Virginia Tech at Miami: Game Preview and Prediction

#7 Miami Hurricanes (4-0)

Friday, September 27th

Virginia Tech (+20) @ Miami (-20); o/u54.5

7:30pm

ESPN

Hard Rock Stadium; Miami Gardens, Florida

Head Coach: Mario Cristobal 

Last time out for Miami: 50-15 W @ South Florida

 

On Offense

Offensive Coordinator: Shannon Dawson

Who’s playing QB?

Behind center for the Canes is the prolific Cam Ward. Ward, a 6’2” 233 lb senior, is a transfer from Washington State. Ward has lived up to all the preseason hype, already throwing for over 1,400 yards 14 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Maybe most impressive for Ward is his 72% completion rate. Ward has looked extremely calm and comfortable in the pocket thus far. A good decision maker, accurate passer, and leader, Ward is everything a coach wants in a QB. That’s why he’s one of the best in the nation and probably the best QB the Hokies will face all year. 

Biggest Strength?

The biggest strength for this Canes’ offense is their passing attack. As I mentioned, Ward is a flat out playmaker. The Canes have six pass catchers with over 100 yards in four games, a very impressive stat. Headlined by 5’10” senior WR Xavier Restrepo (averaging 18 yards/catch and five TDs on the year), this room has experience. The tight ends are also heavily involved, with the 6’4” junior Elijah Arroyo and 6’3” freshman Elija Lofton. Both Arroyo and Lofton have accounted for nearly 300 yards and 3 TDs combined. Sophomore WR Isiah Horton has also had an impressive 2024, a bigger target who the Canes will utilize. 

Biggest Weakness?

Well, frankly, there may not be a true weakness on this Miami offense. However, the rushing attack has been a bit slow (mainly because of the success the Canes have found through the air). RB1 for the Canes is junior Damien Martinez. At 6’0 232 lbs, Martinez averages 4.8 yards a carry. Martinez totaled over 2,000 rushing yards in 2023 and 2024 combined. Against USF a week ago, Martinez had 80 receiving yards on two catches, so don't be surprised if he catches it out of the backfield. On the offensive line, it seems like starting interior lineman Ryan Rodriguez won’t play. Despite his not playing, the Canes still have plenty of talent on the line. 

Key Matchup Battle:

While it is easy to pinpoint a key matchup battle to VT’s DBs vs Miami’s WRs, I think Virginia Tech has enough talent in its defensive backfield to compete. This will be the toughest DB unit the Canes have faced thus far, and for this reason I think it’s more important the Hokies stop the run. A week ago vs Ruther, VT contained Kyle Monangai. This week, the Hokies must do the same and limit big plays on the ground. 

MLB Sam Brumfield, WLB Caleb Woodson, and  STAR Keonta Jenkins vs. RB Damien Martinez

 

On Defense

Defensive Coordinator: Lance Guidry

Who’s the Anchor? 

DE Tyler Baron (brother of former Hokie Woody Baron). Baron, a Tennessee transfer, has been extremely impressive in 2024, racking up 4.5 sacks. Baron will cause havoc in Virginia Tech’s backfield. 

Biggest Strength?

The Miami defensive line is amongst the best in the nation. This unit has 16 sacks on the year, good for first in the nation. Against a shaky Virginia Tech offensive line, this unit may eat the Hokies up. Virginia Tech must get creative against the Canes. Drones has to be at his best and get the ball out quickly, or else it will be a long night for the Hokies in Coral Gables. Alongside Baron at DE is fifth year junior Akheem Mesidor. At 6’3” 280 lbs, Mesidor will give OT Parker Clements a tough time. 

Biggest Weakness? 

The only place where the Canes have been a bit susceptible is the DB room. A week ago vs USF, the Bulls threw for over 300 yards. Miami does have a young DB room, and the Hokies have a chance to capitalize on the outside. But I don’t think that's how the Hokies have a chance to win this game. Tuten (assuming he’s fully healthy) needs to be involved heavily. Taking control of the game on the ground and winning time of possession, keeping Miami’s offense off the field is how the Hokies can create some sense of hope and momentum. Virginia Tech will have a tough time creating space on the edge. I think the Hokies must run in between the tackles with Tuten, with the occasional flare out pass to him as well. Virginia Tech’s only glimmer of strength on the O-line is the interior blockers. 

 

Prediction

The Hokies will put up a fight early, scoring first and putting themselves in position to make it a game, but the Canes’ high powered offense will ultimately prove to be too much for the Hokies, and Virginia Tech will drop to 2-3. 

Miami 35 - Virginia Tech 24