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

Can Miami get the running game back on track?

After four straight games rushing for 200 yards the Miami Hurricanes had only 102 yards on 46 carries last week against Florida State. As the Hurricanes get ready to begin the second half of the season teams are going to stack the box and dare N’Kosi Perry to beat them. That strategy almost paid off for FSU last week.

Travis Homer ran 21 times for 70 yards and DeeJay Dallas 10 for 31 in the victory over the Seminoles. Perry had some big throws in the second half but he only had to lead the Canes on a long drive once in the three touchdown drives to lead the big comeback.

Miami is a slightly above average 47th in the nation on the ground. The Hurricanes are averaging 194.83 yards per game on the ground. Miami is slightly worse at yards per carry ranking 56th with a 4.62 YPC average.

The highest ranked rushing defense during Miami’s four-game ground assault of reaching the 200-yard mark came against FIU who is 92nd against the run. Florida State is ninth against the run and LSU 27th.

Virginia will be one of the better defenses Miami plays this season. The Cavaliers are 37th against the run this season allowing 126.2 yards per game and 3.92 YPC. They play a 3-4 defense and are likely to stack the box.

If Miami wants to achieve its goal this season they need good performances from their ground game. During the Mark Richt era in Miami when they struggle to run the football, it usually leads to losses.