Miami vs. Virginia Tech Prediction: Hurricanes Host Hokies in ACC Opener as League Favorite

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.

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.

The Hurricanes faced their biggest challenge of the season last week against USF, and trailed 15-14 late in the second quarter. They went on to score 36 unanswered points, shutting down a talented Bulls offense in the second half to secure a blowout 50-15 win.

Miami has jumped from 21st to seventh in the SP+ efficiency rating system by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, a seismic jump for a team in such short order. Virginia Tech has fallen from 36th in the preseason to 40th after its 2-2 start. These are two teams moving in different directions.

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Why Virginia Tech Will Win

Hurricane Helene threatens to make the conditions for this one very sloppy, and there’s a chance that could benefit the Hokies. The offense features a pair of bruising runners in Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten, each of whom has improved as the year has gone on. Drones has 177 yards and a touchdown as a runner over the last two games, while Tuten has three consecutive games of at least 115 yards and a score, with season highs of 122 yards and three scores against a good Rutgers defense last week. Virginia Tech’s defense has room for improvement, but is the best unit that Ward and the ‘Canes offense has faced thus far. If this game gets sloppy and the stands at Hard Rock Stadium aren’t full, the conditions could benefit the Hokies.

• Also see: Heisman Rankings: Colorado’s Hunter, Sanders Rise After Dramatic Win

Final Analysis

The conditions may prevent Miami from running away with things the way it has over the last four weeks, but Miami has been the far more consistent team this season, with more high-end talent and depth across the board.

Prediction: Miami 27, Virginia Tech 14

Who do you think will win Friday’s game? Sound off in the comments below.

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