Miami vs. Virginia Tech: Previewing the Hokies' Week 6 Matchup with the 'Canes

The Virginia Tech Hokies have no time to dwell on a humbling loss to Clemson. The always-talented Miami Hurricanes come to Blacksburg in a critical ACC Coastal matchup on Saturday.

The Hokie offense owes the defense a scoring breakout after a lackluster performance against the Tigers. But it will not be easy facing off against a Miami squad that is ranked 28th in scoring defense.   

Tech's defense must overcome a devastating injury to defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins. Depth was already lacking on the front line, and the loss of Hopkins forces younger players to step up, starting this weekend.

Let's analyze the matchups to see if the Hokies can rebound.

Quarterback Play

Quarterback play for Virginia Tech has been inconsistent and mistake-prone. 

Clearly Logan Thomas is struggling to get comfortable in the pocket; this is due to inexperience, lack of confidence, poor pass protection and bad play design. Per the Clemson broadcast, only two receiving options are available on any given play, leaving no check-down options for Thomas to find.

Against Miami, Thomas can ill-afford to force throws into coverage. Like Clemson, Miami has the offensive firepower to score off turnovers. For Thomas to be successful, the coaches need to instill screens to David Wilson and check-down options to allow the young quarterback to go through his progressions. 

For Miami, Jacory Harris has been effective, completing 69 percent of his passes with six touchdowns after missing the Maryland game because of a suspension. Against Bethune-Cookman, Harris did not throw a interception for the first time in six games. He will need to be mistake-free against an aggressive Hokie secondary. 

Both quarterbacks are prone to turnovers. However, Harris is playing better right now and has the experience.

Advantage: Miami 

Running Game

The running backs for Virginia Tech and Miami are two of the most electric players in college football. David Wilson and Lamar Miller are both capable of taking over the game for their respective teams.

Wilson was the solitary star for Tech against Clemson, running for 123 yards on 20 carries. At the very least, Wilson provided a highlight run that will be shown in Blacksburg for years to come. (Hokie fans are liars if they were not sure Wilson would lose yardage 10 seconds into the run.) 

He has the chance to shine again against a Miami rushing defense ranked 105th, allowing more than 200 yards per game on the ground. Expect Wilson to touch the ball more than 30 times Saturday afternoon.

Not to be outdone, Miami's Lamar Miller is running for more than 127 yards per game and nearly seven yards per attempt. A sophomore, Miller could be a dark-horse Heisman candidate in future seasons; he is that good. And Virginia Tech will have its hands full containing him on Saturday.

Miller and Wilson will both have an impact on the result. However, Tech's run-defense is stout, whereas Miami's ability to stop the run leaves much to be desired.

Advantage: Virginia Tech 

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

A stark contrast exists between the performances of Virginia Tech and Miami pass-catchers in 2011. Hurricane receivers have been steady and reliable, whereas Hokie receivers have been inconsistent and shaky.

Injuries have certainly plagued Tech's wide receiving corps. Dyrell Roberts, the game-breaker for the Hokies, is lost for the season. Jarrett Boykin has been bothered by a hamstring injury and dropped a key pass that led to an interception last week. The tight ends have essentially been nonexistent, combining for five catches this season.

Without Roberts, the Hokies lack a breakaway threat. They will rely on D.J. Coles and Danny Coale to dink and dunk down the field in the passing game. Hopefully for Logan Thomas, the tight ends will become more involved with the offense in the coming games.

For the 'Canes, its receivers have been solid for Jacory Harris. While no one receiver has outstanding numbers, they have made significant contributions across the board and have talented tight ends ready to break out.

Advantage: Miami 

Offensive Line

One reason Logan Thomas has not had more receivers to throw to is because his tight ends and backs have had to stay in to pass protect. While excelling at run-blocking, the offensive line has struggled mightily to protect Thomas in the backfield.

This was evident against the quick pass-rushers of Clemson. Andre Branch recorded three sacks, blowing by whomever the Hokies had at left tackle. Tech will need to implement screens, draws and quick passes to protect its young quarterback in the pocket.

Miami's offensive line was touted as one of the best in the ACC before this season. The line has had its moments, playing well against Ohio State, but struggled against Kansas State. Injuries have been a factor, but better play is expected from a perennially-talented unit.

The Hokies struggle to pass protect. David Wilson has rushed effectively, but the line could do a better job of opening up holes. The line will play well, but only because of Miami's inferior defensive line. Miami has the more talented offensive line and will bring their best against the vaunted Hokies defense.

Advantage: Miami 

Defensive Line

Virginia Tech suffered a huge loss in losing junior defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins for the season due to a torn ACL. The Hokies will have to rely on freshmen Corey Marshall and Luther Maddy to fill the large shoes of Hopkins.

On the ends, J.R. Collins and James Gayle are playing well, recording a combined eight sacks thus far. Jacory Harris suffered some hits against Bethune-Cookman, and the Hokies will likewise need to create some pressure to force Harris into mistakes.

The defensive line for the Hurricanes has been nothing but disappointing through four games. Although they have 13 sacks as a unit, the line is responsible for a lackluster run-defense. The Hokies will target the front four of the 'Canes throughout this contest.

Despite the injury, Virginia Tech employs the far superior defensive line in this game. Miami's front four is a weakness that the Hokies will exploit with the run game.

Advantage: Virginia Tech

Linebackers

Virginia Tech's linebackers have improved dramatically over last season's poor performances. 

They are much faster, smarter and adept at tackling with the combination of Bruce Taylor and Tariq Edwards. Jeron Gouveia-Winslow is improved in coverage, giving the Hokies an impressive linebacker trio.

Like the defensive line, Miami's linebackers are struggling to make tackles and stop the run. That is bad news against the Hokies. Defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio had better shore up his unit's tackling before facing the elusive David Wilson.

Bud Foster has his linebackers playing extremely well. They are tackling better than they have in years and helped contain an explosive Clemson attack.

Advantage: Virginia Tech 

Defensive Backs

Two very good secondaries will be facing off in Blacksburg on Saturday. 

Virginia Tech has one of the best corners in the country in Jayron Hosley; his interception against Clemson gives him three for the season. Cris Hill, Kyle Fuller and Eddie Whitley have all played well in the secondary for the Hokies.

They will try to keep a streak of 12 straight games with an interception alive on Saturday.

Miami's secondary will welcome back safety Ray-Ray Armstrong on Saturday from his four-game suspension. His return will boost a secondary that ranks 19th in pass defense and has played admirably in his absence.

Once Armstrong gets a few games under his belt, Miami's secondary will improve greatly. In his first game back, however, Tech's secondary gets the slight nod.

Advantage: Virginia Tech 

Special Teams

Beamer Ball is Beamer Bust this season.

The field goal kicking is shaky. Extra points are being blocked.

Most importantly, Virginia Tech is ranked 118th out of 120 schools in punting average.

32.92 yards per punt. Ouch.

Miami has a distinct advantage on special teams in this game. The U has gotten consistently good kick returns from Travis Benjamin, and kicker Jake Wieclaw is perfect on the season.

For the first time in a long time, Virginia Tech can only hope to stay even in the oft-forgotten third facet of the game.

Advantage: Miami 

Coaching

Virginia Tech fans do not have much confidence in the coaching staff.

The special teams unit under Frank Beamer is struggling, and the offensive play-calling is again suspect and predictable. 

The Hokies did not play inspired football in an electric atmosphere on Saturday, and that ultimately goes back to the coaches.

Miami has played inconsistently at times this year. However, they have played in big games and have won one against Ohio State. The feeling for the Canes is that Al Golden is turning things around and is instilling confidence in his team.

Advantage: Miami 

Prediction

Virginia Tech has yet to win a game against an equally-talented opponent.

Tech's season has been characterized by penalties, turnovers and bad execution. 

Miami has similarly been inconsistent, but is very talented. Like in previous years, it is a matter of which Miami team shows up to play, though.

In previous seasons, the Hokies have had a habit of allowing teams to beat them twice. Both defenses will play well.

However, Virginia Tech looks lost on offense right now and will lose to a more confident Miami team on Saturday in a close one.

Prediction: Miami 20, Virginia Tech 13