Game Details
- Matchup: 13 Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Tech
- Date: Saturday, 11/22/2025
- Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia
- TV: ESPN
Recent History
- Last matchup: September 27th, 2024 – Virginia Tech 34, Miami 38
- All-time series record: Miami 26 wins, Virginia Tech 15 wins
- Miami is on a current four-game winning streak against the Hokies
- Hurricanes have won the last three games in Blacksburg, Virginia
Miami Hurricanes Outlook
The Miami Hurricanes enter this contest 8-2 and are still fighting for their playoff chances. The team saw a slight rise in the recent College Football Playoff rankings, and they can’t afford to lose another
game, as they don’t control their destiny to the ACC title game. They will most likely have to earn an at-large bid to make the College Football Playoffs.
The bread and butter of this team is the elite defense, led by superstar edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and his running mate Akheem Mesidor. Jakobe Thomas has been a stud the last two games, forcing four turnovers in that span, and has stepped up big time as the defense has been without Keionte Scott and OJ Frederique Jr. According to Mario Cristobal, Frederique should be back for Saturday’s game, as it’ll be a big boost to the secondary room. Corey Hetherman has done a fantastic job this season revamping this defense as they’ve been playing like one of the best units in college football. They are one of the main reasons why Miami is still fighting for a playoff spot and may be the sole reason why they get in (if they take care of business).
On the flip side, you don’t know what you are getting from this Hurricanes’ offense. They can either be really good or really bad. The middle ground doesn’t exist as much for this offense, and it’s been inconsistent to say the least. Carson Beck is coming off a great game against NC State, recording 291 passing yards and three touchdowns. He completed 77.8% of his passes and did not throw an interception. He has looked better in the last two games, but he needs another great performance on the road this week.
He should have WR CJ Daniels back against Virginia Tech. It’s unclear if Mark Fletcher Jr. will return in the backfield, but a lot of us are intrigued with freshman Girard Pringle Jr. He has rushed for 171 yards, averaging seven yards per carry over the past two games. Another freshman, who is undoubtedly the best one in the country, has been the best player on the offense since day one, and that is Malachi Toney. He is a superstar and has been a consistent shining star in every game for the Canes. He should have another big game on Saturday.
Virginia Tech Outlook
There have been a lot of moving parts in Blacksburg, Virginia, as of late. First and most importantly, the Hokies hired former Penn State coach James Franklin as their new head coach. Believe it or not, this will give the team something to play for on Saturday, as the evaluation process for him begins now, and as he maps out what he wants for this program. He was introduced earlier this week, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will show his face to the fans for the first time in Lane Stadium. The crowd should be bumping and have reasons to be optimistic going forward.
So the team will be given some inspiration to play even harder on Saturday, but will also love to play spoiler as well to Miami’s chances of making the CFP. It will start with their QB Kyron Drones, who has been phenomenal. He has recorded 1,717 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season, but that is not what is special about him. What makes him dynamic is his running ability, which he leads the team in rushing yards with 712 and averages nearly six yards per carry. He also leads the team in rushing touchdowns with nine. To be doing this as the quarterback is very impressive, but the other running backs have contributed as well.
Marcellous Hawkins has recorded 672 rushing yards this season while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He leads the team in 10+ yard rushes with 21 as he’s been great for the Hokies. Hawkins is great with getting yards after contact, but so is Terion Stewart. He has 438 rushing yards on the season and leads the team in yards after contact per attempt.
The Hokies are a great, physical running team, and that presents problems for many defenses across the country. They suffered a 34-14 loss at Florida State last Saturday and look to bounce back at home with some optimistic momentum on their side.
What’s at Stake
- Keeping the dream alive: Miami has no margin for error anymore, as they can’t afford to lose another game this season if they want a realistic shot to make the CFP. The committee has bumped them up a bit every week; it’s time to take care of business once again.
- Power struggle in the ACC: With Jamed Franklin being introduced the week of the Miami game, don’t let the momentum of the fan base and program being excited for the future impact this game. Another great recruiter in the conference, and looking to take over the ACC.
Prediction
Road games always frighten me when it comes to the Hurricanes, and in November. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter whether the other team is having a bad season; Miami has a tendency to beat itself in these situations.
I was encouraged to see the team’s performance last week, as they looked more like the team that was dominant at the beginning of the season.
If we didn’t have Corey Hetherman as the defensive coordinator, I’d be really worried about this game. The defense has anchored this team the whole season, and they should continue their stellar play against Virginia Tech and give the offense multiple opportunities to blow this game open.
