Miami Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Month of October
The Miami Hurricanes only play three times during the month of October, but two matchups are absolutely imperative to win.
A nonconference bout with Cincinnati is sandwiched between clashes with Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, but the latter contests will have a significant impact on the 'Canes' chase for the Coastal Division title.
Miami recovered from a loss to Louisville in its first ACC meeting and handled Duke, a victory needed to stay a legitimate contender heading into the second portion of the season.
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The results for each October game could realistically swing either way, so the present month has the potential to either break the Hurricanes or be a crucial step toward Miami winning the Coastal.
Georgia Tech, Oct. 4
After one frustrating season with an oft-hesitant Vad Lee, Justin Thomas is leading Georgia Tech's triple-option flexbone offense. The sophomore quarterback has proved to be a better fit than his predecessor, and he's complemented by A-back Zach Laskey and deep threat DeAndre Smelter.
Thomas handled a few snaps last season against the Hurricanes, but he'll attempt to make a highlight that's more positive than the current memorable one.
Entering the contest unblemished at 4-0, the Yellow Jackets have survived a Georgia Southern comeback and capitalized on Virginia Tech's game-changing errors to steal a victory.
While Thomas, Laskey and Smelter have been solid, Georgia Tech is still mediocre defensively—especially against the run. Duke Johnson and Joe Yearby will take advantage of the 5.43 yards per carry the Jackets defense has allowed, opening up the Miami passing game that is improving on a weekly basis.
The 'Canes have defeated Georgia Tech every year since 2009, and a sixth consecutive series win gives Miami two important early intra-division wins.
Prediction: Miami 27, Georgia Tech 17
Cincinnati, Oct. 11
Against teams like Nebraska, Duke and Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes' defensive goal is to make the quarterback throw. Miami failed to stop Ameer Abdullah, and Nebraska deserved the victory. Conversely, the 'Canes limited Duke's rushing attack, earning the win by forcing Anthony Boone to throw.
But when Cincinnati travels to South Florida, that's all Tommy Tuberville's team wants to do. Plus, it certainly has someone capable of slinging the football around, overshadowing the 112th-ranked rushing attack in the nation.
Notre Dame transfer Gunner Kiel patiently waited for his opportunity, and he's been outstanding in his first career starts.
| Toledo | 25 | 37 | 418 | 6 | 0 |
| Miami (OH) | 25 | 39 | 271 | 4 | 2 |
| Ohio State | 21 | 32 | 352 | 4 | 0 |
"The Gunner is for real," Paul Daugherty of The Cincinnati Enquirer wrote. "Can he tackle?"
Undeniably, Kiel has been shredding defenses with impressive numbers, but the problem is Cincinnati's defense has been shredded even more. Through three games, Cincinnati has surrendered 36.0 points and 545.7 yards per outing, which ranks 108th and 125th, respectively, out of 128 programs.
The Bearcats can improve considering they've played two fewer games than Miami and are still settling down. However, that doesn't mean Cincinnati is magically turning into an elite defense before Saturday, Oct. 11.
Sun Life Stadium workers must make sure the scoreboard is completely functional because the 'Canes and Bearcats will be lighting it up. Miami holds a slight edge, though, since its defense can earn a few more stops.
Prediction: Miami 41, Cincinnati 36
Virginia Tech, Oct. 23
No matter what happens between now and Thursday, Oct. 23, this rivalry game is a must-win for both teams.
Should the 'Canes knock off Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, they'll likely be in control of the Coastal. But if Miami loses to the Yellow Jackets, it needs this win to have a fighting chance at the division title.
The Hokies have already fallen once in conference play, collapsing at home to Georgia Tech. North Carolina and Pittsburgh stand in Virginia Tech's way before Miami, and collecting all three ACC victories will be challenging for Frank Beamer's squad.
In years past, defensive coordinator Bud Foster has made life difficult for the Hurricanes offense. In 2014, however, the Virginia Tech cornerbacks have played an absurd amount of man coverage with no safety help over the top.
East Carolina and Western Michigan both torched Hokies defensive backs, so Miami speedsters Phillip Dorsett, Stacy Coley and Herb Waters are poised to burn them, too. Quarterback Brad Kaaya has thrown a handful of simply outstanding deep passes, and those opportunities figure to be plentiful against Virginia Tech.
According to Andy Bitter of The Roanoke Times, cornerback Brandon Facyson will likely take a medical redshirt, furthering the concerns in the secondary.
With all that being said, the Hokies hold a few critical advantages: Lane Stadium, on a Thursday night, in a must-win situation. The environment will be electric, and the home team will be emotionally fired up.
But similar to the last three years, the wild card remains Virginia Tech's quarterback. The 'Canes twice made Logan Thomas look like a superstar during his otherwise roller-coaster tenure in Blacksburg, and 2014 quarterback Michael Brewer has been equally inconsistent, if not more.
The Texas Tech transfer has already tossed 10 interceptions, and many of the turnovers were simply terrible decisions. Unless Brewer shows notable improvement by eliminating poor choices against the UNC and Pitt defenses, Miami will be favored to win a close battle.
Prediction: Miami 24, Virginia Tech 20
Note: Cincinnati and Virginia Tech scores subject to change because game-changing circumstances may arise between this writing and kickoff. Official predictions will be available in a matchup preview at the beginning of the respective week. Stats and rankings courtesy of CFBStats.com.
Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
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