The Virginia Tech Hokies host the Hurricanes on Saturday, as Miami will look to add another win to its resume and look good while doing so to increase its chances of making the College Football Playoff.
The CFP committee has been doing no favors to Miami in the rankings, as they still have Notre Dame ahead of the Canes, along with others.
If Miami continues to win the games they are supposed to win, like this week, everything should fall into place for them, and they can play meaningful postseason football.
Another critical conference game, and just because the Hokies haven’t been having the best of seasons, it doesn’t mean they can flip the script. They have a talented roster and a passionate fan base that will be loud.
The game is sold out, and Miami will need to impose its will early and often. Here is the one and only matchup I am looking at on Saturday afternoon.
Miami’s Run Defense vs. Virginia Tech’s Rushing Offense
It’s impressive to look at Virginia Tech’s numbers, especially the rushing statistics. They are the 23rd-best rushing attack in the country, in terms of rushing yards per game, and the quarterback leads it.
Kyron Drones leads the team in rushing yards (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.
Virginia Tech is a physical running team and can present problems for Miami. The Hurricanes are known for struggling with dynamic quarterbacks that can run, but this season, Corey Hetherman has had the defense playing like the best unit in the country every week.
Miami has the fourth-best rushing defense when it comes to allowed rushing yards per game. The Hurricanes only allow 80.7 rushing yards per game. In the last three games, the Canes have allowed 69 rushing yards per game. They have been excellent against the run, and I expect no different on Saturday.
Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. are known for their pass-rush abilities, but they have been great in stopping the run as well. They will be at the forefront of stopping it on Saturday with some help from Mohamed Toure and others.
This will be the matchup to watch, and I like Miami winning this battle.
It won’t be easy, as the Hokies are one of the best in the country at running the ball for a reason. But Miami has the coach to prepare them and the personnel to stop them.
