The Virginia Cavaliers play host to the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon in a crucial ACC showdown from Scott Stadium. Both teams come into this one with matching 3-4 records, though are coming off of different results the last time out. Miami was stunned by Duke last weekend, while Virginia pulled a surprise of their own, taking down Georgia Tech on the road. Virginia was able to grab the win last year, snapping a two-game Miami winning streak, and with this being a pretty even series over the last handful of years, Saturday's matchup could go either way.
Miami has had a stunning start to the season and after a strong finish last year, as well as an offseason coaching change, expectations haven't been met yet this fall. The Hurricanes have only won one in their last five games, coming against Virginia Tech, one of the worst teams in the conference, and going on the road has been anything but easy for this group. They already have losses in their only two road games this season and even though Virginia is far from an elite team, the Hurricanes could struggle yet again. With the schedule only getting more difficult over the next few weeks, a win is a must for even getting into a bowl game when things are said and done.
The Hurricanes have a few injuries that they continue to navigate, though all eyes are on the status of Tyler Van Dyke (upper body). The quarterback comes into the weekend questionable and a struggling offense could find itself stalling if they can' ;t get going in this one. Adding in two injuries on the offensive line means major questions the Miami's offense.
Colbie Young has been named @ACCFootball Receiver of the Week.
He totaled six catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns against Duke on Saturday.
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Much was expecte of Miami's offense this season and while the passing attack has lived up to preseason expectations, the balance has been missing. The Hurricanes rank 12th nationally in passing but with a ranking of 94th when it comes to rushing, it's no wonder that they have struggled to control games this season. Van Dyke has been less efficient than he was to close out last season, though the lack of help at key positions hasn't helped. The good news is that Virginia's defense should give them ample chances to move the ball, which will be necessary in this one.