One of the more intriguing games of the weekend takes us to Blacksburg where the #9 Miami Hurricanes (6-1, 5-1) visit the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 4-2) on Saturday, November 14, 2020. Miami is third in the ACC and Virginia Tech find themselves in fifth place in the conference. This game will air live on ESPN2 at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Through seven games, the Miami offense is averaging 34.4 points per game and 443.1 yards per game, 270.9 through the air and 172.3 on the ground. Running back Cam’Ron Harris leads the team with 408 yards and five touchdowns, and Mike Harley is the top receiver with 35 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Hurricanes are allowing 24.9 points and 393.9 yards, 245.9 passing and 148.0 rushing.
The Virginia Tech offense is averaging 37.3 points per game and 465.0 yards per game, 187.6 through the air and 277.4 on the ground. Khalil Herbert leads the tea with 803 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and Tre Turner is the top receiver with 23 receptions for 344 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Hokies are allowing 31.6 points and 460.7 yards, 257.9 passing and 202.9 rushing.
Below is my pick for the #9 Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Tech Hokies. All odds are from SugarHouse Sportsbook.
#9 Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Tech Hokies (-2.5): O/U 64.5 (-113/-108)
Last time out, Miami visited the NC State Wolfpack and escaped with a 44-41 victory. This game was back and forth all night, but NC State was in a good spot up 10 points early in the fourth quarter. Miami scored the final 13 points of the game and took the lead with a Mike Harley 54-yard touchdown reception with 2:43 left. QB D’Eriq King was phenomenal as he was 31/41 for 430 yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions, and led the team in rushing with 105 yards. Mike Harley, Mark Pope, and Will Mallory each had 6+ catches, 75+ receiving yards, and 1+ touchdown. The Miami defense allowed 410 total yards and forced one Wolfpack interception.
Virginia Tech hosted the then #25 Liberty Flames and suffered a gut wrenching 38-35 defeat. The final play of this game is as wild as it will get as Virginia Tech thought they returned a blocked field goal to win the game, but their head coach called a timeout to freeze the kicker. Liberty then hit a 51-yard field goal to win the game and remain unbeaten. QB Hendon Hooker went 20/27 for 217 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and led the team with 156 rushing yards and one touchdown. The Virginia Tech defense allowed 466 total yards and recovered two Liberty fumbles.
Series History: Virginia Tech won the meeting last season, but Miami still leads the all-time series 22-15.
CFB Predictions: I think Virginia Tech could have a hangover after that last loss. Give me Miami +2.5 on the road.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 28-21