Virginia Tech Hokies vs Miami Hurricanes: How to watch, start time, betting line and prediction
VIRGINIA TECH OUTLOOK
Justin Fuente's decision to keep Bud Foster around might have been his best. Foster has produced the ninth best defense in the country that allows just the second fewest points per game. Fuente's done a lot of things right, but retaining Foster has brought the Hokies back to national relevancy. If the offense continues to flourish under Fuente too, this could be a team to worry about year in and year out.
After Jerod Evans' stunning and confusing decision to leave for the NFL, the quarterback position became a big question mark. Even with Fuente's reputation working with quarterbacks, the Blacksburg faithful weren't quite sure what to expect. We all heard about Josh Jackson, but no one outside of the program was quite sure how he would do. I'm sorry Mr. Jackson, you are for real. The freshman has excelled under Fuente (shocker), and has put up stats in the air (2,032 yards and 17 touchdowns), on the ground (193 yards and two touchdowns), and has limited mistakes (just four interceptions). His favorite target, Cam Phillips, has been reliable and his stable of running backs have helped him out too. Virginia Tech doesn't have a back over 400 yards, but has seven players (including Jackson) who have rushed for at least 100. That depth will go a long ways in the future. Luckily, they don't have to score a ton to win games with the elite defense they have.
The aforementioned Foster continues to produce quality defenses, and this year it's a family affair. Tremaine and Terrell Edmunds are two of the leaders of Foster's defense, and there is a plethora of talent around them. Terrell is joined by Brandon Facyson and Greg Stroman in the secondary, while Tremaine is joined by Andrew Motuapuaka and Mooke Reynolds at linebacker (these three also lead the team in tackles). An offensive injection appears to be just what the Hokies needed, because the defense continues to play at a high level.
MIAMI OUTLOOK
It hasn't looked pretty the last couple of weeks, but the Hurricanes have yet to incur a loss. They won't be so lucky if they repeat their performances this week. Mark Richt has Miami on the rise in just his second year, and these are the kind of games that they need to win to complete that rise.
It all starts with the turnover chain. Part of the confidence that Miami is experiencing on defense is due to a Manny Diaz creation. The defensive coordinator's group is playing the best football fans have seen in a long time, and that chain is contributing. Players get a gold chain with the "U" logo on it whenever they get a turnover. That player, and those around him, go absolutely crazy, and it's one of the best sites in college football. The swag may not be completely back yet, but Richt and Diaz are certainly doing their part. The scary part on defense is that there are just two starters that are seniors. Even if this season doesn't end how they want it to, this is going to be an elite defense next year. The offense could be in a similar situation.
When you look at the depth chart offensively, you see a similar situation to the defense. There will be plenty of returning talent next year, which could make the Hurricanes legitimate contenders. Mark Walton will be back from his injury that will keep him out the rest of this year, and his backup Travis Homer will also return. Burner Ahmmon Richards will be back too and, most importantly. Malik Rosier will be back. No matter how this game goes, the future for Richt's team is looking bright.
PREDICTION
This could be a defensive slugfest, which could mean low scoring. Whichever offense is better equipped to handle that type of game will determine the outcome. Both offenses seem comparable, but I think that Miami's youth might catch up to them finally.
My pick: Virginia Tech 24 Miami 17
