Miami vs. Virginia Tech: Complete Game Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies host longtime rival Miami this Thursday in Blacksburg, Va. It's a meeting with huge ACC Coastal Division implications as both schools enter the meeting with identical 4-3, (1-2 in ACC play) records.
It's the second straight Thursday game for the Hokies. Tech went to Pittsburgh last week and lost a close one the Panthers.
The Hokies and Hurricanes have been heated rivals since the mid-'90s when they were both in the Big East. The Hokies have won 13 of the last 19 meetings.
The loser of Thursday's game will likely be eliminated from Coastal Division contention, so it's a must-win for both teams.
- When: Thursday, October 23, 2014
- Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. Here is a complete list of stations by area.
- Spread: The Hurricanes are presently three-point favorites, via Odds Shark.
Miami Keys to Victory
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Stick With the Run
It's a strategy that worked well for Pitt last week. The Panthers stuck with the run and wore down the Hokies defense with running back James Conner.
Miami's top running back, Duke Johnson, isn't a 250-pound wrecking ball like Conner, but he is capable of scoring every time he touches the ball. The Hurricanes need to stick with the run throughout the game, even if they struggle early.
Stop the Run
The Hokies haven't had a consistent running game all season. Miami can't allow them to have one Thursday, either. The Hurricanes should focus on stopping the run first and make Tech one-dimensional.
Tech quarterback Michael Brewer passed the ball 45 times last week. That is not Virginia Tech. Miami should follow Pitt's game plan and force Brewer into throwing the ball more than the Hokies want. Although he didn't have an interception last week, he does have 11 on the season.
Virginia Tech Keys to Victory
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Don't Abandon the Run
The Hokies may get some good news this week if leading rusher Marshawn Williams returns to action. Early signs are encouraging for the freshman running back.
If Williams returns, offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler must feed him the football. The Hokies struggled mightily against Pitt last week with Joel Caleb, Sam Rogers and J.C. Coleman sharing the load. To be fair, much of that wasn't their fault as VT's offensive line didn't play a good game.
Freshman Wyatt Teller, a player the Hokies are very high on, will move into the starting lineup this week at left guard, while senior David Wang moves over to center as Caleb Farris moves to the bench.
Stop the Quarterback Runs
In the last 10 games, the Hokies have given up at least 100 yards to an opposing quarterback four times. Tech lost all four games, including last week at Pittsburgh.
That must stop.
Fortunately for Tech, Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya isn't much of a runner. Virginia Tech usually does a good job of stopping the opponent's top running back, but that has left the Hokies vulnerable to big runs by the quarterback.
Miami Players to Watch
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Quarterback Brad Kaaya
Freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya is having a pretty good season. He's completing 63 percent of his passes and has tossed 16 touchdown passes. Yes, Kaaya has nine interceptions, but it's important to note he's just a freshman and getting better each week.
Kaaya will face a level of pressure from Virginia Tech's pass rush that he likely hasn't seen as a collegian. How he responds will go a long way in determining the winner of this game.
Running Back Duke Johnson
Johnson has ran for 787 yards on the season, averaging over 112 yards rushing per game. He has a long run of 80 yards and can score every time he touches the football. He torched VT for 217 all-purpose yards as a freshman in 2012.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman
The senior is one of the top linebackers in the nation and a Butkus Award candidate. He leads the 'Canes in tackles and is a surefire All-ACC player. Perryman is strong in all facets of the game and sets the tone for Miami's defense.
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Virginia Tech Players to Watch
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Quarterback Michael Brewer
For the first time all season, Brewer did not throw an interception in the loss to Pittsburgh—even with a career-high 45 attempts. Brewer got into a rhythm in the second half, making several tough throws and almost brought the Hokies back.
He needs to follow that game up with another turnover-free performance versus the 'Canes.
Running Back Marshawn Williams
Williams missed last week's game, and the Hokies were abysmal on the ground. If Williams plays, and he's expected to, he should be in line for 15-20 carries.
Williams is a hammer and the type of runner who wears out a defense over the course of a game. It's important the Hokies stick with him, even if he struggles early.
Virginia Tech Defensive Tackles
It was announced on Monday, per Andy Bitter of The Roanoke Times, that senior defensive tackle Luther Maddy will need a second surgery and is done for the season. It's a huge blow for a Virginia Tech defense that sorely missed one of the better defensive tackles in the country.
Corey Marshall, the starter at one tackle spot all season, will continue to team with a rotation of Nigel Williams, Woody Baron and Ricky Walker at the spot to form a solid group. Now that Maddy is done for the season, this unit can ill-afford another injury.
What They're Saying
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Miami head coach Al Golden is sure that Marshawn Williams will suit up for the Hokies on Thursday, per Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the Sun-Sentinel:
"He’ll play, I think obviously, they’re going to establish the run with Williams in there. They made some changes to the offensive line. You can tell the guys they put in there played well for them, especially in the second half of [the Pittsburgh game] and it sounds like that’s the way they’re going to go…this is a big back. We’re going to have to tackle him.
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The Hokies shook up the offensive line this week hoping to improve the team's dreadful running game. Offensive line coach Stacy Searels is excited about new left guard Wyatt Teller, per Andy Bitter of The Roanoke Times:
"He’s really practiced good the last couple weeks...And I knew I wanted to get him in there more and more. And once he got out in the game, he really played hard. And that’s one thing that we stress is just playing with effort.
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Prediction
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This is truly a tough game to predict as both schools have been up and down all season. Expect a close game that will be decided late in the fourth quarter, regardless of who comes out on top.
Turnovers will likely help decide the winner of this one. Brewer has 11 interceptions on the season, while Kaaya has nine.
Miami will likely run the football more consistently and all of Virginia Tech's injuries are going to cost them in the end.
Prediction: Miami 24, Virginia Tech 21
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