Miami Hurricanes pass offense tough test versus Virginia Tech defense
The Miami Hurricanes pass offense is averaging 310.7 yards per game and is ranked 16th nationally. Miami will be tested by a Virginia Tech pass defense ranked 15th nationally that allows only 186.3 passing yards per game. The Hokies have allowed below 200 yards in their last three games.
Middle Tennessee threw for a season-high 283 yards against Virginia Tech. The Blue Raiders needed 40 attempts to gain the season-high in passing yards against the Hokies defense. Van Dyke has four straight games over 300 yards.
Miami has thrown for over 300 yards in six of their last eight games. In seven starts, Van Dyke is averaging 313.29 yards per game. In ACC games only, Van Dyke is fourth averaging 320.5 passing yards per game. Wide receiver Charleston Rambo will be critical against Virginia Tech. Rambo has lived up to expectations this season.
Rambo has 64 receptions for 954 yards and five TDs this season. Josh Downs of North Carolina who had eight receptions for 123 yards and Jimmy Marshall of Middle Tennessee State who had eight for 111 are the only receivers who went over 100 yards against Virginia Tech this season. Rambo has a big test.
Virginia Tech is by far the best pass defense the Miami Hurricanes will play this season. The Hokies are the only ACC Coastal team in the top six in the conference in pass defense. Virginia is seventh in the ACC in pass defense allowing 239.8 yards per game. Miami ranks fourth in the ACC and third in the coastal in pass offense.
Keyshawn Smith has quietely been a clutch WR for Miami. Although he only has eight receptions for 129 yards in the last three game, Smith has scored in each one. Mike Harley and Smith will need to complement Rambo is the Hokies are able to limit his production on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
The game could be decided on Saturday on how well the Van Dyke and the Miami pass offense plays. Miami cannot afford early turnovers like they have had the last two weeks. The Hurricanes lost three fumbles two weeks ago against Georgia Tech. Van Dyke threw two interceptions and lost a fumble against Florida State last week.
Next. Harley and Rambo close to MIami receiving records. dark
If Miami takes care of the ball, the offense should have an opportunity to move the ball against a Virginia Tech defense that has bled rushing yards. The Hokies are 103rd allowing 186.7 rushing yards per game. Miami needs Jaylan Knighton to have a good game running. Knighton was limited to 16 carries for 32 yards rushing against FSU.