Miami Hurricanes are on fire in the 2024 college football season, boasting a flawless 4-0 record and aiming to make it 5-0 for the first time since 2017. The team is eager to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football. Their upcoming game against Virginia Tech promises to be a thrilling showdown under the Friday night lights as they kick off ACC play.
Miami has been steadily climbing the rankings, starting the season at No. 19 in the AP Top 25 poll and rising to an impressive No. 7. Oddsmakers have labeled Miami as the favorite to win the conference and a popular pick to make it to the College Football Playoff. The pressure is on for head coach Mario Cristobal and his team to capitalize on this opportunity for a breakout season, especially as Cristobal carries a modest 12-13 record into his third year at his alma mater.
On the flip side, Virginia Tech sees this game as a chance to play spoiler and reignite their season. Despite being pegged as a dark horse in the ACC due to their returning talent and strong finish in 2023, the Hokies have fallen short in close losses to Vanderbilt and Rutgers, resulting in a 2-2 start to their season. However, with conference play now in full swing, a win against Miami could be just what they need to turn their season around under the guidance of head coach Brent Pry.
The highly anticipated Miami vs. Virginia Tech game is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN or stream it on fuboTV.
Key Players to Watch:
Cam Ward – Miami’s star quarterback has been a standout player in the 2024 season, leading the nation with 14 passing touchdowns. Ward has been instrumental in guiding the Hurricanes’ offense, which currently ranks second in the FBS with an average of 605 yards per game. His impressive performance has set him apart as the first quarterback in Miami history to throw for 300 yards and three or more touchdowns in his first four starts of the season.
Bhayshul Tuten – Virginia Tech’s running back has been a powerhouse in the ground game, racking up 122 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries in a recent game against Rutgers. Tuten currently averages 97.8 yards per game, ranking third in the ACC. With a track record of surpassing 100 yards rushing in five of his last six games, Tuten is a key player to watch as the Hokies look to turn their season around.
Rivalry Renewed:
The Miami vs. Virginia Tech rivalry 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 competition has been fierce, with the Hurricanes winning the last three meetings. The rivalry took on new significance in the Big East and has continued to be a highly anticipated matchup in the ACC.
Prediction and Picks:
Miami’s dynamic quarterback Cam Ward gives them a clear advantage in the upcoming game against Virginia Tech. With a strong team built up at the line of scrimmage and a difference maker like Ward under center, the Hurricanes are poised for a statement win in the ACC opener. The prediction is in favor of Miami with a pick of Miami -17.5.
In Conclusion:
The Miami vs. Virginia Tech game promises to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams in the ACC. With Miami’s red-hot start to the season and Virginia Tech’s determination to turn their season around, fans can expect an intense battle on the field. As the two teams face off under the Friday night lights, all eyes will be on the players as they vie for victory in this highly anticipated matchup.
