We’re only on game five of the 2019 season and the Miami Hurricanes are already in a must win situation as Virginia Tech comes to town. After a lackluster showing against Central Michigan and a loss in conference already on the books the ‘Canes will have to prove that there’s something special to ‘the new Miami’ before early season expectations become distant memories.
A bye week came at an opportune time for Miami Head Coach Manny Diaz as the ‘Canes begin a six game stretch of in-conference games that will certainly dictate whether they will play for the ACC championship in 2019. Diaz was encouraged by what he’s seen from his team with this time to prepare and expects a good showing from his team Saturday.
“We’re expecting a great atmosphere.” Said Coach Diaz “It should be a great game. Like I said, we’re just excited to go and play. We probably had our best practice of the year yesterday. The guys came back – we had a couple days off – and guys came back with high energy. You can just feel their sense of urgency, that it’s time.”
Virginia Tech, not to be outdone is in win now mode as well after a crushing 45-10 loss to Duke at home the previous week. The Hokies would need a miracle to dig themselves out of an 0-3 start in conference play. Tech does rely heavily on the performance of their defense and with a struggling Miami offensive line the Hokies do have an opportunity to disrupt the game on that side of the ball.
The ‘Canes strengths also reside on the defensive side of the ball and look to smother Virginia Tech with a very strong front seven. Former VT defensive end Trevon Hill, now a Miami Hurricane seems to be the guy who’s the most fired up on either team to get this game started.
“I couldn’t even express to you how bad I want to play in this game” Said Hill. “We have a great relationship. Me and the guys are close…It was hard to leave, but I’m here now. I’m happy to be with these guys.”
They key to the game will be Miami’s offense and whether or not they can move the ball with any consistency. A troubled offensive line has been a plague all year and even with the bright spots quarterback Jarren Williams has shown, more stable line play could have taken his early progression to another level. Expect the ‘Canes to feed running back DeeJay Dallas and company early as they look to establish dominance in the trenches and if they do so they should come away with this one.
Prediction: Miami 24 – VT 17
- Darrell Wilkinson TheSkyBoat.com
- Follow us on Twitter @TheSkyBoat.com
- @DarrellW_Sports
For all of your sports news be sure to checkout www.theskyboat.com
