Virginia Tech Hokies

Miami Hurricanes: Five Games to Watch Saturday With Miami Off

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 20, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Vinny Mihota (99) and defensive end Trevon Hill (94) reacts after sacking Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Hurricanes took a pounding with an injury depleted defense in a 37-16 loss to Virginia Tech on Thursday night. There are plenty of games to watch with the ‘Canes off Saturday.

The ACC only plays three games on Saturday this week. One of those matchups is Syracuse against Boston College, arguably the two worst teams in the conference. Miami does not play either of the Atlantic cellar dwellers this season.

The other two games are North Carolina at Virginia at 1pm on ACC network extra and North Carolina State at Number seven Louisville at noon on ABC. The Hurricanes lost 20-13 to the Tar Heels last week and play at Virginia November 12. They play at NC State November 19.

That leaves three other games to watch that don’t involve Hurricanes opponents on the regular season schedule. UM needs to win two more games to become Bowl eligible three to be safe. The projections after week seven have quite a few potential Hurricanes opponents in big games.

Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Papa John

North Carolina State (4-2) at #7 Louisville (5-1)

Date: Saturday, October 22
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Louisville, KY
Venue: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium
TV Info: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN

The Cardinals are led by do everything Quarterback Lamar Jackson who is the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. Louisville’s only loss was a 42-36 loss at number four Clemson. The Cardinals need Clemson to lose twice to get a spot in the ACC Championship game.

Oct 15, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) attempts a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeat the Miami Hurricanes 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

#22/#21 North Carolina (5-2, 3-1 ACC) at Virginia (2-4, 1-1)

Date: Saturday, October 22
Start Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Stadium: Scott Stadium
TV Info: ACC Network (Digital Only)
Live Stream: WatchESPN

The Tar Heels are coming off a 20-13 win at Miami one week after getting pasted 34-3 at home by Virginia Tech. The ‘Heels were unable to get their offense going against the Hokies in the remnants of hurricane Matthew. They recovered and beat the Hurricanes.

UNC Quarterback Mitch Trubisky has been sensational. He is second in the ACC in passing with 2,068 yards. He’s also added 101 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the ground. Trubisky’s best receiver is Ryan Switzer with 58 catches for 626 yards.

Bug Howard had ten catches for 156 yards against Miami. The Hurricanes held Switzer to nine catches for 17 yards and a touchdown. T.J. Logan and Elijah Hood lead the ground game.

Virginia has struggled in their first year under Bronco Mendenhall. The Cavaliers lost their season opener to FCS Richmond. Their two wins came against Central Michigan and the ACC Coastal’s last place team, Duke. The Blue Devils are 0-3 in the ACC.

Virginia Kurt Benkert has been solid, throwing for 1,733 yards passing with 14 yards and seven interceptions. He spreads the ball around with four receivers over 20 receptions. The ground game is led by Albert Reid and Taquan Mizzell who have both rushed for over 300 yards.

Safety Juan Thornhill leads the Wahoo defense with three interceptions.

Oct 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Aaron Green (22) carries the ball during the second half of a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Christian (4-2) at 12/13 West Virginia (5-1)

Date: Saturday, October 22
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Morgantown, W.V.
Venue: Milan Puskar Stadium
TV: ABC, ESPN 2
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Campus Insiders projects Miami to play TCU in Russell Athletic Bowl. The Horned Frogs offense has continued to thrive after losing Quarterback Travone Boykin after last season. Kenny Hill is averaging 357 yards passing per game and has thrown for 12 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

Running back Kyle Hicks has 479 yards rushing and seven touchdowns rushing. He also has 27 receptions for another 308 and two touchdowns. Taj Williams has been TCU’s big play receiver with 25 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns.

Going to West Virginia is usually a tough task, but the Frogs have won on both of their trips to Morgantown. The TCU defense has been generous, allowing 30 points per game. This game could be a battle of wills. West Virgina scores 32.8 PPG but allows only 19.4.

The Mountaineer offense is 534.2 points per game. They have received great balance offensively with 318 yards rushing per game and 216.2 on the ground.

Quarterback Skylar Howard has 1,590 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Howard has a lot of weapons to choose from. Four players including Howard have over 100 yards rushing and another four have over 180 yards receiving.