Miami v. Virginia Tech : The Preview

Another Miami and Virginia Tech match up is on the books, albeit much earlier in the season than we’re all used to. When these two tussle, both squads usually have eight or nine games under their belt. Not this year. Two of the ACC’s best will go toe-to-toe right out the gate.

This time around it’s the 2-0 Canes headed to Blacksburg to take on the 2-1 Hokies. Miami, flying high after an offensive outpouring against both Florida State and Georgia Tech and feeling even better overall after an improved defense showing week two. The Canes held the option-happy Jackets to 92 yards on the ground after giving up 472 yards in Atlanta last fall.

The Noles moved the ball well against the Canes week one and fell short. A week later a 512-yard and 54-point outburst at No. 7 BYU, lending some credibility to Miami’s defense and the Florida State offense.

Jacory Harris has been all-world out the gate, torching Miami’s first two opponents and proving he’s one cool customer. Though it’s early, Harris is proving he doesn’t get too high or too low. Even keel and keeping it all in perspective, J12’s demeanor is rubbing off on his teammates. Toss in tremendous playcalling by new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple and great blocking by the Canes’ offensive line and Harris has virtually been flawless behind center.

The hype this week has been tremendous. Everybody is talking Miami. Are the Canes ‘back’? How far can this team go? ESPN went so far as to hint at a Miami v. Florida national championship in Pasadena, should both teams stay on track.

While all the Cane-related media and press is a welcomed site, everyone needs to pump the brakes and come back down to earth a bit. That’s not to say UM can’t win out and reach the title game, but at 2-0 the only thing anyone should be talking about is Blacksburg and a feisty opponent in the Hokies. Next week, start thinking Oklahoma. From there, Florida A&M, Central Florida, Clemson and so on.

Simply put, don’t talk Pasadena until you prove you can reach Tampa and win.

Randy Shannon has his hands full this week regarding expectations. This has been the first time on his watch that Miami cracked the top ten and is a national story. Can Shannon keep this team level-headed? Can he keep his Canes from believing the hype? Everyone is saying the right thing when the media sniffs around looking for quotes… but mentally is this team truly focused?

We’ll find out on Saturday.

Don’t let Virginia Tech’s lackluster player and 2-1 record fool you. 106th in the country in passing offense? 107th in run defense? This is still a fundamentally sound program. Frank Beamer has his kids knowing that a win over smokin’ hot Miami will put them right back on the map and in the driver’s seat regarding the ACC Coastal division. Tech has the horses to hang.

Defensively Bud Foster has two weeks of Whipple Ball to break down. He knows his front seven needs to pressure Harris and rattle the young quarterback in a hostile environment. That said, “knowing” and “doing” are two completely different things.

Ball control is key on Saturday. With Miami’s offense now a legitimate threat, teams need to keep the ball out of Harris’ hands. The Hokies need a balanced attack, strong special teams and sound defense to rattle the potent Canes. Doable in theory, but can they realistically pull it off?

Miami’s passing attack has reigned down on it’s first two foes, but come Saturday it’s all about the ground game. The Canes need to run the ball. A steady diet of Graig Cooper and Javarris James. Get physical with Virginia Tech. Move the chains. Get on the board early. Shut down that oft hostile Lane Stadium crowd.

The Hokies will rely on special teams and defense, attempting to grind it out and win a low-scoring slugfest. Offensively this is still a program with Tyrod Taylor behind center and Bryan Stinespring calling the plays. Tech has a capable back in Ryan Williams, so Miami will obviously look to slow the ground game, forcing Taylor to win it with his legs and arm.

This game has ‘pitfall’ written all over it… for past Miami teams. In 2009, these Canes appear to know what’s up. Offensively it won’t be the high-scoring affairs this offense saw the last two weeks, but the flip side is a Virginia Tech offense that has struggled to score points.

Toss in the inability to stop the run and a strong duo of Miami backs and the Canes seem to have enough to pull out another win, earning their way to 3-0 and putting a stranglehold on the ACC Coastal division. The ground attack is the difference-maker in what should be a hard-fought ball game.

Harris has been Miami’s superstar these first few weeks, so it’s a safe bet the Hokies’ defense will be gunning for him. Whipple will take the pressure off his sophomore sensation and will ride Cooper and James to a Canes victory.

The Call: Miami 24, Virginia Tech 16

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