking (114th of 120) shows exactly how below average the offensive production has been.

To be fair, the defense and coaching staff are not above reproach. The defense has gave up big time yards when it mattered most against GT and FSU. The offensive play calling has been timid (see punt vs. FSU with 4 minutes) and predictable. The defensive play calling has been way too concervative (can we bag the "prevent" formation please).

So... for the first time on TheONH: Why the Tar Heels cannot win this game:

• VT's defense ranking in the top half of the ACC - more than enough to shut down the Heels who lost to FSU's bottom ranked "D".
• The Heels have averaged less than 300 yards and less than 13 points in their past five meetings.
• Beamer Ball means strong VT special teams. The Heels' special teams have been lackluster, especially in the kicking/punting effots. Watch for VT to take advantage. Result: VT wins the field position efforts and may force some turnovers.
• VT boasts the #17 rushing attack in the country. That is more than enough for VT to put up points on a Tar Heel defense that is often left with a "short field" by the ineffective offensive unit.
• The Heels have not beaten VT since their inception into the ACC.
• The Heels have not won in Blacksburg since 1938.
• The Heels have not beaten a ranked opponent on the road since 2001.

Game Score:
Virginia Tech 21
North Carolina 3

Philip Thompson: Why UNC will lose...

• Virginia Tech is hellacious at home on Thursday night games. They did lose to a Matt Ryan led BC team 2 years ago, however UNC is led by TJ Yates.
• Which bring me to my next point. TJ Yates is UNC’s quarterback. The stage will be way too big this evening for him. The Hokies crowd and defense will give him fits all night.
• If you though Butch looked like death last Thursday sweating on the sidelines, just wait till he sees one the best entrances in all of college football when ‘Enter Sandman’ is blaring and Hokie nation is going crazy.

Final Score
Virginia Tech 27
North Carolina 9