Miami Hurricanes Vs. Virginia Tech Hokies: Three Players to Watch for
By Juan Toribio
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Here we go again. Yet another primetime opportunity for the Miami Hurricanes, and this one might determine their end-of-the-season outcome. Miami travels to Blacksburg, Virginia to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in front of a raucous Lane Stadium crowd on a Thursday night. Frank Beamer’s teams have made a living of eating teams up on Thursday night’s and Al Golden’s squad better hope they aren’t the next pray.
In order for the ‘Canes to come out with a conference victory against the Hokies, here are the three players they need to be aware of at all times.
Marshawn Williams
We all know the defensive struggles Miami has had the last couple of years, especially the struggles stopping the run. Well, Miami’s defense has yet another tough task at hand trying to bring down Marshawn Williams. The 5’11” 229 freshman (!!) is a beast. He’s looking to absolutely maul defenders and he’s had success doing so. Williams had a sprained ankle that kept him out for the Pittsburgh game last Thursday night, but he’s listed as probable and she should be ready to go against the Hurricanes. Gang tackling will be absolutely required on Williams, or he’ll have his way with Miami defenders.
Defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio better have something on deck to slow down Williams or we’ll be waking up to yet another 200+ rushing yards allowed box score the next morning. The freshman leads the Hokies with 337 yards on 85 carries, while getting into the end zone three times.
Bucky Hodges
Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips are Virginia Tech’s leading wide outs this season. However, the Canes have gone up against some talented receivers this season, so I’m not too concerned there. One thing the Canes defense hasn’t seen — probably since the Louisville game — is a tight end with Bucky Hodge’s ability.
Hodges is a 6’6” 244 pound redshirt freshman and he’s accounted for 289 yards for the Hokies on 20 receptions this season. The big tight end is also tied with Isaiah Ford for the team lead with four touchdowns this season. I’m mostly concerned because I don’t know how well the ‘Canes defenders (especially the linebackers) will do in pass coverage. With the zones that the Canes play, Hodges will be able to pick the open spot and cause some damage against Miami’s defense. Guys like Jermaine Grace and Denzel Perryman will have to take on the responsibility of preventing Hodges to get into a rhythm, especially at the start of the season.
Dadi Nicolas
First of all, his name is pronounced “Daddy”, so how cool is it that he can say, “you can call me daddy”? I think that’s pretty sweet.
Anyway, back to football. To go along with his cool first name, Dadi Nicolas is a pretty good pass rusher. Nicolas is second on the team with 4.5 sacks this season, but leads the team with 21 quarterback hurries. The 6’4” 231 pound end out of Delray Beach, Florida will be looking to get loose on the edge and hit Brad Kaaya before he can get the ball out to his playmakers.
Kaaya needs to be aware of where Nicolas is at all times. Nicolas and Ken Ekanem will be a terror for the ‘Canes if the offensive line doesn’t continue it’s improved play. Hopefully Trevor Darling and company control the line of scrimmage and protect Kaaya, while also giving Duke Johnson some room to run.