What: Virginia Cavaliers (4-3, 1-2 ACC) vs. Miami Hurricanes (4-3, 2-2 ACC)
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2011
Place: Sun Life Stadium
TV: ESPN
Radio: Virginia Sports Radio Network
Spread: Miami -13.5
Last Meeting: 2010; UVa 24, Miami 19
Last Time Out: Miami 24, Georgia Tech 7
Series: Virginia trails, 3-5
Last week, the Hoos laid a giant egg in the last of a four-game home stand. Five days later, the Hoos are traveling to Miami to take on the Hurricanes on the national stage. The Hurricanes, who are on a two-game win streak, have never lost a Thursday night game at home, while having a 15-2 overall record when playing on Thursdays. Though Virginia is behind in the overall series record, the Hoos have found recent success, going 3-2 against the Canes in the past five years.
If you're looking for a preview on the Canes and to find out who matches up with whom, Tiki's got the most comprehensive Virginia-Miami preview you need.
Miami's got an uninspired passing offense, ranked 10th in the conference (212.71 yards per game), and don't expect for that to change against Virginia's second best passing defense in the conference (allowing 133.71 yards per game). Both teams should (I use the word "should" loosely, considering London and Lazor's insistence that Virginia rely on its passing game) rely on its running game. Virginia's third in the conference, averaging 183.43 rushing yards per game, while Miami is 6th, averaging 154 yards per game. Miami's Lamar Miller has had five games of over 100 rushing yards this season, including nine plays of 25+ yards.
Virginia tends to play to the level of its opponents (unclear if I really believe that or if I tell myself that to make myself feel better), so I'm enthusiastic about tonight. That said, the short week hurts us more than it does Miami, given our travel and acclimation time.
Leave your pre-, in- and post-game thoughts here.
And just for good measure: