Miami and Virginia Tech each entered the seasons with high expectations, but they’ve started their years in very different manners. The Hurricanes have dominated all four of their opponents to start the season, including blowout wins over Florida and South Florida. The Hokies, on the other hand, dropped its opener at Vanderbilt and is now coming off of a home loss to Rutgers, and sits at 2-2.
Both programs entered the year with experienced quarterbacks ranked among the best in the ACC . Cam Ward joined Miami as a transfer from Washington State (who began his career at Incarnate Word), and has absolutely lit up the competition through four games for the Hurricanes. He currently finds himself firmly in Heisman discussions . Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones has struggled at points this season, with 765 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions as a passer, and 209 yards and two scores on the ground. Drones exited the Hokies’ loss to Vanderbilt early, and was held to 13-of-27 passing for 137 yards and an interception in the team’s loss to Rutgers last week.
The two ACC programs have a longstanding series dating back to 1953, with the two teams playing every year from 1992 to ’22, with the annual matchup ending when the ACC did away with divisions. The ‘Canes have a 25-15 all-time edge and have won the last three games in the series.
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Miami vs. Virginia Tech
Location: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Kickoff: Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET TV: ESPN Spread: Miami -19 Over/Under: 54.5 Announcers: Anish Shroff, Andre Ware and Paul Carcaterra
Why Miami Will Win
The Hurricanes have been the clear best team in the ACC through four full weeks of the season. Ward helms a dynamic offense with plenty of weapons and is tremendous balance. The team is averaging 52.3 points and 605 yards per game, with 800 yards on the ground and 6.1 yards per carry as a team. The ‘Canes have had 13 different players score an offensive touchdown on the year, led by wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who has been one of college football’s top pass catchers to open the season…