Miami Hurricanes Football Continues Strong Start to 2024 Season
The Miami Hurricanes are off to a blazing start in the 2024 college football season, boasting an impressive 4-0 record for the second consecutive year. They are now gearing up to face off against Virginia Tech in a highly anticipated game to kick off ACC play. The Hurricanes are determined to show the college football world that they are a force to be reckoned with and are aiming to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 2017.
Miami’s rise through the rankings has been steady and impressive, starting the season at No. 19 in the AP Top 25 poll and climbing to No. 7. Oddsmakers have pegged Miami as the favorite to win the conference and a popular pick to make a run for the College Football Playoff. Head coach Mario Cristobal and his team are now faced with the opportunity to make this season a breakthrough one, which would be a significant achievement for Cristobal, who entered his third year at his alma mater with a record of 12-13.
On the other side, Virginia Tech is looking to play spoiler and create a spark in a season that has not gone according to plan. Despite being considered a dark horse in the ACC due to their returning talent and strong finish in 2023, the Hokies have stumbled in one-score losses to Vanderbilt and Rutgers, resulting in a 2-2 start to the season. However, with the start of conference play, Virginia Tech sees a clean slate and a chance to turn their season around with a statement win against Miami.
Key Matchup: Miami vs. Virginia Tech
The matchup between Miami and Virginia Tech is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and fans can also stream it live on fubo. This game is crucial for both teams as they look to make their mark early in ACC play and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Players to Watch: Cam Ward and Bhayshul Tuten
Miami’s Cam Ward has been a standout player in the 2024 season, living up to his preseason hype as the ACC Preseason Player of the Year. Ward leads the nation with 14 passing touchdowns and has been instrumental in guiding Miami’s offense to an impressive 605 yards per game, ranking them second in the FBS. Ward’s performance has been historic, as he is the first quarterback in Miami history to throw for 300 yards and three or more touchdowns in his first four starts of the year.
On the other side, Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten has been a force to be reckoned with in the ground game. Tuten racked up 122 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries in the Hokies’ recent loss to Rutgers, boosting his season average to 97.8 yards per game, which ranks third in the ACC. Tuten has consistently surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in five of his last six games, showcasing his talent and ability to make an impact for Virginia Tech.
Rivalry Renewed: Miami vs. Virginia Tech
The rivalry between Miami and Virginia Tech dates back to 1953 and has seen its fair share of classic matchups over the years. While Miami leads the overall series 25-15, the rivalry truly took off during their time in the Big East. The 2023 season marked the first time since 1992 that Miami and Virginia Tech did not face each other in the regular season, making this upcoming game even more significant.
Prediction: Miami to Prevail
With Miami’s dynamic quarterback Cam Ward leading the charge, the Hurricanes are poised to continue their strong start to the season. The team’s solid performance at the line of scrimmage combined with Ward’s playmaking abilities make them a formidable opponent for Virginia Tech. Despite the Hokies’ talent and potential to play spoiler, Miami is expected to come out on top with a statement win in the ACC opener.
In Conclusion
The upcoming matchup between Miami and Virginia Tech promises to be an exciting and pivotal game for both teams. With Miami looking to solidify their position as a top contender in the ACC and Virginia Tech seeking to turn their season around, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Fans can tune in to watch the game live on ESPN or stream it on fubo, as the Hurricanes and the Hokies battle it out on the gridiron.
