What can Miami learn from their near loss against Virginia Tech?

Rueben Bain Jr., who was injured just three snaps into the season, is set to return for the Hurricanes for Saturday's game against Cal. That alone will be a massive help.

Cut back on penalties

After a relatively clean series opener in Gainesville, the Hurricanes have since been sloppy regarding penalties. Over their last three games, Miami is averaging 8.3 penalties per game, tied for 20th most in the country in that span.

Against Virginia Tech, Miami committed six penalties for 59 yards, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Jacolby George after his first quarter touchdown. They also had a holding, though it was probably not the right call, on a touchdown that was called back, which led to Cam Ward's first interception of the game.

Penalties can be killers, and Miami has certainly not been very disciplined over the past few games. As the opposition gets tougher and games get closer, the Hurricanes need to avoid penalties, especially the unnecessary ones like George's unsportsmanlike conduct.

Execution

What it all comes down to is execution. Don't turn the ball over, improve the running game, play sound defense, and cut down on the penalties. If Miami can do this, there's not a team in the country that will be able to stop them.

Of course, it's easier said than done, but Miami played too sloppily against Virginia Tech and can't afford to play like that again. It'll be interesting to see how Mario Cristobal's squad responds in their next game at Cal.