Miami Hurricanes Week 9 Preview: Virginia Cavaliers

Miami, FL – The Miami Hurricanes’ road trip against the Virginia Cavaliers was once upon a time a trap game. Not Anymore. After the embarrassing loss to Duke, the Hurricanes’ dreams of anything remotely close to a successful season are over. Now it’s the reality of rebuilding which given recent events is quite exciting to behold (see Cormani McClain). UM will try to get itself back to .500 for week nine against a Cavalier team that’s 3-4 (1-3, ACC). Virginia snapped a three-game losing streak defeating Georgia Tech 16-9 on the road hoping to build on the victory versus the banged-up Canes.

Rated in the bottom half of the ACC in terms of offense, there is one category the Cavaliers are presently ahead of the Hurricanes on: the rush. Sitting just in front of The U with 933 rushing yards, Perris Jones accounts for a big chunk of that statistic followed by starting quarterback Brennan Armstrong. Speaking of, Armstrong has the dubious distinction of leading the ACC in interceptions (9), while also tied for the second most sacks (19). He also has the lowest completion rate among league QBs completing only 55.3% of his passes.

On the defense, they’re a more middle-of-the-pack caliber. They’re actually stingier against the pass and are second in sacks (23) behind Miami and Louisville. Nick Jackson leads the team in tackles (70) which is the third most in the ACC. And so begins the matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Cavaliers.

Players to watch: Virginia

Brennan Armstrong (QB) – There’s only been one game all season where Brennan Armstrong did not throw a pick. Last Thursday he completed 20 of 35 passes for 255 yards including one touchdown and a pair of, you guessed it, interceptions. The senior out of Shelby, Ohio has recorded 1,618 yards with six touchdowns mixed in. It’s also worth mentioning the Georgia Tech game was the first time all season that Armstrong didn’t get sacked.

Did Brennan Armstrong just give a stiff arm to the referee??? pic.twitter.com/02rNYPUoX6

— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) October 21, 2022

Keytaon Thompson (WR) – Part of an aerial 1-2 punch, Keytaon Thompson made seven receptions for 89 yards last weekend. Outside of a curious rushing touchdown against Syracuse, Thompson has yet to record a receiving TD. He’s accumulated 48 catches for 538 yards this season. Averaging 11.2 yards per catch, the senior could very well end the drought this Saturday. Miami’s secondary has been burned before.

KEYTAON THOMPSON JUST COOKED A WHOLE TEAM

pic.twitter.com/vnmPXR1nZ6

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 5, 2021

Dontayvion Wicks (WR) – Virginia’s number two wideout, Dontayvion Wicks has shown explosive playmaking ability averaging 14.3 yards a catch. In their 16-9 road victory against GT, Wicks pulled off the play of the game not only staying in bounds when he evaded a defender but weaving through several Yellow Jackets for the touchdown. Hauling in 29 receptions for 416 yards, Wicks has two TDs for 2022, one in each of the last two games.

Dontayvion Wicks juked everyone on his way to the end zone 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/7TajKNCqLH

— ESPN (@espn) October 21, 2022

Nick Jackson (LB) – Switching gears to the defense, we’re going to discuss a talented individual by the name of Nick Jackson. The lead tackler of the Cavalier defense, Jackson collected eight tackles, five of them solo including two sacks in week eight. Instinctive and an explosive mover, Jackson can disrupt plays in the backfield. Considered a three-star recruit out of high school, the senior shows excellent awareness in zone coverage and is an impressive tackler. In short, he’s a quick read-and-react guy.

#UVa LB Nick Jackson on the Cavaliers’ win at Georgia Tech. pic.twitter.com/SF5Vn5zGyy

— Greg Madia (@GregMadia) October 21, 2022

Miami Hurricanes

Colbie Young (WR) – This guy is front and center. As the best player on Miami’s offense right now, Colbie Young has recorded a touchdown for three consecutive games. The sophomore is poised to make it four straight against Virginia. For 2022, he’s caught 18 passes for 280 yards and four TDs. Colbie is averaging 15.6 yards a catch, an automatic first down, and then some. His potential numbers will largely depend on who the signal caller is, regardless, he’ll be key to success at Scott Stadium.

Awesome start to the second half for @CanesFootball. 2 TDs for Colbie Young and counting today#GoCanes #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/PotJ1fJASW

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 22, 2022

Jake Garcia (QB) – On that note, if the Hurricanes go in with their backup this could drastically change the dynamic of the game. Jake Garcia certainly didn’t play like a QB2 or even a fourth string for that matter. Garcia committed five turnovers, two fumbles, and three interceptions, versus Duke. On Wednesday coach Mario Cristobal said that Tyler Van Dyke has improved a lot although his status remains unknown.

#CanesFootball 🙌
Down 17-7 at HT
Up 21-17 early 3rd QT@CanesFootball // @Gabewritesports

pic.twitter.com/AtLWuUwDnF

— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) October 22, 2022

Andres Borregales (K) – If the game for whatever reason is close, Andy could be the difference maker. Andre Borregales has been automatic in the last two games, nailing two field goals and five extra points. In a battle of inches, every little bit helps (See Texas A&M and UNC) and if The U wants to get itself back in the win column it will need to have the edge in every aspect, special teams included.

Some work from today. pic.twitter.com/HkU4kmWwJC

— Jose Borregales (@F5_Jose) October 11, 2022

Henry Parrish Jr. (RB) – The run game has been trending downward. Miami has not scored a rushing TD since playing Middle Tennessee. That’s three straight since then. Who better than Henry Parrish Jr. to end the drought? The run blocking has lagged due to hits to the O-line and unless the lanes are opened up UM will be a largely one-dimensional team this Saturday.

Miami OC Josh Gattis said he has confidence in Miami's running game and the three OL who have played every snap. Also said: "We feel like we have a really good running back in Henry Parrish."

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 24, 2022

Prediction

This one is tough to figure out. Firstly, the defense needs to impose its will. Pressuring Armstrong is an absolute must. Secondly, we need to see a balanced approach no matter who the quarterback is, and an efficient ground game. Lastly, the Miami Hurricanes need to limit their mistakes against the Virginia Cavaliers. This means keeping turnovers and penalties to a minimum for starters. I’ll lean towards the Canes 24-17.

Photo | Edwin Garcia