The No. 11 Miami Hurricanes (4-1) look to garner back-to-back wins for the second time this season as they face off against Virginia (1-3).
Our 305Sports UM writers gave their take on Saturday’s primetime.
Art Moreno, Lead Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 3-1)
42-21 Miami: UVA is is currently on a three game losing streak, while the Hurricanes are coming off a strong outing against one of the better defenses in the country. Virginia will be without their starting quarterback but pose a serious threat running with two very athletic QB’s who helped the team gain their highest rushing number all year against Wake Forest.
If Miami cant hold them, it could get tough. Keying in on Keytaon Thompson when he’s lined up all over the field will be a fun matchup to watch.
I expect Miami to come out and move on offense, as UVA has their linebackers playing a lot more coverage this year, and it’s not to their strengths. The Hurricanes should have themselves a day rushing and win this game by a few TD’s.
Anthony Yero, Lead Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 5-0)
35-14 Miami: While a matchup between UM and UVA is usually a low scoring battle, the Cavaliers’ defense is nowhere near as good as it’s been in years past. They’re allowing 34.8 pointer per game, which is second-worst in the ACC – only in front of Georgia Tech. Virginia is also giving up 227 passing yards per game, which should help the Hurricanes’ offense put up a lot of points on Saturday.
Michael Yero, Lead Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 4-1)
35-10 Miami: While his play wasn’t executed to perfection last week against Pittsburgh, it was enough to lead UM to victory. Expect D’Eriq King to enter and finish Saturday’s contest against Virginia with great confidence to play the all-around football he’s respected for. Doing such will open the door for a cruising Hurricanes victory.
Jose Zarraluqui, Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 5-0)
42-16 Miami: UVA is a team the Hurricanes cannot sleep on. They put up a tough fight against Clemson, and I expect them to do the same against UM.
Miami’s offense needs to get going today is the passing game. King can’t turn the ball over, which is something he has struggled with throughout the past few weeks, and the offensive line needs to show up in the pass protection game and give King a reasonable amount of time in the pocket.
UM also needs to create gaps for their running back core. Cam’Ron Harris, Jaylon Knighton and Don Chaney all need to attack Virginia’s front seven and create opportunities for Lashlee to blow it open with shots downfield. Mike Harley, Dee Wiggins, Mark Pope and the rest of the receiving core need to create spacing, whenever they run their routes.
As for Miami’s defense, they’re going to need to step up also. Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips must be all up in Virginia’s backfields business. There is some uncertainty as to who will be starting at quarterback for UVA, so Miami’s secondary and defense as a whole needs to be prepared and play discipline football. Many adjustments will be needed throughout the game from the defensive staff considering UVA’s QB situation.
Trent Lima, Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 3-1)
42-17 Miami: The Hurricanes will dominate in all aspects of the game, as D’Eriq King will show out and prove that he’s still in the Heisman contention. The run game should return to its expected form and will add to what should be a field day for Miami versus the Cavaliers.
