Miami's division title hopes took a significant hit when the Hurricanes lost to Duke last weekend, but they aren't toast just yet, and they'll need to make sure they're prepared to handle a struggling Virginia Cavaliers team on Saturday afternoon.
How to watch Virginia vs. Miami: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Here’s all the information you need in order to follow the game between the Cavaliers and Hurricanes.
Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia hasn't won a game since September and has but one win over an FBS team all year. Needless to say, it's been a miserable year for Mike London and company -- bad enough that it could jeopardize London's job. The Cavs are having a tough time on both sides of the ball; the offense scored a combined 24 points over the last two weeks, while the defense has allowed at least 35 points in each of the last four games.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Miami is 7-3 (3-3) and fell out of the rankings after losing to Duke. Unranked Virginia is 2-8 (0-6) on the year. These two teams have split their 10 all-time meetings.
Vegas: Miami is a 20-point favorite.
Weather: A high in the low 80s and partly cloudy skies are expected.
Three names to know
David Watford -- For Virginia to have a shot in Miami, Watford has got to improve on his recent play. He has thrown at least one interception in four straight games, and he has been particularly ineffective over the last two weeks, throwing for a total of 259 yards while completing less than half of his attempts.
Stephen Morris -- Morris has thrown for more than 300 yards in back-to-back games and should have a good opportunity to make it three straight. He's averaging an excellent 9 yards per attempt in 2013, though he has thrown 11 interceptions.
Allen Hurns -- Hurns has set career highs in receptions, receiving yardage and receiving touchdowns in 2013. He's been Morris' favorite target.
Two things at stake
The Coastal Division is a mess again this season, and while Miami no longer has control of its own destiny, it does still have a chance -- albeit a slight one -- at emerging on top. The Hurricanes need to win out, then hope UVA can upend Virginia Tech next week to give them a shot.
Virginia is one of two ACC teams to be eliminated from bowl contention so far, leaving the Cavaliers to play spoiler over the final two weeks. They’re still looking for their first league win.
How to witness
TV: Noon ET, ESPNU
Further reading
For complete coverage, be sure to visit UVA blog Streaking The Lawn and Hurricanes blog The State of The U.
More from SB Nation college football:
See More:
