After having a long time to think about losing to N.C. State two Saturdays ago, Everett Withers says his Tar Heels team is just looking forward to winning a ballgame. But UNC does have an opportunity Thursday to spoil Virginia Tech’s bid to win the Coastal Division and play for the ACC crown.

“I think our motivation is to try to win the ballgame,” Withers said. “We don’t look at ourselves in the role of spoiler. We look at
ourselves to try to get better and play to the best of our ability each week and play up to our capabilities. If we do that, we feel like we have an opportunity to win the game.”

Withers said the Heels are looking forward to playing the ESPN Thursday night game in Lane Stadium. “(It’s) one of the better venues in the country to play at,” he said. “Fans are very excited about the game I’m sure, and ours are also. We’re looking forward to the ballgame.”

He said he expects it to be a tough, physical game.

“Usually the team that doesn’t turn it over has the opportunity to win the game – the team that plays good on special teams,” he said.