Virginia Tech Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2020
By James Bowers
Week 11: Virginia Tech football vs. Miami (Nov. 14)
Manny Diaz’s first Miami team tasted the agony of defeat and thrill of victory in almost equal doses. They celebrated and cajoled after downing eventual coastal division champion Virginia. They also blasted a bowl bound Louisville team. They kneeled in a solemn silence as they fell to Georgia Tech; they were one of three wins for the Jackets that season. Another painful loss came at the hands of Florida International.
The end result was a 6-7 mark after a loss to Louisiana Tech — of all teams — by a 14-0 margin. Jarren Williams was really hot and cold early on, when he wasn’t throwing touchdowns he was throwing interceptions. Miami adjusted to the growing pains of a new system eventually, but never really achieved the cohesiveness they were looking for. The team showed that it had potential, and Canes fans will be excited for 2020.
Greg Rosseau will be a standout defensive lineman for the Canes and the unit is strong overall. The offense is young but promising.
The Hokies had a large lead evaporate against the Canes at Sun Life Stadium last season, but Deshawn McClease saved the day with a game-winning touchdown to give Virginia Tech the 42-35 victory. The Hokies will not have McClease this year.
Again, this is another too close to call affair, but Virginia Tech has a shot on its home field. This matchup is always an intriguing one, the rivalry long predates the schools’ pair of shared conference affiliations, and there are plenty of instances of one team messing things up for the other.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Miami 28 (7-3, 4-2)