Josh Jackson and the No. 13 Virginia Tech Hokies face a pivotal conference battle against Malik Rosier and the No. 10 ranked Miami Hurricanes with the winner taking control of their fate in the ACC Coastal division. These teams will square off at 8 p.m. ET on ABC (live stream).
Virginia Tech vs. Miami 2017 live stream: Time and how to watch online
Who will take control of the ACC’s Costal Division?
Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images
Virginia Tech, fresh off a rain-soaked thrashing of Duke, heads into a pivotal game that will define their season. Virginia Tech has had a great year to date with their only loss being against No. 3 Clemson. The Hokies’ defense will have to dominate the way it has all season long. The Hokies allow 11.5 points per game; only Alabama at 9.8 per game holds teams to fewer points allowed. Slowing down the the Canes’ fifth-ranked passing attack will be paramount for Virginia Tech in deciding who wins this game.
Miami has played close games all season long: the last four wins for them were all won by only one score. While it’s comforting to win close games, none of their opponents were exactly elite college football teams. This game will provide a true test to see just how good this Miami team is. The Canes, like the Hokies, rely on a stout defense to win, allowing 18.7 points per game, third best in the ACC. Miami accomplishes this with fantastic quarterback pressure, including 25 sacks and 11 interceptions.
Time, TV Channel, and streaming info:
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN.com
Odds: Miami is favored by 1.5 points
Virginia Tech vs Miami News:
- Underclassmen are paving the way for Virginia Tech
It was sophomore Deshawn McClease who led the Hokies in rushing. McClease carried the ball 15 times for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Every week, freshman receiver Sean Savoy continues to get better. The Hokies were struggling to put some distance between themselves and the Blue Devils and just before halftime, Savoy goes up and snags a Jackson pass and falls into the end zone to give Tech a 17-3 lead. It was a huge play when the Hokies really needed something big on offense.
It speaks volumes of the trust level between Jackson and Savoy. He put the ball out there trusting his receiver to come down with it. Savoy did just that.
- The Hokies’ run offense looks strong coming off one of its best performances
The Hokies ran the ball 48 times, earning 187 yards and a 3.9-yard average per rush. The VT defense provided another stifling performance. Duke only earned 183 yards and Jones was hurried and hit multiple times. Next week the Hokies and Hurricanes meet. Before the season started it was assumed that this game would determine the Coastal, and by all accounts that seems to be the case.
- Miami’s season hinges on the next two weeks
With the CFP committee already having a low estimation of Miami, despite an undefeated record, the Canes can ill-afford a loss in either of the next two weeks. For Miami, there will be no such thing as “a phenomenal loss”, as analyst Jesse Palmer described ND’s loss to Georgia. Any loss this season, even to No. 3 Notre Dame, will drop Miami from CFP consideration. I don’t like it, but that’s the fact of the matter.
- RJ McIntosh’s havoc-wreaking ways must continue for a Miami victory
Following yet another strong game vs. North Carolina, Miami Hurricanes DT RJ McIntosh was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week on Monday afternoon.
McIntosh has been flat out dominant this season, and his performances in the last two games has been proof positive of that fact. And, while his stats are very good for a DT, McIntosh’s strong play has helped his fellow DL make plays in key situations for the Cane all season long.
Will either offense be able to move the ball?
Both teams rank in the top five in the ACC for points per game average and in points allowed per game, meaning something has to give. This game will come down to how effectively the defenses can preform. This game could easily be a lowing-scoring defensive slugfest. Virginia Tech should especially be concerned considering Miami’s vaunted pass defense will be looking to feast on their freshman quarterback. If their freshman can play with poise and orchestrate the offense then the Hokies will have a great chance at beating Miami.
Virginia Tech vs Miami Prediction:
Miami wants to prove itself to the selection committee that apparently doesn’t value its undefeated schedule. It can go a long way in doing so with a statement win over Virginia Tech. But, I don’t think they’ll get that statement win. I think the Hokies’ underclassmen continue their great season and overcome an overrated Miami team. The Hokies should pull out a nail biter over over Miami and take control of the ACC Coastal Division.
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