Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Cavaliers: Week 7 Five things to watch

Coming off the emotional win at Florida State the Miami Hurricanes head to Charlottesville, Virginia to play the Virginia Cavaliers.

The Miami Hurricanes enter the game 5-1 and 2-0 in the ACC. Virginia is 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the ACC. They defeated Louisville and lost to North Carolina State. The Cavaliers had a bye last week.

Both Miami and Virginia enter their matchup with each having one of the best defenses in the country. Both defenses are highly ranked this season.

The Miami Hurricanes are second in the nation in total defense, 23rd in scoring defense, third against the pass, seventh against the run, first in tackles for loss and third in sacks. The Hurricanes defense has been exceptionally dominant the last two weeks.

The turnover chain had made nine appearances in the last two weeks. The Miami Hurricanes defense scored three defensive touchdowns against North Carolina and forced two key red zone turnovers last week that tipped the momentum vs FSU.

The Virginia defense is 32nd in scoring defense, 22nd in total defense, 26th in rushing defense, 40th in pass defense, 81st in tackles for loss and 84th in sacks. The Cavaliers are also 68th in turnovers forced.

Virginia plays a 3-4 zone defense according to Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mark Richt. It seems to be more of a read and react defense than get upfield like Miami’s is. Several players on the Cavaliers defense can play multiple positions and UVA uses many different formations on that side of the ball per Richt.

Saturday’s game could be low scoring. It might take a big play or two to win the game. Special teams and turnovers could play a role in this game.