Virginia Tech doesn’t typically dress players with no chance of getting in the game. The Hokies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Miami and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 meetings overall. The teams meet again Saturday in Miami, and the Hokies’ preparation has included a lecture on recent history from coach Frank Beamer. “And I think he’s good to have around”.
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“The reality of it all is that they came in here and kicked our tail and ran the ball”, Beamer said. “So this year we’re going to have a chip on our shoulder, just bring it to them”.
Not all of the current Tech players’ memories regarding the rivalry are unpleasant. Redshirt junior Brenden Motley has started all five games since, and thrown for 10 touchdowns, second among all quarterback in the conference, and been intercepted only five times. The Hurricanes dropped a taut 30-26 decision and then lost to Virginia, Pittsburgh and South Carolina, the latter in the Independence Bowl, to close on a four-game skid and sentence the program to only its second losing record in 25 years.
The good news for Miami is that Kaaya’s receiving corps is rounding into shape, with Coley coming off a career-best seven catches and 137 yards, Scott averaging an ACC-best 83 receiving yards per game, Herb Waters consistent and Berrios improving. “You remember that feeling you had after that game”, receiver Isaiah Ford said.
For much of the first half, that’s how the game went. “So that wasn’t a feeling that I ever want to feel again”.
What the win means for Miami: The Hurricanes can stop answering questions about falling apart after losing to Florida State.
Last week’s loss to the Seminoles stung, but if the Canes have any hope of making this year a success, they will need to turn things around starting on Saturday. “It’s never easy”, tight end David Njoku said.
Miami crushed Virginia Tech last season on the road, and I expect the same this time at Sun Life. Miami coach Al Golden said the Hokies’ offense looks similar with either quarterback. “Both of them can move in the pocket”.
ABOUT MIAMI (3-2, 0-1): Kaaya threw for 405 yards in the loss at Florida State last week and has tossed only four interceptions in his last 12 contests after being picked off nine times in the first six games of his career. His production has come despite shaky protection and a sputtering ground game, and he won the admiration of teammates for his toughness in Tallahassee. How many more games are Virginia Tech fans going to sit through with so many mistakes? “It uplifted us and showed him being a leader”.
Yes, Miami (3-2, 0-1) is far more pass-dependent than a season ago.
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“We (‘Canes defense) have to be consistent in our preparation, we have to be consistent in our tackling, our force”, said Golden after a midweek practice. “That comes with the territory”.
