The Miami Hurricanes (2-3) travel to Blacksburg to face ACC rival Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium at 12:30 pm (EST). The Hurricanes are -7.0-point favorite and have a 78.4% chance to win according to ESPN’s FPI. Miami is coming off a heartbreaking 27-24 loss against North Carolina, while Virginia Tech suffered their fourth loss of the season to Pitt 45-29. With that, lets look at what to expect in Miami at Virginia Tech.
Miami
The Hurricanes are on a three game losing streak, in Coach Cristobal’s first year. The Canes suffered a tough loss last week against North Carolina at home. Coming off the bye week, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke had his best game of the season yet, but Miami’s previously good run game got stopped by a horrific UNC run defense.
This is a must win game for the Canes, who are 0-1 in ACC play. They still have a chance to make it to the ACC Championship game, as the Coastal Division is weak this season. A win against Virginia Tech would tie the Canes for third place in the Coastal, and with upcoming games against Duke and Virginia, it’s still possible for Miami to make it to the ACC Championship.
Key to Victory
After failing to find their identity in the run game against North Carolina, Miami must run the football. The Canes found early success in their ground game, as they’re averaging 151.2 rushing yards per game. The Hokies defense has allowed a total of 830 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season with an average of 138.3 yards per game. With running backs Jaylon Knighton and Henry Parrish being cleared to play, Miami must take full advantage and run the football.
Henry Parrish vs USM week 2 #Canes #GoldenEagles pic.twitter.com/rrEi2R0OoY
— alejandro💎 (@_dresmoove) September 15, 2022
5 Best Miami Players
- OT Zion Nelson (injured)
- QB Tyler Van Dyke
- RB Henry Parrish Jr.
- DE Akeem Mesidor
- DT Leonard Taylor
Injury Update
- OT Zion Nelson: game time decision, dealing with lingering knee injury
- OG Justice Oluwaseun: cleared to play, dealt with lower extremity injury
- CB Tyrique Stevenson: game time decision, dealing with concussion
- C Jakai Clark: cleared to play, dealt with lower extremity injuries
Virginia Tech
The Hokies have lost their last three games and prepare to host their ACC rival the Miami Hurricanes. A loss would move their losing streak to four. Virginia Tech currently sits at number five in the Coastal Division with a 2-4 record (1-2 conference play). A win against Miami would put the Hokies as the number three team in the division behind North Carolina and Georgia Tech.
This is a big recruiting weekend for first year head coach, Brent Pry. The Hokies haven’t had a home game since September 10th against Boston College. A good performance would help Pryer’s rebuilding message, as he looks to get an early start in the 2024 class.
Key to Victory
The Hurricane’s passing defense has struggled this season, as they rank as the 105th passing defense, allowing a total of 1313 passing yards and eight touchdowns. Virginia Tech has a strong passing game, as their EPA on passing attempts on 1.88. Miami’s defense is allowing 2.9 EPA on passing plays, which is just horrendous. Against Middle Tennessee alone, they gave up 400 passing yards. With star cornerback Tyrique Stevenson expected to be out for the Canes, the Hokies need to focus on passing the ball more.
Virginia Tech’s first 3 drives against North Carolina in the 3rd quarter. Tech began the half with the ball. #VTvsUNC
@ChowderandGrits #VT offense @treadmillhorse @HokieHangover
5 games into the season pic.twitter.com/kM1RP6D0eY— Hokies Film (@All_Things_VT) October 7, 2022
5 Best Virginia Tech Players
- LB Dax Hollifield
- S Chamarri Conner
- LB Alan Tisdale
- S Nasir Peoples
- WR Jadan Blue
Injury Update
- WR Kaleb Smith: cleared to play, dealt with head injury
- WR Stephan Gosnell: questionable, dealing with head injury
- DE TyJuan Garbutt: game time decision, dealing with foot injury
- CB Dorian Strong: out, hand injury
Miami football at Virginia Tech Odds Week 7
- Moneyline: MIAMI: (-180) I Virginia Tech (+225)
- Spread: MIAMI -7.5 I Virginia Tech +7.5
- Total: 47.5 Over: (-105) I Under: (-115)
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