Sep 253 min read

Surging Hurricanes to Begin Conference Play Against Hokies

Hurricanes | Play Against Hokies — © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The No. 7-ranked Miami Hurricanes (4-0) host the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2) on Sept. 27 in the opening game of the Atlantic Coast Conference season for both teams. The 2024 matchup will mark the 41st meeting between the two schools and the Hurricanes lead the all-time series 25-15. Miami has won the last three contests and enters the game focused on continuing its high-scoring ways.

What's on the Line?

The Hurricanes have begun to gain momentum on the national stage, emerging as favorites for the ACC title and the College Football Playoff. After starting the season undefeated, they have outscored their opponents 209-41. New Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has the offense humming and has entered into the Heisman Trophy conversation.

Beating nonconference schedule opponents at the beginning of the season is expected since conference games carry more weight. Keeping forward momentum going for the Hurricanes and heading into conference games with a statement win will be huge for head coach Mario Cristobal and Miami. The team looks to keep on climbing in The Associated Press Top 25 poll.

The Sept. 27 clash is significant for Hokies head coach Brent Pry and quarterback Kyron Drones. After starting the season 2-2 in its nonconference schedule, Virginia Tech looks to start strong in the ACC. Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten are both extremely talented and dangerous. They are dynamic with Drones being able to attack defenses with his arm and make plays with his legs. Tuten already has 7 rushing touchdowns and is poised to have a career year in his senior season.

Key Hurricanes to Watch

Ward has full control of this offense with 1,439 yards passing and 14 touchdowns. He has shown himself to be the top ACC quarterback and one of the top signal-callers in the country. He's completing 72 percent of his throws and averaging 11.7 yards per completion. Receiver Xavier Restrepo has quickly become the go-to target for Ward with 362 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa has been a heat-seeking missile with an ability to cover sideline-to-sideline and attack the line of scrimmage. He leads the team in tackles with 28. Defensive lineman Tyler Barron has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks with 4.5 sacks on the season.

Key Hokies to Watch

For Pry, the offense revolves around Drones and Tuten, who are both dynamic. Receiver Jaylin Lane has emerged as a top target for Drones and leads the team in receiving yards with 247. The matchup to watch on offense will be to see if Drones can have his receivers find the end zone. To date, Drones has 4 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions. Defensively, lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland has been their disruptor, leading the team with 5.5 sacks. He's got a quick first step and uses his hands well to beat blockers. Corner Mansoor Delane has been a blanket for opposing receivers with 4 pass breakups and 2 interceptions on the year.

Hurricanes against Hokies — © Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Key Matchup to Watch

Hurricanes' Offensive Line vs. Hokies' Defensive Line

An interesting stat line is that Ward has only been sacked twice through 4 games. Hokies defensive linemen Powell-Ryland, Wilifred Pene and Aeneas Peebles have generated 8.5 sacks so far. Which side wins the battle? Can the Hokies get pressure on Ward and will that disrupt the Hurricanes' offense? Tune in to ESPN for the Hurricanes against the Hokies.