Virginia Tech Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
This is the game on the Virginia Tech Hokies schedule that will be the turning point. The Miami Hurricanes are expected to have a strong season in the ACC this year. The Hurricanes still haven’t named a starting quarterback, but the defense is what should carry them.
The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed just 18.5 points per game last season. Their sophomore trio of linebackers in Shaquille Quarterman, Zach McCloud and Michael Pinckney is a talented bunch. Quarterman was second on the team last season in tackles with 84.
The secondary has some question marks but the team hopes graduate transfer Dee Delaney, an FCS All-American out of Citadel. Delaney will lead the way but the Hurricanes have some youth at the cornerback spot that should get some experience in 2017.
Related Story: Virginia Tech Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017
The Virginia Tech Hokies made easy work of the Hurricanes last season, 37-16. Quarterback Jerod Evans ran for 98 rushing yards and a touchdown while throwing for 259 passing yards and two touchdowns. With Evans gone, new starter Josh Jackson will have big shoes to fill.
The Hokies have the defense to limit what Miami can do but the offense will need to produce. Virginia Tech has had some high-scoring performances under head coach Justin Fuento so far, but this won’t be one of them.
Final: Miami 13, Virginia Tech 20 (8-1, 4-1 ACC)