The Virginia Cavaliers emerged from their bye week a completely different team. Despite a six-game losing streak earlier this season, they could still make a bowl game, but have a challenging opponent up next.
Virginia will put its outside chances at postseason play in front of a national spotlight on Thursday, hosting North Carolina and needing to win their final two games to pull off an improbable run at bowl eligibility in 2012.
"We've heard it said before that people are ruled by the psychology of results. You win a big game, a homecoming game, on somebody else's turf. Then you come home and play a very good team and you win in the last second. That helps the psyche a little bit, that helps the mentality of your team,” Virginia coach Mike London said.
"I think the tank is still full. I think we're still full-steam ahead. I think we're excited and motivated and playing with confidence right now,” Steve Greer said. “Kind of the mentality of what we want our team to be, kind of a scratch and claw team. We weren't perfect but we came through when we needed too and I think we're going to need that experience for the rest of the season."
La'Roy Reynolds said, "Understanding that everyone who loves football is watching. Everyone who loves college football is watching. And it's a statement game."
For fans who enjoyed the shootout win over Miami, North Carolina is one of the top offenses in the ACC, averaging 40.5 points per game. Giovani Bernard leads the conference in rushing and is among the favorites for ACC Player of the Year.
"He's a great player, great running back. Probably one of the best that we're going to play against and I have a lot of respect for him. You live for competition like this,” Reynolds said.
Will Hill said, "Every week there are good backs in the ACC but he is something special. Quick feet, change of direction, low to the earth."
This will be the first Thursday night home game for UVA since 2006, when they also played Carolina and beat the Tar Heels 23-0.
