Miami vs Virginia: Final Score Predictions
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With the Miami Hurricanes a huge point-spread favorite over the Virginia Cavaliers, many expect the Canes to win this game going away. That being the case, this UVA team did just go on the road and knock off North Carolina 31-27.
Perhaps this will be a closer game than some believe, or not? Here's what each member of the AllHurricanes staff believes will happen.
Brian Smith, Publisher - Miami 31 Virginia 17
With Tyler Van Dyke back in the lineup but still coming off an injury, plus both teams wanting to be run-first offenses, this will be a contest decided in the trenches. Keep in mind, however, the Canes are one of the nation's best rushing teams.
Versus Clemson, 38 carries, 211 yards, a 5.6 average, and 2 rushing scores. That's not good for the Cavaliers. Virginia's rushing defense is only No. 103 versus FBS opponents by allowing 176.3 yards per game. That's awful.
Even though the clock will grind down like UVA will likely prefer, the Canes will gash the Cavaliers' defense and run for over 200 yards once again. Van Dyke will hit some shots, but this contest is simply about beating up on UVA.
On defense, that man Rueben Bain, Jr., he's going to be a menace yet again. Another sack and he leads a good defensive effort that keeps UVA below 325 yards of total offense. It's close throughout, but Miami pulls away during the fourth quarter for the win.
Alex Donno, Podcaster/Publisher - Miami 34, Virginia 13
Sure, Virginia might be riding a massive wave of momentum after shocking North Carolina last week. However, the idea of a bad football team winning back to back road games at Carolina and Miami seems unlikely here, even in the wild world of ACC football.
Miami's will hold big advantages in the trenches on both sides. The Hurricanes gave up zero sacks and only four QB pressures last week. The Canes boast the 8th ranked rushing defense in the country. Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr recorded 10 QB pressures, the most in the country for week 8.
Miami will likely get starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke back after missing last week's win over Clemson with a leg injury. Miami should be able to run the ball, but mixing in some big plays in the passing game will make Virginia's lives even more difficult.
As long as the Hurricanes avoid the catastrophic mistakes that plagued them against Georgia Tech and North Carolina, they should be able to pick up a routine victory.
Liam Willerup, Writer - Miami 30 Virginia 21
Last week's win versus Clemson was a relief, as Miami avoided a three game slide that surely would've derailed a promising season. Now with Tyler Van Dyke expected back after Emory Williams helped lead the team the victory, the offense should be able to push downfield more willingly.
While the spreads in Vegas see this as a cake walk game for Miami, it can't be overlooked that Virginia took down North Carolina this past week. As long as Miami can stay on the positive side of the turnover differential, there shouldn't be many problems.
Expect a run-heavy attack by Miami, and the Hurricanes defense to be flying across the field forcing turnovers. I don't see a massive blowout, but Miami will play this game conservatively come the second half.
Corey Carmona, a.k.a. Chalupa Batman - Miami 38, Virginia 17
The key to victory for Miami lies in their ability to maintain dominance in the trenches on offense while minimizing big plays in the secondary on defense. On the other hand, Virginia has demonstrated their resilience as a formidable opponent, with three of their five losses coming by a margin of three points or less.
For Miami to secure a comfortable win, their defense needs to be at its best. A stingy defense that can stop the run, apply pressure on the quarterback, and create turnovers will be instrumental in their efforts to control the game. Look for guys like Rueben Bain Jr, Branson Deen and Leonard Taylor III to shine on the defensive line for the Canes this week.
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s return from injury adds an extra dimension to their passing game, which will complement their already dominant rushing attack. A versatile offense that can stretch the field with long passes and grind it out with a powerful rushing game will keep Virginia's defense guessing and on their heels. With a stingy defense and a balanced offensive attack, Miami should come away with a comfortable victory against The Cavaliers.
Rowdy Baribeau, Writer - Miami 34, Virginia 13
I don't expect much of a challenge for Miami in this contest. After a gritty victory against Clemson, I believe Miami has found a resurgence within itself. Miami had a tough stretch of close losses against Georgia Tech and North Carolina. Gut-wrenching losses, one might say.
Miami rebounded extremely well against Clemson, especially when it came to getting the run game going. I expect Don Chaney Jr., Ajay Allen and Henry Parrish Jr. to have big performances against UVA, who have allowed 1,205 yards on the ground and 15 touchdowns.
As far as UVA's offense goes, it will be extremely difficult for the Cavaliers to establish a run game against Miami. Miami has one of the nation's best run defenses and the Cavs are averaging three yards per carry. Miami undoubtedly has the advantage in the trenches.
With Tyler Van Dyke back in the fold, I also expect Miami to go vertical more than they did against Clemson and even North Carolina. Colbie Young has been slightly quiet ever since Miami's victory over Temple. He did have a couple of huge grabs in the Clemson game, but it is important to get a guy with his athleticism the proper targets.
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