Miami @ Virginia preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 27, 2011 ) Virginia 28, Miami 21

Miami earned the inside track to the ACC Championship Game with its sharp 30-12 victory over Virginia Tech on Nov. 1. The Hurricanes can now clinch the Coastal Division with two road victories, starting at Virginia on Saturday. Miami, which plays at Duke on Nov. 24, has a good chance to accomplish that if it continues to improve on defense. The Hurricanes have allowed an average of 21 points in their last three games, almost 14 less than in the first six. The Cavaliers defeated Miami in the last two meetings and could make it three if they can produce another effort like the 33-6 victory at North Carolina State last Saturday. Virginia snapped a six-game losing streak with solid play on both sides of the ball. The Cavaliers have held teams to 235 yards or less of total offense the last three weeks.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Virginia -1

ABOUT MIAMI (5-4, 4-2 ACC): Freshman Duke Johnson’s 100 yards rushing against Virginia Tech gave the Hurricanes’ offense something to build on. It was Johnson’s first 100-yard game since the opener and Miami was able to put up points despite only 170 yards passing. Miami is still 94th in the nation in rushing and depend on the play of quarterback Stephen Morris, averaging almost 265 yards passing. The Hurricanes have scored on 14 consecutive red-zone trips. Miami’s defense has forced 18 turnovers – three more than all of 2011. However, safety Deon Bush is doubtful and linebacker Denzel Perryman is questionable for Saturday with injuries.

ABOUT VIRGINIA (3-6, 1-4): The Cavaliers forced five turnovers against N.C. State, one more than they did in the first eight games, and had six sacks. Virginia is still tied for 117th in the nation in turnover margin, coughing the ball up 21 times. The offense is showing signs of life. Quarterbacks Phillip Sims and Michael Rocco each played well last week and Kevin Parks recorded his second 100-yard rushing output in three games. Senior all-purpose running back Perry Jones is also a threat, standing 41 shy of 2,000 yards rushing for his career. Linebacker Steve Greer has 336 career tackles, second among active ACC players, to lead the Virginia defense.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami has averaged 39 points in its five victories.

2. Virginia is ninth in the nation, holding opponents to a 29 percent conversion rate on third down.

3. Fifteen different players have at least one reception for the Hurricanes.

PREDICTION: Miami 30, Virginia 21