Miami Hurricanes are Underdogs Against Virginia Tech, Maybe.
![BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 20: Running back Travon McMillian BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 20: Running back Travon McMillian](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c8c4cc45fdc081e1849d2145c52c33483cf2c4e7536ffd19f711c5204ccc5a3c.jpg)
Virginia Tech averages 3.98 yards a carry. The Miami Hurricanes average 5.23 yards a carry. Miami’s line isn’t perfect but when you have that far better a rushing average and you get a little healthier this week with Donaldson? Edge: Even
Defensive Line.
Miami has one of the deepest lines in the ACC and comes at you in waves. Virginia Tech has Trevon Hill (3.5 sacks) and defensive end Tim Settle (3.0 sacks). As a team, Miami has 24 sacks in one less game than Virgina Tech’s 19 sacks.
Despite Miami’s occasional big uh-oh in run defense (see linebackers) Miami’s defensive line is anchored by reigning ACC defensive player of the Week RJ McIntosh. Miami’s depth will pay dividends. Edge: Miami
Linebackers
Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds leads the Hokies with 68 tackles followed by Andrew Motuapuaka 59. They have anchored a Virginia Tech Rush defense only allowing 3.07 yards a rush. Edmunds and Motuapuaka have combined for 13.5 tackles for a loss, which as a duo eclipses Miami’s sophomore linebacking trio’s 12.5.
Shaquille Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud are often the focal points of Miami’s porous rush lapses on defense. (Opponents 4.1 yards a rush)
Edge: Virginia Tech