Game time: Fast facts, odds, keys to Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Latest line: Miami is favored by 19 points
TV: ACC Network
Radio: 560 WQAM, 1260 AM/94.3 FM (Spanish)
Weather: 84 degrees, 32 percent chance of precipitation
Online: sunsentinel.com/um; @ABLichtenstein on X (formerly Twitter)
Quick slant: Miami picked up a much-needed victory over Clemson, but Virginia had the stunning upset with a road win over North Carolina. The Hurricanes, who are 19-point favorites, will need to fend off the Cavaliers’ second straight upset attempt.
About Miami (5-2, 1-2 ACC): Mario Cristobal picked up his first ACC home win against Clemson last week, and the victory prevented a three-game losing streak. The Hurricanes had maybe their best defensive performance in their win over the Tigers, and the offensive line was dominant.
About Virginia (2-5, 1-2 ACC): The Cavaliers entered last week having one victory (against FCS William and Mary). They ended the weekend with an impressive win over then-No. 10 North Carolina. Despite its five losses, Virginia has played in several close games, losing three of their five defeats by a combined seven points (and suffering blowout losses to Maryland and Tennessee).
Three things to watch
1. Miami starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke missed UM’s win over Clemson due to injury, but Cristobal said the team expects him back for this week’s game. We will have to see if he takes the field. But if he does not, the Hurricanes have a capable backup in Emory Williams, who did enough to get the win against Clemson.
2. The Cavaliers had a well-balanced offense in their win over the Tar Heels. Quarterback Tony Muskett completed two-thirds of his passes for 208 yards. He added 66 yards on the ground. Mike Hollins ran for 66 yards and three scores, while Perris Jones added 67 rushing yards. Wide receiver Malik Washington, a Northwestern transfer, had 115 receiving yards. Washington leads the ACC with 783 receiving yards. The Hurricanes will have to put up another strong defensive effort to limit the Cavaliers.
3. Miami changed up its defense against Clemson, moving from a 4-2-5 to a 3-3-5 for much of the game. The change was a tactical one and one brought on by circumstances — the Hurricanes are down two starting defensive ends. The changes worked exquisitely, as Miami held Clemson to 20 points (17 in regulation). After UNC ran for more than 200 yards against UM, the Hurricanes held the Tigers to 31 rushing yards. Keep an eye on whether Miami sticks with the 3-3 defensive front or moves back to a 4-2.
