Miami vs. Virginia: Complete Game Preview
The Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Cavaliers will meet during an Atlantic Coast Conference tilt on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Both teams are coming off losses to Florida State, with Virginia (4-6, 2-4 ACC) losing 34-20 two weeks ago and the 'Canes falling 30-26 last weekend.
Miami toppled the Wahoos in 2013, though Mike London's squad took the previous three meetings, including the recent two in Charlottesville. While the Hurricanes lead the all-time series 6-5, Virginia needs a victory to remain in contention for bowl season.
As of this writing, per OddsShark, Miami is favored by six points. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Scott Stadium and will be televised on ESPN2.
Miami's Keys to Victory
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Forget the Loss, Start Fast
Following a deflating loss to the rival Seminoles, Miami could start slow, still reeling from the "we were so close last time" mentality.
Virginia isn't a team to take lightly, however. Since the Cavaliers jumped out to a 13-7 first-quarter lead on FSU, they are fully capable of doing the same to Al Golden's crew.
Throughout 2014, the 'Canes have outscored their opponents 101-35 during the opening frame, and that must continue Saturday night because Virginia fights a 68-65 deficit after kickoff.
Win the Fourth Quarter
Five of Miami's 10 season outings were already decided heading into the final period. But as the six-point spread suggests, this conference matchup should be contested until the clock hits zeros.
In the five meaningful fourth quarters against Louisville, Nebraska, Duke, Georgia Tech and Florida State, the 'Canes have been outscored 40-19. Only once—opposite Duke—did Miami earn a victory.
Put simply, the Hurricanes have to finish. That, or build a blowout-sized advantage before the ultimate session arrives, which isn't easy to accomplish on the road.
Virginia's Keys to Victory
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Don't Make the Quarterback Win It
Whether it means scoring a defensive touchdown, forcing multiple turnovers or gashing Miami on the ground, Virginia must reduce the pressure on Greyson Lambert.
Though the sophomore is a decent quarterback, frankly, he's not a game-changer. The Wahoos will be forced to rely on him if they fall behind early, but that's not something Lambert has shown he can handle.
Virginia forced 17 turnovers and averaged 187.5 rushing yards during the team's four wins but managed just seven takeaways and an average of 111.7 yards on the ground throughout six losses.
Convert, Hold on Third Down
The Hurricanes have a clear talent advantage, but Virginia can overcome that by earning a situational edge—especially on third down.
So far through 10 outings, the Cavaliers have converted 40.1 percent and allowed 37.8, which are both decent, top-50 marks in the nation. Conversely, Miami has tallied 34.5 and 38.9, respectively.
If Virginia keeps the ball away from the Hurricanes offense, Kevin Parks and Co. will have a significantly better chance to win. Time of possession tends to be an overrated stat, but it's an important category for the Cavaliers against the 'Canes.
Miami Players to Watch
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Clive Walford, Tight End
Last season, 6'4" Clive Walford was seriously misused down the seams and in the red zone. This year, freshman Brad Kaaya has flipped the script.
The senior grabbed four passes for 127 yards and a touchdown against Florida State, giving him a season total of 33 catches for a career-high 522 yards and seven scores.
Virginia, on the other hand, hasn't allowed a reception to a tight end since UNC's Jake Tabb snared a 22-yard completion on Oct. 25.
The 'Noles contained Walford during the second half because Jalen Ramsey covered him. But if Quin Blanding or Anthony Harris cannot lock Walford down, he'll be utilized both as a primary target and a decoy to free downfield passes.
Nantambu-Akil Fentress, Safety
Deon Bush sustained a hamstring injury last weekend, and Golden said his status is uncertain at this time, per Matt Porter of The Palm Beach Post. If the standout junior can't go, Nantambu Akil-Fentress will receive more snaps.
Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald noted the former walk-on was recently nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, which recognizes a player who began his college career without a scholarship.
Fentress made a name for himself as a special teams standout, registering 29 tackles over three campaigns. However, the senior's production on defense has wavered. While he made a touchdown-saving tackle on Dalvin Cook last weekend, he also whiffed some tackle attempts, too.
Miami may need Fentress to carry a heavier workload, so he must be ready to step up and play a consistent game.
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Virginia Players to Watch
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Darius Jennings, Wide Receiver and Kick Returner
When the Wahoos need an explosive play, the Hurricanes must keep an eye on Darius Jennings.
The speedy senior has hauled in 24 passes for a team-high 466 yards, adding two touchdowns. As a kick returner, Jennings has compiled a 27.2-yard average, which trails the ACC's top mark by a single tenth.
What's more, Virginia has opened the playbook against Miami in recent meetings. Earlier this season, Jennings threw a pass against Duke, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him do it again.
Quin Blanding, Safety
The top-ranked safety in the 2014 class, per 247Sports, Blanding has passed the eye test for the Cavaliers.
On a well-rounded and stout defense that features Anthony Harris, Henry Coley, Eli Harold, Maurice Canady and Daquan Romero, Blanding leads the team with 102 tackles. Additionally, the freshman has registered six pass breakups and two interceptions.
With that being said, Mike Giannotto of The Washington Post notes UVA safeties coach Mike Archer knows Blanding can do much more.
"He's making tackles. He's getting them on the ground, which is important, but he hasn't quite cut it loose where you see him make that hit and knock the guy five yards backwards."
Perhaps Saturday will be the night Blanding puts it all together.
What They're Saying
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Miami
According to Navarro, a scout has taken notice of the Hurricanes' immense progress throughout the 2014 season.
"Scout told me today there might not be a more improved team in the country from Week 1 to now than the Hurricanes. Kaaya [is a] big reason."
In response, some Miami fans have complained on the Twitterverse that moral victories shouldn't exist when the team has four losses. However, there is a major difference between moral victories and clear signs of progress, which the 'Canes have constantly exhibited.
Virginia
Per Andrew Ramspacher of The Daily Progress, the Cavaliers have allowed just one 100-yard rusher during the 2014 campaign.
Johnson will enter the showdown on a six-game 100-yard streak, including a 249-yard performance against Virginia. He racked up for 150 against Virginia as a freshman but missed last season's meeting due to an ankle injury.
Prediction
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Despite the reality Miami could fall behind early, the 'Canes take a quick lead behind a steady running game. Johnson races to 50 yards during the opening frame, and Miami eventually takes a 10-point advantage into the locker room.
After the break, Virginia battles back with a Kevin Parks touchdown and closes the gap heading into the fourth quarter.
However, the Hurricanes defense earns a critical takeaway, and Michael Badgley hits a late game-sealing field goal. Miami improves to 7-4, but the Cavaliers are eliminated from bowl contention at 4-7.
Prediction: Miami 30, Virginia 20
Note: Stats courtesy of CFBStats.com.
Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
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