Miami @ Virginia preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 7, 2009 ) Virginia 17, Miami 52

Miami and Virginia have decidedly different ambitions when they meet in Charlottesville for Saturday’s ACC matchup at Scott Stadium.

The No. 22 Hurricanes (5-2, 3-1 ACC) undoubtedly have already begun thinking about their upcoming showdown with Virginia Tech, a possible ACC championship and BCS bowl berth. The Hokies currently lead the Coastal Division with a 4-0 mark and the ‘Canes need to keep pace.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (3-4, 0-3) have more modest aspirations after dropping nine consecutive conference games dating to last season. The climb back to respectability is a slow one, so Virginia fans will have to be content with last week’s 48-21 decision over lowly Eastern Michigan, the Cavaliers’ first over an FBS team this season.

Virginia fans would love to see real progress in the form of an upset over Miami, which has won the past two series meetings.

To that end, quarterback Marc Verica will need to play considerably better than he has in the past against major conference opponents. The fifth-year senior played well last week against a defense that ranks among the worst. He’ll have a harder time against Miami’s tremendous speed and talent.

Verica has made poor decisions when pressured and forced out of the pocket, a fact not lost on an aggressive Miami defense that figures to bring heat from the outset.
Virginia must take pressure off Verica by running the ball. Tailbacks Keith Payne and Perry Jones are a solid thunder-and-lightning tandem, but will need to find their grooves quickly.

Miami was very impressive a week ago in slamming the door on North Carolina in a 33-10 victory, but will need to make sure it doesn’t overlook the Cavs and get sloppy. Quarterback Jacory Harris leads a balanced offense that rang up 442 yards (225 rushing, 217 passing) against a stout Tar Heels defense.

Harris threw for three touchdown passes to move into second on the school’s all-time list in that category.

Senior defensive end Allen Bailey heads a talented Miami defense that ranks sixth nationally in pass defense and 17th in total defense. Bailey, who projects as a possible first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft, registered 3.5 sacks against UNC.

Virginia should get a boost from the return of cornerback Ras-I Dowling. The senior and highly regarded NFL prospect missed his third game of the season last week after tweaking a knee in practice.