Above Image Credit: State of the U
When: Friday, Sep. 27, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Hard Rock Stadium
Channel: ESPN (check your listings)
The Miami Hurricanes look to continue their rise to the top when they host the Virginia Tech Hokies Friday night.
Cam Ward: Future Heisman Winner?
The biggest talk of the Hurricanes has to be star QB Cam Ward. A transfer out of Incarnate Word and Washington State University, the senior is now having his best season yet. In only four games, he has almost surpassed 1,500 passing yards, completed 72.4 percent of his passes, and has the second-highest QB rating in the nation.
His talent in the field has never been this noticeable by the nation. His performance is giving Miami the resurgence they have been looking a long time for.
Ward is definitely looking like a proper Heisman candidate so far, but he is going to have to kick his skills up a few notches to prove he’s good enough to be considered. A dominating performance against Virginia Tech will continue that conversation.
What Makes Miami So Good Right Now
Miami’s first four games have been nothing but pure dominance, outscoring their opponents 209-41. It’s no secret they haven’t been like this in many years.
They also have a great offense lineup with runners like junior Damien Martinez and freshman Jordan Lyle making waves. Xavier Restrepo is the team’s top receiver, but sophomore Isaiah Horton is quickly rising up the ranks too.
Don’t think the defense is being left out. LB Francisco Mauigoa has been one of the best tacklers on the team. He has a chance to rack up his numbers more if he can force the ball out of the Hokies’ hands or keep their offense from going any more forward
Virginia Tech vs. Miami: Final Prediction
When Virginia Tech lost their first game of the season to Vanderbilt, a team that is considered the worst in the SEC, heads were turned. They won the next two games, then lost to Rutgers by three points.
The Hokies managed to tie the game last week and in the first week, but they were unable to complete the comeback. It could be tough for them to make any comeback when they battle their strongest conference opponent yet.
They can’t afford to make too many mistakes. Ward is their biggest threat when he passes, so their defense has to make sure he doesn’t get a chance to throw.
However, the Hurricanes could be headed for another dominating game if the Hokies can’t figure them out in time. They finally have the right balance of offense and defense, and they intend to stay that way. I see them keeping their undefeated streak alive.