No. 13 Miami aims to sustain its College Football Playoff aspirations during a crucial matchup against its former Big East rival, Virginia Tech, who has recently hired James Franklin as its new head coach.

The Hokies, currently seated at 3-7, recently dismissed Brent Pry in September. As they face Miami under interim coach Philip Montgomery, Franklin’s recent hiring brings a new sense of anticipation.

In a previous match, Miami climbed to No. 13 in the playoff rankings following a decisive victory against NC State. Currently holding an 8-2 record, they face both Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh on the road. Their quest for the ACC Championship is slim but requires winning their upcoming matches dominantly to influence selection committee decisions.

Miami vs. Virginia Tech: Key Points

• Strong Defense: Miami’s defense has stifled three out of four recent adversaries to just 10 points or fewer, being currently ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense at 14.7 points per game.
• Ground Attack Strategy: Virginia Tech’s running game is one of the most effective in the ACC, ranking fourth in the conference with 187.6 rushing yards per game, led by junior Marcellous Hawkins (677 rushing yards) and quarterback Kyron Drones (578 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns).
• Impact of Franklin’s Hire: The anticipation from Franklin’s introduction as head coach could energize the Hokies, influencing player performance despite him not coaching in this game.

Viewing Details

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Lane Stadium – Blacksburg, Virginia
• TV: ESPN
• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

Prediction: Miami’s defensive strength combined with Virginia Tech’s running reliance suggests a lower-scoring game. Miami is favored to cover the 17.5-point spread, though it may be challenging to draw away from the Hokies in a potential low-possession game, making the under (48.5) a probable bet.