The Virginia Cavaliers visit Hard Rock Stadium in southern Florida on Saturday to play an Atlantic Coast Conference clash against the Miami Hurricanes. Virginia comes into the game with a 2-5 record after having beaten North Carolina, whereas Miami holds a comfortable 5-2 record following its double overtime victory against Clemson. The Cavaliers need to ride the momentum from a victory over North Carolina, while Miami will be full of confidence after knocking off Clemson.

The story of two halves – Virginia’s struggles and hopes.

More questions than answers is what the Virginia Cavaliers have. Two losses and five wins make for a bleak picture. The Cavaliers have displayed brilliance, but they lack consistency. Virginia is 144th in the nation averaging 361.3 total yards per game offensively. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea has thrown for 923 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions as. Malik Washington, a top receiver, has 783 yards and six touchdown receptions. Perris Jones has rushed for 302 yards to lead Virginia and has scored twice on the ground. 

The numbers are also alarming when you flip to defense. Virginia’s defense is giving up 395.6 yards per game, which is exactly what Miami’s offense will look to exploit. In particular, the secondary has been the Achilles’ heel, allowing 223.4 pass yards per game. The rush defense hasn’t been any better by allowing an average of 172.1 yards per game. Safety Jonas Sanker has made 60 tackles to lead Virginia, but the Cavaliers have just seven quarterback sacks and four interceptions.

Virginia Cavaliers Team Facts

• Virginia has lost each of its last six games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Virginia has covered the spread in seven of its last eight road games against conference opponents.
• Virginia has won the first quarter in each of its last three road games against conference opponents.
• Virginia has lost the first half in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
• Eight of Virginia’s last nine games as an underdog against Miami (FL) have gone UNDER the total points line.

The riding high yet not complacent Miami Hurricanes.

Miami is soaring this current season especially on offense. They have averaged 481.9 yards per game which is 12th in total yards per game. This season, Tyler Van Dyke has thrown for 1,721 yards and 16 touchdowns. When it comes to passing, Miami ranks number three in the nation as they have accumulated an average of 288.0 passing yards per game. Furthermore, their ground game doesn’t lag behind as they have managed to accumulate 193.9 rushing yards per game. Henry Parrish is Miami’s biggest threat on the ground with a team high 452 yards and has scored four times. Xavier Restrepo has caught 54 passes for 600 with four going for a touchdown.

Miami is strong defensively, giving up only 313.6 total yards per game. Their pass defense may not be the best in the country, but it is allowing only 234.0 yards. Their rush defense has really glowed, having been like a fortress which has given up a mere 79.6 rushing yards per game. The Miami defense against the run could be a big factor as the pass rush can focus on pressuring the quarterback knowing Virginia cannot beat them on the ground. Miami’s leader on defense is linebacker Francisco Mauigoa with 34 tackles and two sacks. Reuben Bain Jr, a defensive lineman for the Hurricanes, has a team best 4.5 quarterback sacks. 

Miami Hurricanes Team Facts

• Miami (FL) has lost each of its last three October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Miami (FL) has failed to cover the spread in each of its last 15 October games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Eight of the last nine games between Virginia and Miami (FL) have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Miami (FL) rank T15th among FBS teams for points per game this season (36.3).
• Miami (FL) rank 25th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (19.1).

David’s Pick: Miami Hurricanes -17

Miami is the clear favorite due to its good defense and a strong offense. A major concern for Virginia this season has been its inconsistency on both offense and defense. Virginia is facing a Miami team that has been lighting up the field. The Cavs have an abysmal ground game that is likely to be neutralized by Miami’s run defense, which is among the best in the nation. This will force the Cavaliers to go to the air where they still stand no chance against the Dolphins. With a running game to keep Miami defense honest, Virginia will have to throw the ball and that spells trouble for the Cavaliers. Virginia beat North Carolina but Miami, especially at Hard Rock Stadium, is a completely different story. The Cavaliers will have a hard time competing due to Miami’s balance in every area of offense and defense. Even though Miami must cover a formidable spread of nearly three touchdowns, expect the Hurricanes to do so. The running game of the Hurricanes with Parrish and the aerial attack led by QB Van Dyke and wide receiver Restrepo will be too much for the Virginia defense to stop.