The Hurricanes (2-2) take on the 21st-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies (4-1) at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. seeking to avoid an 0-2 start in ACC play. The last time UM started 0-2 in the ACC? 2008 when they lost to North Carolina and Florida State at home in back-to-back games. Saturday's kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. The game can be seen on ABC in the Southeast and on ESPN throughout most of the rest of the country (except parts of Texas, etc). Here is your Canes' TV coverage map.
> ABOUT THE HOKIES: Virginia Tech is coming off a 23-3 loss to Clemson at home a week ago. The Hokies haven't lost back-to-back games at home since 2002. The Hokies rolled to a 31-7 win the last time the Canes came to Lane Stadium. UM has only won one of the last five meetings. The Hokies lost five starters on each side of the ball from last year's ACC championship team including quarterback Tyrod Taylor. This Hokies team still has plenty of playmakers on offense, led by star tailback David Wilson (7th in nation in rushing), cornerback Jayron Hosley (3 INTs) and defensive ends J.R. Collins (leads ACC with 4.5 sacks) and James Gayle (3.5 sacks). Virginia Tech's national rankings on defense: 2nd vs. rush (58.20), 4th in total yards (249.60) and 29th versus the pass (191.40). The Hokies are also currently ranked 2nd in the nation in time of possession (35:48).
> WHAT TO WATCH FOR THE CANES: There have been two big injuries on UM's defense in the aftermath of the Bethune-Cookman win: starting strongside linebacker Ramon Buchanan (knee) and defensive tackle Marcus Forston (knee) have both been lost for the season. The Canes, ranked 105th in run defense, will suit up four healthy defensive tackles Saturday: Micanor Regis, Darius Smith, Olsen Pierre and former defensive end Adewale Ojomo. Tailbacks Mike James and Lamar Miller have also been playing banged up for the Canes, who on the positive side should get more production this week from sophomore tackle Seantrel Henderson. Hard-hitting safety Ray-Ray Armstrong is also back this week from suspension UM. If there is something the Canes may be able to exploit against Tech it's special teams. While that may sound surprising considering Frank Beamer's team has shined for so long on that side of the ball, Virginia Tech actually ranks 117th in net punting. UM's Travis Benjamin has had long returns in back-to-back weeks for UM and may be able to break one. In two games versus the Hokies, Jacory Harris is 10 of 27 for 153 yards with one interception.
> MY PICK: Virginia Tech 34, UM 21. The Hokies aren't as good a football team as they were a year ago -- Clemson showed us that. But the Hokies still have plenty of weapons on both sides of the ball and it's hard to picture them losing back-to-back games at home. Are the Canes totally overmatched? No. But the problems on run defense are very real. This team sorely misses Allen Bailey, Colin McCarthy and Brandon Harris, who all were exceptional on run defense. Ray-Ray will provide a lift. But the Hokies know how to ground and pound. They ran for 251 yards against UM a year ago. And against UM this season, that's all you really need to be able to do well to have success.
Canes need to take advantage of the short field and use the clock. Defining posession here.
Posted by: MdCane82 | October 08, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Bet Jacory screws it up.
Posted by: Worst.O.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Bad news jacory's going to throw a pick just watch
Posted by: Backspace | October 08, 2011 at 06:36 PM
The way our defense has played. Dont score so early..
Posted by: caneNduval | October 08, 2011 at 06:37 PM
Canes score early, VATech comes back with a TD and wins. Bet on it.
Posted by: Worst.O.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:38 PM
That's a make-up call.
Posted by: Worst.O.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:39 PM
EPIC.FAIL.
Posted by: Worst.O.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:40 PM
UM really lost their nuts!
Posted by: JJ | October 08, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Always a horrible first half and a great second half. I don't get it!
Posted by: rick | October 08, 2011 at 06:41 PM
Yes Sir!!!!
Posted by: 202cane | October 08, 2011 at 06:42 PM
Great call..Draw and TD!!!!
Posted by: JJ | October 08, 2011 at 06:42 PM
Defense folds like origami.
Posted by: Worst.D.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:42 PM
You Go Lamar!!!
Posted by: MdCane82 | October 08, 2011 at 06:42 PM
DEFENSE,DEFENSE,DEFENSE.. Lets go CANES!! This is a must in game.. Coastal pride on the line..
Posted by: caneNduval | October 08, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Now Here Comes the D....... It's time to show up guys!!!!!
Posted by: jerry | October 08, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Special Teams and D needs to hold here
Posted by: MdCane82 | October 08, 2011 at 06:44 PM
I live in VA, so I want nothing more than to SHUT my co-workers on on Monday. I got clowned for wearing my Canes jersey on Friday.
Posted by: DarinD | October 08, 2011 at 06:44 PM
Lamar Miller - Just earned his first round draft status.
Posted by: JJ | October 08, 2011 at 06:44 PM
Tom Brady in action.
Posted by: Worst.D.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:45 PM
we have to pressure!!!!!
Posted by: inimounts | October 08, 2011 at 06:45 PM
20/24 wooooooooow
Posted by: caneNduval | October 08, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Canes suck so bad.
Posted by: Worst.D.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:46 PM
UM = the Ole' Defense... 950 yards total
Posted by: JJ | October 08, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Chickollo A sack would be nice
Posted by: Backspace | October 08, 2011 at 06:48 PM
D sux...
Posted by: jerry | October 08, 2011 at 06:48 PM
Chickollo A sack would be nice
Posted by: Backspace | October 08, 2011 at 06:48 PM
we are in there on the road, our offense is getting better and better,and only one last second loss with jacory......
now this defense needs to pressure
Posted by: inimounts | October 08, 2011 at 06:48 PM
two more downs!
Posted by: inimounts | October 08, 2011 at 06:49 PM
What's the score
Posted by: Charris | October 08, 2011 at 06:49 PM
DEFENSE,DEFENSE,DEFENSE
Posted by: caneNduval | October 08, 2011 at 06:49 PM
ONE MORE PLAY. ONE. MORE. PLAY. D'ONOFRIO U HAVE LET ME DOWN ALL DAY....PLEASE. PLEASE. OFFENSE DESERVES IT.
Posted by: inimounts | October 08, 2011 at 06:50 PM
EPIC.FAIL.
Posted by: Worst.D.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:50 PM
I now hate mark d. he is worthless. he is worse than worseless. he is a fan, canekiller.
Posted by: inimounts | October 08, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Damn!
Posted by: 202cane | October 08, 2011 at 06:51 PM
This time last year, the D would have QUIT - that is a real improvement
hope that this play is THE ONE OF THE DAY
Posted by: expatinbrasil | October 08, 2011 at 06:51 PM
untouched.. WooooooooooooooooooW
Posted by: caneNduval | October 08, 2011 at 06:51 PM
FIRE D'ONOFRIO... absolutly SUX!!!!
Posted by: jerry | October 08, 2011 at 06:51 PM
How is it I KNEW VT would score - ugh!
Posted by: cainemutiny | October 08, 2011 at 06:52 PM
D'Onofrio you have to GO!!!!
Posted by: jerry | October 08, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Mark D is the blame for this loss. This dude doesn't know a defense from salt to sugar.
Posted by: 850cane | October 08, 2011 at 06:53 PM
How about another FAKE FG?
Posted by: Worst.D.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:54 PM
I knew Logan thomas was going to run it the middle. I just knew it. I hope we can at least get in field goal range. I hope we can pull out the win.
Posted by: 850cane | October 08, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Have to be happy with Jacory Harris today. 3 TDs NO INTS
Posted by: JJ | October 08, 2011 at 06:57 PM
yes the fake field goal is coming back to haunt us..way 2 go Golden boy! the players have proven that they can lose on their own. Now here comes the adult supervision of piss poor decision making and play calling from the Freekin COACHES
Posted by: DarinD | October 08, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Jacory is the worst.
Posted by: Worst.D.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 06:58 PM
huh? wtf is this clown talking about?
Posted by: 202cane | October 08, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Use the tight ends!!!!!!
Posted by: 850cane | October 08, 2011 at 07:00 PM
i hate being a canes fan. its so heartbreaking on every level a football game can. lamar miller should have ran once if not twice with those time outs.
Posted by: inimounts | October 08, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Jacory Harris is playing great these past weeks. Too bad the D isn't keeping up.
6 TDs 3 ints, 70% completion.
Posted by: JJ | October 08, 2011 at 07:01 PM
FAKE FG FAKE FG FAKE FG
Posted by: Worst.D.Ever. | October 08, 2011 at 07:02 PM