Miami Hurricanes Football Team Looks to Extend Winning Streak Against Virginia Tech
The Miami Hurricanes have been on fire to start the 2024 college football season, boasting a perfect 4-0 record for the second consecutive year. With their sights set on improving to 5-0 for the first time since 2017, the Hurricanes are determined to assert themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
Their next challenge comes in the form of the Virginia Tech Hokies in a highly anticipated Friday night matchup to 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 spot. The odds are in Miami’s favor to not only win the conference but also make a run for the College Football Playoff.
Head coach Mario Cristobal and his team are eager to capitalize on the opportunity for a breakthrough season, especially after a somewhat shaky start to his tenure with a 12-13 record heading into Year 3. On the other side, Virginia Tech sees this game as a chance to play spoiler and potentially turn their season around after a disappointing 2-2 start.
Both teams are hungry for a victory, with Miami looking to solidify their dominance and Virginia Tech aiming to prove they are still a formidable opponent in the ACC. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between two East Coast college football powerhouses.
Key Matchup: Miami vs. Virginia Tech
When: Friday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: fubo (Try for free)
Star Players to Watch
Cam Ward – Miami Hurricanes: The ACC Preseason Player of the Year has been lighting up the field with his stellar performance. Ward leads the nation with 14 passing touchdowns and has been instrumental in guiding Miami’s offense to the second spot in the FBS with 605 yards per game. He has already made history as the first Miami quarterback to throw for 300 yards and three or more touchdowns in his first four starts of the season.
Bhayshul Tuten – Virginia Tech Hokies: Tuten has been a standout player for Virginia Tech, showcasing his strength in the ground game. In a recent game against Rutgers, Tuten rushed for 122 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries, bringing his season average to 97.8 yards per game, ranking third in the ACC. His consistent performance has been a bright spot for the Hokies amid some tough losses.
Rivalry Renewed: Miami vs. Virginia Tech
The rivalry between Miami and Virginia Tech dates back to 1953, with a history of classic matchups in the 1960s and 1980s. While the series officially began in the Big East, it has evolved into a modern East Coast college football rivalry that has captivated fans for decades.
Miami currently holds the series lead at 25-15, with the Hurricanes winning the last three meetings. However, since 1992, the series has been much closer, with Miami holding a slim 16-15 advantage. The recent matchups have been highly competitive, with three of the last four games decided by one score or less.
Predictions and Picks
Miami enters the game as the favorite with a spread of -17.5 points, reflecting their strong start to the season and the dynamic play of quarterback Cam Ward. With a solid team built around Ward’s exceptional talent, Miami is poised for a statement win in the ACC opener.
While Virginia Tech has shown flashes of potential, they have struggled to capitalize on their opportunities so far this season. A win against Miami would be a significant turning point for the Hokies and head coach Brent Pry, but the odds are stacked against them in this matchup.
In Conclusion
The Miami Hurricanes are on a mission to establish themselves as a powerhouse in college football, while the Virginia Tech Hokies are looking to make a statement of their own. With star players on both sides and a rich history of rivalry between the two teams, this game promises to be a thrilling showdown that fans won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting Friday night clash between Miami and Virginia Tech.