Virginia @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2010 ) Miami 19, Virginia 24

THE STORY: Virginia and Miami share a common victory over previously undefeated Georgia Tech. Both schools, though, have completely different goals for the second half of the season. The Cavaliers followed up that first win over a top-15 program since 2005 with an offensive hangover in a 28-14 loss to North Carolina State. They play three of their final five games on the road and might need every one to end a three-year postseason drought. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, strung together their first consecutive wins of the season over North Carolina and Georgia Tech. Now that lengthy suspensions are over for players such as defensive end Olivier Vernon, Miami has a realistic shot at finishing third in the ACC.

TV: ESPN LINE: MIAMI -13.5

ABOUT VIRGINIA (4-3, 1-2 ACC): The Cavaliers’ two-quarterback system continues to puzzle fans and prevent an offensive rhythm. Michael Rocco and David Watford combined for just 11 completions against North Carolina State and failed to put together a drive of more than eight plays. In total, Virginia gained a season-low 249 yards against the ACC’s fourth-worst defense. The Cavs have just two second-half touchdown passes in conference play, choosing instead to rely on an improving defense and a power running game. The quarterbacks, though, may need to make more than a few crucial throws against Miami, which just limited Georgia Tech’s ground attack to half of its season average.

ABOUT MIAMI (4-3, 2-2 ACC): For as dumb as some Hurricanes acted off the field before the season, Al Golden’s crew is playing quite cerebral lately. Jacory Harris has thrown just one pick in his last 18 quarters and the team committed just one penalty in last week’s victory. Miami, though, still needs to play a full four quarters of offense. Harris completed just eight passes against the Yellow Jackets and hasn’t led the offense to a second-half touchdown the past two weeks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Touchdowns could be a premium with Virginia and Miami ranked first and third in the ACC, respectively, in red zone defense.

2. The Cavaliers have committed seven turnovers in two road games.

3. Virginia had a span of six straight three-and-outs against North Carolina State. Miami, though, is second-to-last in the ACC in third-down defense, allowing teams to convert 45.9 percent.

PREDICTION: MIAMI 18, VIRGINIA 12 – This will not be a passing clinic. None of the quarterbacks in this one have shown consistency through the air. Harris is facing the ACC’s most efficient pass defense while the Virginia duo has just seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In a game decided by kicking, Miami is booting the ball at 88.9 percent, while UVA has made just 68.8 percent of its field goal attempts.