No. 13 Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies: How to watch, what to know, 3 keys
The No. 13 Miami Hurricanes (8-2, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) travel to face the Virginia Tech Hokies (3-7, 2-4 ACC) on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for noon from Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Here is what you need to know about the matchup.
How can I watch the Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies game?
The game will be televised on the ESPN and available to stream on the ESPN app.
Who is favored in the Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies game?
The Hurricanes are an 18.5-point favorites over Virginia Tech, according to Odds Shark as of Friday morning. The over/under is 49 points.
What is the history between the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies?
Miami is 26-15 all-time against Virginia Tech, including winners of the past four and nine of the past 12.
What were the expectations for the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies entering the season?
Miami was voted to finish second to Clemson in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference.
Virginia Tech was voted to finish 11th in the ACC.
How has the season gone so far for the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies?
The Hurricanes swept through their nonconference schedule, with wins over the then-No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, then-No. 18 USF Bulls and Florida Gators. Miami opened ACC play with a win at FSU before dropping two of its next three — losing to Louisville and SMU with a win over Stanford in between. The Hurricanes then won back-to-back games in convincing fashion over Syracuse and NC State.
Virginia Tech lost its first three games before firing coach Brent Pry. The Hokies closed nonconference play with a win over Wofford and opened ACC play with a win over NC State but have dropped four of their past five since.
What are three keys for the Miami Hurricanes against the Virginia Tech Hokies?
Win: It’s as simple as that. UM needs to win its final two games in order to have any shot of reaching the 12-team College Football Playoff. Get on the field, handle business and do what’s needed to stay in the postseason conversation.
Dominate the line of scrimmage: When Miami’s offensive and defensive lines are at their best, the Hurricanes are almost unstoppable. Play in the trenches set the pace on both ends for the Hurricanes.
Navigate injuries: The Hurricanes appear to be getting healthier. Neither running back Mark Fletcher Jr. nor wide receiver CJ Daniels were listed as having game day statuses on the initial ACC availability report for the game, while cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. was listed as probable. Getting reinforcements back at just the right time could prove key for Miami over this final stretch.
Who are three Miami Hurricanes players to watch?
Carson Beck: Regardless of what his actual stats are, the Hurricanes need their veteran quarterback to set the tone. He’s been steady the past two weeks, completing 72.5% of his passes (37 for 51) for 538 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Minimize mistakes, get the offense right early and lead the team as they navigate through a stretch of must-win games.
Jakobe Thomas: The veteran safety has forced four turnovers the past two weeks, with three interceptions and a fumble recovery in that span.
Bryce Fitzgerald: The true freshman had been primarily playing as part of Miami’s safety rotation before earning his first start last week at nickel corner in place of Scott.
Who are three Virginia Tech Hokies players to watch?
Kyron Drones: The Hokies’ quarterback is a dual-threat. While his passing stats are pedestrian this season (58.3% completion rate, 1,717 yards, 16 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions), Drones also has 578 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
Kemari Copeland: The redshirt junior defensive lineman leads Virginia Tech with seven tackles for loss and four-and-a-half sacks to go along with 39 total tackles and an interception.
Marcellous Hawkins: The redshirt junior running back has 677 rushing yards and is averaging 6.15 yards per carry. He’ll be facing the third-best rushing defense in the country in Miami, which is holding opponents to an average of 81.8 yards on the ground per game.
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