The Virginia Tech Hokies travel to Hard Rock Stadium to play the Miami Hurricanes in their first conference game this season. The Hurricanes lead the series 25 to 15, including winning their last three matchups.
Finding a Quarterback
Head coach Mario Cristobal needed a quarterback during his first year. It is the most valuable piece in college football. On January 13, he found one. Cam Ward was declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He shocked the college football world when he decided to spend his final season at Miami. While his decision was a surprise, his strong play to start the season shouldn’t be. Ward leads the country in QBR and touchdown passes and is second in passing yards. All while barely turning the ball over, with only two interceptions. Ward started his career at FCS Incarnate Word before Washington State. The question was never talent but was competition and supporting cast. This made a pit stop in Coral Gables a perfect match.
Cam Ward
One of Ward’s key factors in his decision was that he would be protected. In each of Ward’s previous seasons, he’s only been sacked less than 33 times in one season. In the 2020 Covid-19 shortened season, his team only played six games. Some of Ward’s sacks have been on him looking to extend his plays. Still, he has often needed more supporting cast at Miami. Coach Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabol are two of the best at recruiting and developing offensive linemen. Ward sits behind an offensive line with over 90 starts. That includes sophomore Francis Mauigoa, Mirabol’s most talented lineman since Penei Sewell.
Ward on Offense
On offense, Ward was not the only playmaker from the PAC-12 that the Hurricanes could add this season. Oregon State transfer Damian Martinez is one of the best power backs in college football. Ajay Allen, Jordan Lyle, and Mark Fletcher round up the strong backs. Xavier Restrepo gives Ward a go-to target at wide receiver. Other names to look out for include Isiah Horton, Jalcoby George, Elijah Arroyo, and Samuel Brown.
Virginia Tech Rebound
Virginia Tech is looking to rebound after losing to Rutgers this weekend. Coming into the season, the Hookies brought back more starters than any team in the nation. They were supposed to be the sleeper team in the ACC. It must start on the ground if Virginia Tech can pull the upset. Their strong rushing attack powers Virginia Tech. It is led by running back Bhayshul Tuten and quarterback Kyron Drones. Tuten is leading the ACC with 391 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Drones is in the top 15 with 209 yards and two touchdowns. This will go against a top-ranked Miami defense, including the top three against the run. The Hokies will also have to improve their passing game, which ranks near the bottom of the ACC. The matchup to watch will be Miami linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and Tennessee transfer Tyler Baron against Virginia Tech’s running game.
What is Next
Last year, Mario Cristobal’s Miami team finished 44th in CAPE (Coaching Above Performance Expectations) by beating our line by an average of 1.3 points per game. Brent Pry’s Virginia Tech team finished 23rd in the CAPE ratings in 2023 by beating our line by an average of 4.7 points per game. Will Virginia Tech’s running game lead the Hokies to victory? Will Miami and Cam Ward continue their magical season in conference play? Find out with University Foot-Ball.
Author – Tarohn Finley
