Miami football needs success running versus Virginia Tech
The Miami offense has used the pass to set up the run this season. Against the 103rd ranked Virginia Tech run defense, the Miami football team needs to be successful on the ground on Saturday. Miami versus Virginia Tech on Saturday will be a battle of strength versus strength and weakness versus weakness.
The Miami football team ranks 93rd nationally averaging 133.8 rushing yards per game. The Hurricanes had only 43 yards on 23 carries against Florida State last week. Starting running back Jaylan Knighton had 16 carries for 32 yards. Florida State has a slightly above average run defense allowing 142.6 yards per game.
Knighton added two receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown against the Seminoles. In six games this season Knighton has 493 yards rushing, averaging 4.2 yards per carry with five TDs and has added 15 receptions for 231 yards and three TDs. Miami needs a big game from Knighton on Saturday.
Virginia Tech has allowed 160 rushing yards or more in their last eight games. Four of the last five Hokie opponents have had at least 196 rushing yards. Miami needs to be able to run against Virginia Tech. The Miami run offense has been incredibly inconsistent throughout the 2021 season.
Miami has failed to reach 100 yards rushing in three of the last four games. In that same span, in the sub-100-yard rushing games, Miami averaged 2.5 yards per carry or less. The run offense is critical against Virginia Tech. Knighton will be critical against the Hokies. Virginia Tech has allowed six players to run for over 100 yards.
This is another game that Miami is playing a defense they should have success. The Hurricanes offense has thrived since Tyler Van Dyke became the starting QB. Against the 120th ranked defense of Virginia earlier this season Miami had only 372 total yards. That was the first start for Van Dyke against an FBS opponent.
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Pittsburgh and North Carolina State have top 15 run defenses nationally. Miami should have been able to run better against Florida State. Miami needs Knighton to have another explosive game against the Hokies like the 162 rushing yards he had against Georgia Tech. The Miami run offensive has an opportunity to thrive.