The ACC has not exactly been headlines with consistency this season. While most teams in the conference have talent on both sides of the ball, they fail to display it on a regular basis causing for some odd and lopsided games. The Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies are no exception to this as they push to remain fighting for a conference title. With little chance at the College Football playoffs, they hope to at least provide an entertaining Thursday matchup.
Virginia Tech cannot find at identity as a team. They have talent, but only show it in spurts. They managed to upset Ohio State, but then lost to Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh. Quarterback Michael Brewer might be color blind as he is a turnover machine with 11 interceptions to his name. He is completing 61 percent of his passes, but averaging just 6.3 yards per pass which is not very good. Replacing Logan Thomas is no easy task, but he is failing to succeed at it altogether. The Hokies have the receivers to make the pass offense work. The team has six receivers that have 11 catches or more to their name. Four of those receivers have 20 catches. Their numbers are not overwhelming but they are productive when the ball comes their way. Meanwhile their ground game took a hit when Marshawn Williams got hurt. Shai McKenzie will take his spot while having 53 yards on the year.
Virginia Tech will have to win this game on defense which ranks well in the league. They are easily the best unit Miami has seen this year. Freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya has a nine interceptions with 16 touchdowns while getting saved 12 times this year. While Kaaya has exceeded most expectations this season, he cannot afford costly mistakes in this game because the Hokies have a defense that will make him pay for it. Miami's ground game will be the x-factor. The tandem of Duke Johnson and Joe Yearby are averaging seven yards per carry. The Hokies rank 29th in run defense which could be the matchup to watch.
