The Miami football team has won two of the last three against Virginia in low-tight scoring games. Overall, the Hurricanes have won five of the last six against the Cavaliers. Miami won 19-14 and 17-9 at Hard Rock Stadium the last two seasons and lost 16-13 at Virginia in 2018. This is the straight season Virginia is at Miami.
The Cavaliers are traveling to Hard Rock Stadium to play the Hurricanes for the third straight season because of the quirks in the 2020 schedule due to COVID. This will be the fourth game for Virginia at Hard Rock Stadium since their loss to Miami in 2019. Virginia lost 36-28 to Florida in the 2019 Orange Bowl Game.
The victory by Miami over Virginia in 2019 was the second year in a row Miami defeated the ACC Coastal Division champion. Miami defeated 2018 Coastal champion Pittsburgh 24-3. D’Eriq King and Brennan Armstrong return at QB from the Virginia and Miami football game in 2020. King is doubtful for Thursday night.
Armstrong leads the nation averaging 426.3 passing yards per game. Miami held Armstrong to 16-30 for 181 yards and two touchdowns without an interception last season. Armstrong had success with 15 carries for 91 yards. King finished 21-30 for 322 yards, one TD and no interceptions against the Cavaliers.
Honoring a legend on Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/69s4ajJEqM
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 27, 2021
Freshmen Tyler Van Dyke and Jake Garcia are expected to split time at QB replacing King. Virginia has one of the worst pass defenses in the country. The Cavaliers are allowing 266 yards per game against FBS opponents to rank 98th nationally. The Miami football team is 101st versus FBS teams allowing 271.3 passing yards per game.
Wide receiver Mike Harley set career highs with 10 receptions and 170 yards plus a TD in the game last season against Virginia. Harley could get back on track against Virginia after a slow start to the 2021 season. Running back Cam’Ron Harris had one of the worst games of his career with eight carries for yards versus UVA in 2020.
Jaylan Knighton who was suspended for the first four games of this season returns against Virginia. Knighton had 12 carries for 37 yards against the Cavaliers in 2020. The Virginia defense stifled Miami to 48 carries for 122 yards last season. Virginia had 35 carries for 185 yards rushing. Most of that came from Armstrong.
Miami had 444 yards against Virginia last season but had to settle for two Jose Borregales field goals in the red zone. The Hurricanes have to be better in the red zone on Thursday night. Miami ranks 98th converting just 76.47 percent of its red-zone scoring chances this season. Miami is 98th in red-zone TD percentage.
Miami has only nine TDs in 17 red zone trips for 52.94 percent. With two defenses that have struggled in 2021 and an efficient and explosive offense for Virginia expect the gam. e to exceed the 62 points set by Wynn Bet.WynnBET Promo: Bet $1, Win $100 if any NFL or college football team scores. Claim offer now.