Miami @ Virginia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 20, 2010 ) Virginia Tech 31, Miami 17

THE STORY: Virginia Tech saw its 12-game conference win streak come to an emphatic end last week. Unless they improve dramatically, the Hokies’ dreams of an ACC title will go up in smoke. The 17th-ranked Hokies hope to avoid consecutive home losses for the first time in nine years, not to mention their worst conference start since 1957, when they host Miami on Saturday. Virginia Tech suffered a humbling 23-3 loss to Clemson last week, but it may rebound against the Hurricanes. The Hokies have won four of five, and seven of the last nine meetings. Miami, meanwhile, has lost five of its last seven games against ranked teams.

TV: ABC/ESPN LINE: Virginia Tech -7.5

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (4-1, 0-1 ACC): QB Logan Thomas (15 of 27, 125 yards) struggled and the offense failed to score a touchdown at home for the first time since 1995. The Hokies’ defense is stout against the run (2nd in the nation, 58.2 ypg), but it will be without DT Antoine Hopkins (torn ACL) against Miami, which averages 169.3 rushing yards.

ABOUT MIAMI (2-2, 0-1 ACC): The Hurricanes will be near full strength for the first time this season with seven of the eight players suspended amid the Nevin Shapiro scandal available. Ray Ray Armstrong, one of the best safeties in the nation, returns this week. He should help a defense that allowed 422 yards in last week’s 45-14 win over FCS foe Bethune-Cookman.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech has not started 0-2 in conference play since 1957, when it was member of the Southern Conference.

2. “This thing is far from over.” – Hokies coach Frank Beamer, on the ACC title race.

3. Last week marked the first time in nine games that Miami QB Jacory Harris didn't throw an interception.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 26, Miami 16 -- The Hokies will lean on RB David Wilson (sixth in the FBS with 127.8 ypg) against a Hurricanes’ defense that has yielded 484 rushing yards over the last two games.