Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Hokies head into Week 5 with a challenging road test against No. 7 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. This Friday night marks the first meeting between the two teams since 2022, with Miami holding a narrow 10-9 lead in the series since both programs joined the ACC. Kickoff is set for Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN. In this week’s edition of Know the Foe, presented by AAA, let’s break down what to expect from the Hurricanes.
This ACC rival is led by head coach Mario Cristobal, now in his second season at the helm. Last season, the Hurricanes finished 7-6, concluding their campaign with a 31-24 loss to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl. Miami bolstered its roster this offseason with the nation’s fourth-ranked recruiting class, according to 24/7 Sports, bringing in 25 recruits, including standout safety Zaquan Patterson, the No. 19 player in the country. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry also enters his second year, anchored by ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain Jr. On offense, second-year coordinator Shannon Dawson returns key playmaker Xavier Restrepo, an All-ACC First Team wide receiver.
Miami has kicked off the 2024 season strong, remaining undefeated after victories over Florida, Florida A&M, Ball State and most recently South Florida. This matchup against Virginia Tech will serve as both teams' ACC opener. Adding an intriguing family rivalry to the mix, Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones will face off against his cousin, Miami’s Cam Ward. Ward, a leading Heisman Trophy contender, has been dominant this season, ranking second in passing yards and first in touchdowns, helping the Hurricanes score 40 or more points in each game.
Miami’s offense could lean more heavily on running back Damien Martinez in this game, with Virginia Tech’s defense ranking 23rd in EPA/Pass and 20th in pass rush grade according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). If Miami opts to stick with its aerial attack, they’ll have to contend with standout Hokies cornerbacks Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane. Additionally, the relentless pass rush, led by Antwaun Powell-Ryland with 6 sacks, tied for most in the nation, will present a serious threat to the Hurricanes.
Defensively, Miami leads the country in sacks, averaging four per game, and ranks sixth nationally in run defense, allowing just 64 yards per game. Virginia Tech will look to challenge the Canes’ defense with running back Bhayshul Tuten, who has been a key offensive weapon, rushing for 391 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
Virginia Tech will be looking to flip the script and seize momentum in their ACC opener, asserting themselves early in the conference season. Following two weeks of road games, the Hokies will return home to host the Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to secure your spot and be part of the action before they’re gone!