Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech football team will play its last home game of the 2025 campaign against No. 14 Miami on Saturday, Nov. 22 at noon ET, a game that will be shown on ESPN. The contest, which marks the fourth ranked opponent the Hokies (3-7, 2-4 ACC) will face this season, brings the Hurricanes (8-2, 4-2 ACC) to Lane Stadium for the 18th time in 42 all-time matchups. As Tech prepares for its final home showing of the year, here’s What to Watch for before the newest entry of Hokies-Hurricanes rivalry takes place Saturday.
Sold-Out Showing
Saturday’s contest against conference foe Miami has been sold out, the news coming in a press release this past October. Hokie Nation will pack the stands once again this season, bringing energy and excitement to Lane Stadium alongside 66,000 raucous fans in Blacksburg.
Historically, the Hokies have enjoyed success when playing in front of a sold-out home crowd. Of the last five Lane Stadium sellouts, Tech has emerged victorious in three of the contests, winning by an average of 18.7 points against opponents. A win this weekend would give the Hokies four wins in six home sellouts.
Offensive Test
For the second consecutive week, the Hokies will be facing a defense that has stifled opponents throughout the 2025 season.
Through ten games, Miami’s defense sits atop the ACC in terms of points allowed per game (14.3) and yards allowed per game (270.9). First year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman finds much of its success on the line of scrimmage, as both Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. have made their impact known on the defensive line. The team is also fourth in forced fumbles (9) and fifth in interceptions (11) in the conference.
Hokie Nation will have to pay attention to how the offensive unit can respond to the highly rated Miami defense. Against Florida State front this past weekend, the Hokies compiled 363 yards of total offense and two scores (one rushing, one passing).
Running Wild
Transfer running backs Marcellous Hawkins Jr. and Terion Stewart have electrified the ground game for the Hokies this season. The duo, who currently combine for 1,115 rushing yards, have climbed the stat sheet through a combination of standout individual and group performances in the 2025 campaign.
Stewart’s ability, however, to gain yardage after contact has been especially advantageous for the Hokies. Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), the graduate student’s average of 5.17 yards after contact is second in the nation (min. 70 attempts).
The statistic becomes especially appealing when realizing that Miami’s 51.3 tackle grade per PFF ranks last among ACC competitors. Hokie Nation should keep their attention towards Stewart and his tackle-breaking tendencies against the Hurricanes on Saturday.