Virginia Tech vs. Miami: Complete Game Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies (3-3, 1-1) snapped a two-game losing streak and picked up their first ACC win of the season with last week's 28-13 victory over N.C. State.
Next up for the Hokies: longtime rival Miami (3-2, 0-1).
The Hurricanes have their own two-game losing streak riding into this weekend's pivotal ACC Coastal Division contest. After beginning the 2015 season 3-0, the 'Canes have lost two in a row to Cincinnati and Florida State.
Miami and Virginia Tech were supposed to be battling it out for Coastal supremacy every season when the two schools joined the ACC back in 2004. However, much to the chagrin of league officials and observers, that hasn't been the case.
The Hokies have represented the division five times in the ACC title game and have won four league titles. Miami has yet to win the Coastal Division.
The Hurricanes lead the all-time series 19-13 and won last year's meeting decisively. The Hokies have won eight of the past 12 meetings between the fierce rivals.
- When: Saturday, October 17, 2015
- Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPNU
- Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. Here is a complete list of stations by area
- Spread: The Hurricanes are presently six-point favorites, via Odds Shark
Virginia Tech's Keys to Victory
1 of 6
Run the Football
Miami enters this week's game ranked No. 71 defending the run. The 'Canes allow 169 yards rushing per game, and opposing running backs average almost five yards per rush.
The Hokies got back to running the football with success in last week's win over N.C. State. Tech ran for 200 yards with freshman Travon McMillian leading the way with 96 yards on the ground.
The Hurricanes are good against opposing passing games. Virginia Tech should exploit Miami's run defense, which could open up some big plays down the field for Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges.
Keep the Pressure on Brad Kaaya
Miami sophomore quarterback Brad Kaaya appears to be the real deal. He is completing 61 percent of his passes this season for 1,499 yards along with eight touchdowns versus only one interception. Kaaya wasn't particularly good against the Hokies last fall, completing just seven of 16 passes for 92 yards. He didn't need to be, though, as Miami ran for over 300 yards against Bud Foster's defense.
While the Hokies' run defense hasn't been as stout as usual this fall, don't expect the 'Canes to run for over 300 yards again. More will be expected from Kaaya, and limiting him should be Tech's top priority.
If Virginia Tech's defensive line can't get pressure, Foster should send a variety of different looks to potentially confuse Kaaya. Containing Kaaya is the Hokies' best chance to win an important battle on the road.
Miami's Keys to Victory
2 of 6
Win One-on-One Matchups
Virginia Tech has battled some injuries on defense, including the loss of All-American cornerback Kendall Fuller. That's good news for Kaaya and Miami's veteran wide receivers.
Rashawn Scott is Miami's leading receiver with 29 receptions for over 400 yards on the season. Along with Scott, the 'Canes also have Herb Waters and Stacy Coley on the outside. All three players are capable of taking over games. With Fuller out, VT is starting redshirt freshman Terrell Edmunds at one spot, and true freshman Mook Reynolds is the nickelback.
While both players are talented, they lack experience.
Scott, Coley and Waters should be able to win their share of one-on-one matchups. If they can do so, the Hurricanes likely win this game.
Limit Bucky Hodges and Isaiah Ford
Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Ford is having an outstanding season. Opponents know Ford is getting the ball, but they still can't stop him. Miami needs to limit Ford's touches in the passing game.
Tight end Bucky Hodges, a 6'7", 241-pound specimen, is one of the more talented pass-catchers in the nation. However, he has yet to have a breakout game this fall. Teams are routinely double-teaming the sophomore and limiting his damage in the red zone.
The Hurricanes must do the same with Hodges. If he starts making plays, Miami is in trouble. It opens up more opportunities for fellow tight end Ryan Malleck and receiver Cam Phillips.
Miami should focus on stopping these two in particular. If the 'Canes are successful, Virginia Tech will struggle on offense.
Virginia Tech Players to Watch
3 of 6
Tight End Bucky Hodges
Hodges has caught just four passes in the previous two games. For Tech to improve on offense, it needs more from the gifted sophomore.
While opponents have made stopping Hodges a priority, the offensive coaching staff must do a better job of utilizing him and his size. Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler should move Hodges around the line of scrimmage, whether as an outside receiver, in the slot, from the traditional tight end position or in the backfield.
Hodges has terrific size, but he's also extremely impressive with the ball in his hands. He should begin receiving more opportunities in the short passing game, which will open up something downfield for him later in the game.
Free Safety Chuck Clark
The junior free safety is Tech's leader in the secondary. A corner last season, Clark took over at free safety this summer and has played extremely well. He leads the Hokies in tackles and is responsible for making sure the young secondary is lined up correctly on each play.
Outside of Brandon Facyson, expect some of VT's young secondary to have problems with Miami's experienced receivers. That's where it's Clark's job to make sure each player knows his respective assignment.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Miami Players to Watch
4 of 6
Quarterback Brad Kaaya
Kaaya is having a strong sophomore season after a tremendous freshman year last fall. He can make plays all over the field and is comfortable running Miami's offense and even changing plays at the line of scrimmage.
He'll face a lot of pressure against the Hokies.
While Virginia Tech's pressure hasn't shown up in the sack column this fall, it typically gets after opposing quarterbacks as well as any defense in the country. How Kaaya deals with that pressure could determine the outcome of this game.
Linebacker Raphael Kirby
Senior Raphael Kirby is off to a strong start in the 2015 season. He's the latest talented inside linebacker for the 'Canes, replacing Denzel Perryman.
Look for the Hokies to try to run the ball right at Miami this weekend. Not only has Miami struggled against the run at times, but the Virginia Tech offense wants to make things easier for its quarterback, whether that's Brenden Motley or Michael Brewer.
Kirby is the key to Miami's run defense. He must be able to get off blocks and attack from sideline to sideline. If VT's blockers get to the second level often, it could be a long day for the Hurricanes defense.
What They're Saying
5 of 6
Virginia Tech
There's no word on Michael Brewer's availability for this week's game yet. Head coach Frank Beamer isn't concerned, though, as he's happy with Brewer or Motley under center, per Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times.
"We’ve got two quarterbacks that can win a football game for us. That’s the bottom line," Beamer said. "That’s good for Virginia Tech."
Loeffler sees progress with Brewer's injury.
"He was much better, and we were able to get him out and get him more reps and have him practice a heck of a lot more than he has been practicing," Loeffler said. "So it came down to basically a game-time decision, and he just wasn’t ready to go out and play yet."
Miami
Is Miami coach Al Golden on the hot seat? He doesn't believe so, per Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald:
"No, I don’t feel any pressure. I just focus on my job, my team. I love this team. They come to work every day. There are no distractions. They are really selfless This team is doing a lot of things well. They just need that one moment where they can capture that and bottle it and get it in our locker room and keep it for a long time — and build on it.
"
Prediction
6 of 6
Miami has lost two games in a row, while the Hokies just snapped a two-game losing streak. Picking the Hokies almost seems too easy.
But it isn't.
Miami dominated Virginia Tech on both sides of the ball in 2014. While these are different teams, much remains the same.
If the Hokies can keep this one close until the fourth quarter, they can win this game. By keeping it close, that means Virginia Tech's running game is having a good day. However, while this one may indeed come down to the final drive, Miami will prove to be just too strong for the Hokies and pull away. It will get its first ACC victory of the season.
Prediction: Miami 24, Virginia Tech 20
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
